While we often consider estrogen and progesterone as independent players in women’s health, they are integral parts of a larger orchestra: the endocrine system. This system includes various glands and organs that communicate and collaborate to maintain balance throughout the body. Understanding how this network works helps us appreciate why hormonal health is deeply interconnected with overall wellbeing. An imbalance in one gland triggers a domino effect on other glands and hormones.
Here some cool highlights on how it all works together.
Hypothalamus & Pituitary Gland – CEO & COO
The hypothalamus – the CEO of your body - takes in information from the nervous system, “translates” it, and instructs the pituitary gland – the Chief Operations - to start or stop releasing specific stimulating hormones to the rest of the endocrine system. Together, the nervous system, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland maintain the body’s internal balance—homeostasis. This connection shows how closely the mind and body are linked; the state of your nervous system triggers an immediate response in your body!
Ovaries
The ovaries are responsible for producing the two main sex hormones in females - estrogen and progesterone, along with the androgen testosterone, in response to a signal from the pituituary gland, up until menopause. Sufficient production of these hormones is regulated by the occurrence of ovulation. If there is no ovulation, then the body does not produce enough of these hormones.
Did you know? Next to enabling reproductive health, estrogen and progesterone play key roles in supporting brain & cognitive health, memory, bone and joint health, heart and blood vessel health, urinary and vaginal health! Progesterone also reduces chances of breast and endometrial cancer.
Adrenal Glands – The Security Officer
The adrenal glands produce several hormones, including cortisol, which plays a key role in stress response and processes like blood pressure regulation, metabolism, and immune function. Key for our survival really. Downside is that chronic stress has a devastating effect on the body, leading to the excessive breakdown of muscles, bones, skin, and even brain tissue. Survival always trumps reproduction, impacting reproductive health and thus production of estrogen and progesterone.
Did you know? The adrenal glands take over the production of progesterone at menopause, so managing stress levels in your 20s, 30s, and 40s has a massive impact on how you feel at menopause and beyond!
Thyroid
The thyroid gland regulates metabolism and energy levels in every cell of the body. An imbalance can lead to symptoms like weight gain and fatigue. The thyroid’s function is influenced by adrenal health and cortisol levels; exhausted adrenals from chronic stress impair the thyroid's ability to support energy and metabolic activity.
Did you know? An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) not only affects energy levels but can also impact estrogen and progesterone production, influencing reproductive health.
Pancreas
The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon, hormones that regulate blood sugar, and secretes digestive enzymes to break down food. Excessive cortisol can deplete insulin production, leading to insulin resistance.
Did you know? Insulin resistance is common during perimenopause due to declining estrogen and progesterone, which help the body maintain insulin sensitivity!
Pineal Gland
The pineal gland produces melatonin, the sleep hormone that slows metabolic processes at night so the body can rest and rejuvenate.
Did you know? Melatonin also influences the menstrual cycle, puberty, pregnancy, and menopause! So turning off those devices 1 hour before going to bed, just became so much more important!
Holistic Approach
So now you know how everything is interconnected! Investing on your overall health through nutrition that serves your body, lifestyle and stress management, are foundational for your overall wellbeing.
Feeling out of balance?
Book a wellbeing consultation, and I’d be happy to work with you.
Much love,
Kreetta
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