Evidence shows that hormonal imbalances can be the root-cause of many chronic health issues in relation to a woman’s menstrual cycle. Most practitioners don’t even look at what your hormones are doing over the course of the month.
LH is produced in the pituitary gland. In a normal menstrual cycle, LH surges at the end of your follicular phase to trigger ovulation. High levels of LH during non-ovulatory times could reflect: ovarian failure or menopause, a pituitary disorder, or PCOS. Low levels of LH may mean you have: a pituitary disorder, anorexia, malnutrition, or are under stress.
Estradiol is the predominant, and the most
potent, circulating estrogen in women. An excess of estradiol relative to progesterone is known as “estrogen dominance” and can explain many symptoms such as: PMS, PMDD, weight gain, fibrocystic breasts and uterine fibroids. With the onset of menopause & peri-menopause low levels of estradiol leads to: hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, foggy thinking and bone loss.
Progesterone’s primary function during the menstrual cycle is to prepare your endometrium for implantation of a fertilized egg. Progesterone levels should increase during the luteal phase of your cycle, after ovulation. In some women experiencing infertility, ovulation may occur but luteal phase levels of progesterone are inadequate which can lead to a condition called “luteal phase defect”. If you’re a woman who is not ovulating then you will not have adequate progesterone and will experience symptoms of a progesterone deficiency. This is common in PCOS, post-birth control syndrome, amenorrhea, over-exercise, and of course menopause. Progesterone has wide-ranging physiological effects, including neuroprotection, maintenance of skin elasticity, and development of bone tissue.
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Sarah Neumann Haske, MS, RDN is a Digestive Health Dietitian and owner of Neumann Nutrition & Wellness, LLC. Her practice helps women heal their gut using a root-cause approach to their health. As a result of her program, her clients are able to come off medications, feel more energized, and live a radiant care-free life. If you’re interested in finding direction and accountability while discovering freedom from your digestive issues, then schedule your free call with Sarah now.