Your Fertility Cycle as a Compass of Overall Health
While every month you can expect your period, you may not give it much thought beyond the discomfort you might experience for a few days. But there’s actually a lot you can learn from your period, which is like a report card of the previous cycle. It indicates whether the rise and fall of your hormones were at sufficient levels and whether your body was able to perform necessary functions. Your fertility cycle, from day 1 of your period to the day before your next period, is a vital sign of female health, and everything from the biomarkers you see to the symptoms you experience can point to whether your body is healthy, or if something is off and you need to look into the root of the health issue.
In this blog, we’ll explore what hormones are, how they affect our reproductive system, and signs of hormone balance vs. imbalance. Our fertility cycle is an important indicator of health, and understanding how it works is powerful knowledge to apply to your own health and wellness!
The Symphony of Your Hormones
Our bodies contain organs that are responsible for producing and secreting chemical messengers known as hormones. These hormones carry vital information from one organ to another, orchestrating a complex symphony of bodily functions.
As organs receive these hormonal signals, they adjust their activity accordingly. This intricate process of communication maintains homeostasis in our bodies - a state of balance. However, when hormones fail to communicate properly, it can lead to a variety of health concerns.
Our bodies function as integrated wholes. Hormones regulate every system in the body, which means that reproductive health is both impacted by and affects overall health. This interconnectedness forms the foundation of our overall health.
How Hormones from the Brain Affect Your Reproductive System
A woman's fertility cycle is managed by hormone communication between the brain and reproductive organs. The key players are FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), secreted by the brain, which signal the ovary to mature and release an egg each cycle. In response, the ovary produces estrogen and progesterone.
Let's break down how this works throughout the cycle:
At the beginning of a cycle, the brain secretes FSH, signaling the ovary to stimulate the growth of follicles containing eggs. One of these follicles will mature.
The ovary produces estrogen in response, which thickens the uterine lining.
When estrogen reaches its peak, it triggers the brain to release a surge of LH, which in turn triggers ovulation.
At this point, a fully mature egg is released from the follicle and swept into the fallopian tube, where it awaits possible fertilization.
The ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone and some estrogen. Progesterone prepares the uterine lining for potential implantation of a fertilized egg.
If fertilization doesn't occur, estrogen and progesterone levels decline, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining and the onset of menstruation, completing the cycle and preparing for the next.
See the image below to illustrate how this process works:
The rise and fall of hormones throughout the fertility cycle, and the growth of the egg and follicle that is released at ovulation. Source: FEMM Education
How our Sex Hormones Affect Overall Health in the Body
Estrogen and progesterone are key hormones in the female body, and their activity affects not just the reproductive system, but other systems in the body as well, impacting overall health. Here's an overview of their effects:
Uterine health: estrogen tones and contracts the uterus, while progesterone relaxes it.
Breast tissue: Estrogen proliferates breast tissue, while progesterone normalizes it.
Bone health: Estrogen promotes bone formation, while progesterone maintains bone density.
Cardiovascular system: Estrogen dilates blood vessels, while progesterone helps relax them.
Blood sugar regulation: Estrogen elevates blood sugar, while progesterone normalizes it.
Brain cells: Estrogen stimulates brain cells, while progesterone maintains and heals.
Mental wellbeing: Balanced estrogen promotes a sense of wellbeing, while progesterone aids in relaxation and sleep.
And much more!
The key to all of these functions is hormone sufficiency. When each hormone reaches adequate levels, it triggers the release of the next, creating a beautiful cycle. The ebb and flow of hormones and the corresponding activities in the body rely on this sufficiency.
When all hormones rise to sufficient levels, ovulation occurs, which is the central event of each cycle. If a woman doesn't ovulate each cycle, her hormone levels may be insufficient, and her health may be negatively impacted.
Signs of Hormonal Balance & Imbalance in the Body
Understanding the signs of a healthy fertility cycle can help you identify potential hormonal imbalances. Here are some key biomarkers to watch for:
Menstruation: A healthy period should range from 3-7 days, with at least 1 day of heavy or medium bleeding.
Cervical mucus: This should be present mid-cycle, indicating estrogen is rising, which in turn stimulates the LH surge. Cervical mucus is a sign of fertility and indicates that ovulation will soon occur. Look for a combination of sticky, clear, and lubricative qualities.
Dryness: An abrupt change from mucus to dryness at the labia indicates that ovulation has occurred, and progesterone is now the dominant hormone. This phase should last between 9-18 days.
By monitoring your patterns cycle after cycle, you'll be able to identify either a healthy cycle, or irregularities which could signal underlying medical problems. Changes in your cycle can also occur due to external factors, such as life events (moving, starting a job, etc.), changing life stages (pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, etc.), or new health issues that arise throughout the body. This is why it’s important to consistently monitor your cycle.
If you notice irregular patterns in your cycles, this can indicate a possible health concern. Reach out to a medical professional who is trained to read your chart for your cycle, and they will be able to help you with next steps.
How Stress, Blood Sugar, Gut Health and the Thyroid Affect the Reproductive System
Your reproductive system doesn't exist in isolation - it's intimately connected with other bodily systems. Here’s how various factors can impact your fertility cycle:
Stress
Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your hormones. When you're stressed, your body produces cortisol, too much of which can interfere with the production of reproductive hormones. This can lead to irregular periods, decreased libido, and even difficulty conceiving. Tip: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like meditation, prayer, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine.
Blood Sugar
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial for hormonal balance. Insulin resistance, often associated with conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), can disrupt ovulation and lead to fertility issues. Tip: Focus on a balanced diet with complex carbohydrates (especially leafy greens and vegetables), lean proteins, and healthy fats to help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Gut Health
Your gut is often called the "second brain," and for good reason. A healthy gut microbiome plays a vital role in hormone regulation. Imbalances in gut bacteria can lead to inflammation and hormonal disruptions. Tip: Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables into your diet. Also, consider taking a high-quality probiotic supplement.
Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland is a key player in your endocrine system. Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can affect your menstrual cycle and fertility. Many women encounter issues with thyroid dysfunction at some point in their lives, so it’s important to monitor the symptoms. Tip: If you're experiencing irregular periods, fatigue, are sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, or experience unexplained weight changes, consider getting your thyroid function checked by a trained medical professional who will test your full thyroid panel.
Summary
Remember, these systems in your body are all interconnected. By taking a holistic approach to your health - managing stress, eating a balanced diet, supporting gut health, and addressing any thyroid issues - you're not just supporting your reproductive health, but your overall well-being.
Your fertility cycle is more than just a reproductive function - it's a vital sign of your overall health. By understanding and monitoring your cycle, you'll be able to take charge of your health and be empowered to partner with a knowledgeable medical professional to take action when needed.
Sources:
FEMM Education. FEMM is a science-based fertility awareness method that enables women to monitor their fertility cycle and identify their biomarkers. I am a FEMM instructor, go here to learn more and reach out to get trained in the method.