Our hormonal system is complex! I don’t think you need to know all the nitty-gritty details. But I do think understanding the main hormones that regulate fertility is an important part of the journey so you can be more engaged and empowered in making decisions about your care.
So here goes… The big four!
Image adapted from www.helloclue.com
Follicle Stimulating Hormone
As soon as you get your period, FSH starts ramping up. It’s produced by a special gland in your brain called the pituitary. FSH is less active after ovulation because its job is essentially done for the month!
The name of this hormone gem tells you a bit about it. In the female, it functions to stimulate a cohort of follicles in your ovaries to develop and complete the maturation of an egg. Usually, one lucky egg, becomes dominant and is ovulated, but more on that later. This collection of maturing follicles causes an increase in estrogen.
FSH Stimulates:
- development of follicles within the ovaries
- maturation of an egg within the follicle
- production of estrogen by specialized cells within the developing follicles
If you want to assess FSH in relation to your fertility status, the best day to do this is on cycle day 3.
Luteinizing Hormone
LH is also released by the pituitary gland in your brain. It really shines during the mid part and second half of your cycle.
As LH rapidly spikes in response to increasing levels of estrogen, it causes ovulation. This miraculous event is the release of one lucky egg from a follicle. LH also notifies the cells of that follicle to change and start producing progesterone.
LH Stimulates:
- ovulation, the release of an egg from an ovarian follicle
- the ovary to produce progesterone
If you want to check on the status of LH in relation to your fertility do it at the same time at FSH, cycle day 3. They should be about equal.
Estrogen
Estrogen, as you learned above is released by the maturing follicles in your ovaries. It’s particularly great at making your uterine lining super juicy and lush in preparation for the implantation of a fertilized egg. Estrogen also reminds your brain when it’s time to decrease the output of FSH, and when LH really needs to up her game to cause ovulation.
Estrogen Stimulates:
- the uterine lining to thicken in preparation for pregnancy
- the pituitary gland to decrease production of FSH
- the pituitary gland to increase production of LH
Oh, and checking estrogen, specifically estradiol, goes hand in hand with FSH and LH on cycle day 3!
Progesterone
This lovely lady makes her debut in the second half of your cycle, after ovulation. It’s produced by what used to be your follicle and is now known as the corpus luteum, thanks to our other friend, LH. Progesterone really beefs up the blood supply to your uterine lining so that it stays nourished as you grow a tiny human.
Progesterone Stimulates:
- the growth of blood vessels in the uterine lining to help nourish a fertilized egg and ultimately maintain pregnancy
Check on your progesterone levels about seven days before your expected period when it should be at its peak.
That’s All Folks!
You did it! Those are the basics. If you’re a visual learner you might consider rereading this quick hormone tutorial while looking at the infographic. It’s SO helpful.
If you’re super curious and can’t wait for more info check out some of my other blogs:
- How Do I Know If I’m Ovulating?
- When Am I Most Likely To Conceive?
- What Are The Most Common Causes of Female Infertility & Subfertility?
- PCOS Series
- Endometriosis Series
You Don’t Have To Do This Alone!
If you’re thinking about getting pregnant or struggling with fertility, consider working with a holistically-minded provider who can offer a thorough assessment of your whole health and provide personalized therapeutic options. You don’t have to do this alone! 🙂
I always hope that my posts are supportive of your journey. There are additional resources and references below. Leave me a comment, check back often, and reach out if you need a partner in this process! Thanks so much for reading.
If you haven’t done so already, check out my other fertility-related blog posts, sign up for my newsletter, grab my FREE fertility guide, connect with me on social media, and reach out for help if you need it!
Additional Resources
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NATUROPATHIC, INTEGRATIVE & FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE PROVIDERS
If you’re looking for help with Integrative Fertility Support or individualized Preconception Health Optimization, and are interested in working with me I’m available via virtual consult. Schedule a FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today! Alternatively, if you would like to find a practitioner in your area, see the resources below.
- Dr. Tamara Darragh
- Minnesota Association of Naturopathic Physicians
- American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
- The Institute for Functional Medicine
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