Female hormones are substances produced by the body that regulate how cells and many organs function. The main female hormones include estrogen and progesterone, which are produced by the ovaries.
These hormones begin playing an important role during puberty and their levels naturally fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. Some women may also experience changes in hormone production, such as the changes that occur during menopause.
Hormonal imbalances can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, acne, increased body hair, or mood changes. If signs or symptoms of a hormonal imbalance develop, it is important to see a gynecologist for an evaluation and, if necessary, appropriate treatment.
Main female hormones
The main female hormones and their functions are:
1. Progesterone
Progesterone is one of the female sex hormones responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and preparing the uterus for a fertilized egg. It helps maintain the uterine lining, making it especially important during pregnancy.
Progesterone levels normally increase after ovulation. If pregnancy occurs, these levels remain high to help the uterine lining continue to develop.
If pregnancy does not occur, the ovaries stop producing as much progesterone. This causes the uterine lining to break down and be shed during menstruation.
2. Estrogen
Estrogen is a female sex hormone that helps regulate the hormonal cycle during the reproductive years and plays an important role in female sexual and reproductive development.
During puberty, estrogen stimulates breast development, maturation of the reproductive system, and growth. It also affects how body fat is distributed in women, with fat commonly accumulating around the hips, buttocks, and thighs.
Estrogen levels decrease over time. During menopause, lower estrogen levels can contribute to vaginal dryness, night sweats, mood changes, and excessive fatigue.
3. Testosterone
Although testosterone levels are higher in men, this hormone is also present in women in smaller amounts.
In women, testosterone is produced by the ovaries and helps maintain muscle mass, sexual function, energy, emotional well-being, and a healthy metabolism. It also plays a role in egg production and contributes to physical strength and bone health.
In some cases, testosterone levels can become elevated, a condition known as hyperandrogenism. This may cause typically male characteristics, such as facial hair growth or a deeper voice, so it is important to see an endocrinologist for proper evaluation and guidance.
4. Human chorionic gonadotropin
Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is a hormone associated with pregnancy. Its main function is to stimulate the ovaries to maintain estrogen and progesterone levels, which are essential for supporting pregnancy.
5. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
FSH is produced by the pituitary gland and helps regulate ovarian function in women. Its main role is to stimulate the development of ovarian follicles, allowing eggs to mature and preparing the body for ovulation.
FSH levels can also be measured to assess reproductive health and identify natural hormonal changes that occur during puberty or menopause.
6. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Luteinizing hormone, or LH, is also produced by the pituitary gland. It is essential for triggering ovulation and stimulating progesterone production, which helps support pregnancy.
LH levels change throughout the menstrual cycle and can be measured to assess fertility and identify possible reproductive changes.
How to evaluate female hormones
To check a woman's hormone levels, a doctor may order blood tests to measure hormones such as free and total testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone.
During pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels can also be measured. This hormone can be detected in either urine or blood.
Hormones during pregnancy
Toward the end of pregnancy, as delivery approaches, certain hormones help stimulate uterine contractions during and after labor. They also help stimulate the production and release of breast milk.
During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone work together to prepare and maintain the uterus. Estrogen causes the endometrium to grow and prepare for pregnancy, while progesterone turns it into nutrient-rich, receptive tissue that supports embryo implantation.
During the first few weeks of pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) helps maintain high levels of estrogen and progesterone, which are needed to support the pregnancy. For this reason, most pregnancy tests work by detecting hCG in urine.
Together, these hormones help keep the uterus stable, prevent the endometrium from bleeding, and maintain enough blood flow and space for the baby to grow properly.
Hormones during menopause
Menopause occurs when menstrual cycles permanently stop, usually around age 50. It is a natural process caused by decreased hormone production and can cause symptoms such as sleep changes, fatigue, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and weight changes.
After menopause, the risk of certain health conditions increases, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and urinary incontinence. It is therefore important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy with a doctor, as treatment may improve symptoms and may help prevent certain conditions.
Menopause does not always require treatment. However, if symptoms cause significant discomfort, a doctor may recommend:
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Hormone replacement therapy: one of the most effective treatments for relieving menopausal symptoms. In the United States, an FDA-approved estradiol and progesterone combination such as Bijuva may be used when appropriate.
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Vaginal estrogen: helps reduce vaginal dryness and can be administered directly into the vagina as a cream, tablet, or ring. This treatment releases a small amount of estrogen that is absorbed by vaginal tissue and can relieve vaginal dryness and some urinary symptoms.
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Low-dose antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): can help reduce menopausal hot flashes and sudden mood changes.
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Gabapentin: can help reduce hot flashes. This medication may be useful for women who cannot use estrogen therapy and for those who also experience hot flashes at night.
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Medications or supplements to help prevent or treat osteoporosis, including vitamin D and other products that help support bone strength, may also be recommended when appropriate.
Some women may also consider products marketed as natural hormone alternatives, including soy lecithin, soy isoflavones, St. John's wort, or chaste tree supplements or herbal preparations.