The Ups and Downs of Hormones in Women

Hormones are our bodies chemicals which affect our bodies and mind. Keeping your hormones in check can be a good way reduce mood swings, acne, allergies and some other symptoms that can be uncomfortable. Here are some tips that can help you control your hormones at any age.

In your 20s and 30s – These years are considered your fertility years, and therefore your hormones will peak at the onset of your period and right around ovulation. At the second half of your cycle, most women will feel irritable as your body will increase the secretion of progesterone. If you are trying to regulate your hormones and not get pregnant, look at hormonal contraceptives, like the pill or a vaginal ring. However, if you are in your mid-30s and cannot conceive within a year, look at speaking to a reproductive endocrinologist to check for hormone-related fertility problems. To feel better while your hormones stabilize look at eating cruciferous vegetables, that help keep estrogen and progesterone levels at proper ratios.

In your 40s – When you hit your 40s your ovaries will produce less estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. As you enter perimenopause, you will experience hot flushes, low sex drive, and vaginal dryness. Weight gain is also a symptom as your less hormone production will mean that your metabolism will slow. Look at a blood test to determine your hormone levels and look at improving deficiencies. To feel better look at eating more soy products like soy milk to increase the estrogenic effect in the body. To reduce hot flushes consider taking vitamin E supplement daily or opt for a low dose birth control pill to regulate your hormones.