Did you know a female’s reproductive system is controlled by more than one hormone? Three key hormones play a vital role in ensuring the reproductive system works smoothly. It is important to check not just estrogen when addressing fertility issues in women. So, what are they? How do they work? Come, let’s find out.
Female fertility is a complex structure of multiple hormones. They work in sync and maintain the delicate balance to ensure optimal functioning of the reproductive system. Most people are aware of the estrogen and progesterone hormones produced by the ovaries. The pituitary gland plays a vital role by making two other hormones, FSH and LH, which are instrumental in ensuring the ovaries function properly. FSH, LH and estrogen are all important for menstruation and reproduction.
FSH – Follicle Stimulating Hormone is an important hormone produced in the pituitary gland. It controls the development of the ovaries and the reproductive process.
During a woman’s menstrual cycle, the FSH hormone will stimulate the follicles in the ovaries to start maturing. As the ovulation day approaches, the FSH levels will increase, and one of the follicles will develop and release an egg, which is the ovulation. After ovulation, the FSH levels will start decreasing again.
During pregnancy, progesterone levels increase to thicken the uterine lining for implantation and fetal development. This increase in progesterone will control the FSH levels and prevent follicles from developing and releasing eggs. This is why ovulation or menstrual periods do not occur during pregnancy.
The FSH works in sync with LH for the egg release during ovulation. FSH levels will also increase during mid-pregnancy to support fetal ovarian or testicular development.
LH – Luteinising Hormone is a key hormone working in sync with FSH for regulating menstruation and other reproductive functions. Throughout the life of a female, LH will stimulate processes necessary for puberty, sexual function, reproduction, and sex drive.
Along with FSH, the LH will trigger the reproductive system. It regulates menstruation and stimulates the ovarian follicles containing the egg. During ovulation time, a surge in LH causes the follicle to rupture and release the mature egg, which then travels down the fallopian tube for fertilisation by sperm.
After ovulation, LH aids in the formation of the corpus luteum and triggers it to produce more progesterone to support pregnancy. Progesterone is very crucial for proper implantation and the early stages of pregnancy.
When a woman nears menopause, her LH levels will increase, and progesterone and estrogen levels will decrease. Excessively high or low levels of LH can interfere with the functioning of the female reproductive system.
Estrogen is an important hormone essential for female sexual development and reproduction. This hormone plays a vital role in regulating one’s menstrual cycle, the development of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty, and reproduction.
Like other hormones, estrogen also fluctuates throughout the menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels peak just before ovulation, causing the cervical mucus to become thin and slippery. This helps the sperm travel more effectively to reach the egg.
Estrogen is also responsible for lubrication. Through the menstrual cycle, it keeps the vaginal wall thick and lubricated to reduce discomfort during sex. It dips just before a menstrual period is set to begin. It also decreases as women near menopause.
Consistently high or low estrogen levels can cause serious issues. If estrogen levels are always on the higher side, it increases the risk of breast cancer, can worsen endometriosis pain, and also disrupts the menstrual cycle, leading to fertility struggles.
When estrogen levels are consistently low, it can cause anorexia nervosa, irregular or missed periods, or even female sexual dysfunction.
As mentioned above, the FSH, LH and estrogen work together for menstruation as well as pregnancy.
At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, when a woman is on her period, all three hormone levels are low. Once the menstrual period ends, FSH will begin increasing to stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple follicles. As ovulation approaches, the FSH levels will reach their peak.
During ovulation, only one follicle will rupture and release the egg. During the cycle, this follicle will be the dominant follicle, developing and maturing faster than the others. When a follicle becomes dominant, triggered by FSH, it begins producing estrogen. This rise in estrogen is what improves sex drive, makes it easier for the sperm to travel, etc., to facilitate pregnancy. In the meantime, LH also starts to increase.
Estrogen reaches its peak just before ovulation, and this causes a surge in LH levels, which will cause the dominant follicle to rupture and release the mature egg. The ruptured follicle becomes the uterine lining – corpus luteum, which will now start producing progesterone. Progesterone maintains the uterine lining and facilitates implantation.
Next, this egg travels down the fallopian tube. During this time, if a sperm successfully enters and fertilises the egg, it will develop into a zygote and then an embryo. If the uterus is ready, a successful implantation can occur, leading to pregnancy. If implantation does not occur, the embryo sheds along with the corpus luteum during the menstrual period. When shedding begins, all three hormone levels will decrease again.
If FSH or LH levels decrease, it can cause an imbalance that affects the menstrual cycle. It can cause irregular periods or even amenorrhea. Similarly, excess FSH and LH production can lead to various health issues, like the formation of tumours and an increase in cancer cells.
Various factors can affect this delicate balance. When a woman struggles with infertility, irregular periods, or very painful periods, all three hormones are tested to identify the underlying issue.
FSH, LH, and estrogen are essential hormones for the smooth functioning of the female reproductive system. An imbalance in any of these hormones can cause many health issues, including infertility or difficulty in conceiving.
FSH is the follicle-stimulating hormone. It is responsible for stimulating the follicular development in the ovaries. For the egg to mature properly and be ready for release, the follicles must develop adequately. During ovulation, one of the follicles will rupture and release the egg. Unless an egg is released at the right time, pregnancy cannot occur. FSH is vital for fertility.
Yes. LH levels surge when it is time for the follicle to rupture and release the mature egg. If LH levels do not increase, the follicle may not release the egg, leading to a lack of ovulation. When eggs are not released consistently or at the correct time, it leads to infertility or fertility struggles.
To increase estrogen levels naturally, you can increase your intake of dried fruits, cruciferous vegetables, nuts, flax and sesame seeds, legumes, and garlic. High stress levels can increase cortisol and decrease estrogen, so stress management is critical.
Yes, these hormones increase when a female starts menstruation and decrease when she nears menopause. After menopause, there are no eggs to be released, so the follicles need not be stimulated. As a result, the FSH, LH and estrogen will decrease when a woman attains menopause.
