HORMONES SIMPLIFIED
A brief guide to understanding your body better
If you're just starting to explore the world of women’s hormones, this article offers a clear and simple foundation to help you understand what hormones do, why they matter, and how they impact your body and mind—especially as you move through different life stages.
Why do hormones matter?
Hormones are powerful chemical messengers produced by various glands in the body. They regulate nearly every system you rely on: metabolism, mood, stress, sleep, reproduction, growth, blood sugar, and more. When your hormones are out of balance, even slightly, you can feel it—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The endocrine system: your internal command center
Think of your endocrine system as your body’s communication headquarters. It consists of a network of glands that produce and release hormones to tell your body what to do and when to do it.
Simple overview:
The Brain (Hypothalamus + Pituitary Gland): The control center—the boss giving top-level orders.
Glands (Adrenals, Ovaries, Thyroid, Pancreas, etc.): The managers carrying out the plan.
Hormones: The emails and voice messages—delivering instructions to every cell in your body.
Core Hormone Players to Know:
Thyroid – Regulates metabolism and energy.
Adrenals – Manage stress via cortisol.
Ovaries – Produce sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Think of hormones like an onion - layered and interconnected
Hormonal health isn’t about focusing on just one hormone or one symptom. Just like peeling an onion reveals deeper layers, hormone imbalances often show up on the surface first but mean there are deeper systemic shifts going on.
Outer layer: common symptoms
Hormonal imbalances can show up as a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, especially in perimenopause:
• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Low libido
• Weight gain
• Sleep issues
• Anxiety
• Irregular periods and more
These are often the first signs that something deeper might be out of sync.
Middle layers: key hormones in female health
1. Estrogen
Supports menstrual cycles, bone density, brain function, mood, and skin health.
In perimenopause: Levels fluctuate, causing symptoms like anxiety, breast tenderness, or heavy periods.
2. Progesterone
Calms the nervous system, supports sleep, balances estrogen, and prepares the uterus for pregnancy.
In perimenopause: often declines first, leading to symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, PMS, and irregular cycles.
3. Testosterone
Boosts libido, energy, motivation, muscle mass, and confidence.
In perimenopause: gradually declines, which may cause low sex drive, fatigue, and mood changes.
4. FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
Signals the ovaries to mature eggs.
In perimenopause: Levels rise as ovaries become less responsive, indicating the transition toward menopause.
5. LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
Triggers ovulation.
In perimenopause: Becomes erratic as ovulation becomes less consistent.
6. Cortisol
Regulates stress, energy, and inflammation.
In perimenopause: Chronic stress can worsen imbalances, especially as estrogen and progesterone decline.
Conclusion: you don’t have to guess, you can start understanding
Hormonal shifts, especially during perimenopause, can feel overwhelming—but with basic understanding of your hormone landscape, you can start making more informed choices to support your energy, mood, metabolism, and overall vitality.
Next Steps:
Track your symptoms – Keep a journal of how you feel throughout your cycle. Patterns will reveal important clues.
Nourish your body – Focus on blood sugar balance, protein-rich meals, and hydration.
Manage stress – Sleep, gentle movement, and nervous system support.
Get curious – Consider hormone testing or working with a health coach or medical professional who can help you interpret the layers of your hormonal picture.
Learn more – This is just the beginning. The more you learn about your hormones, the more empowered you’ll feel. Check out my upcoming course on women’s hormones.