Top 10 Hormones for Cycle Harmony (and how to support them)
What the heck is a hormone?
You might blame them for all the times you cry at random things and…
....your partner might blame them for the fact that you're a bit sharper than usual!
(although he didn't live long enough to tell the tale RIP sad face)
So if you'd like to know more about why your moods are more up and down than a yo-yo, and what you can do to find balance and rhythm... buckle up, because we're diving into the marvellous world of hormones.
What the heck is a hormone?
👉 Hormones are chemical messengers.
And they have more sway over your daily life than you might realise.
Picture the scene… You woke up feeling……ok, but ever since you’ve noticed that you are becoming increasingly irritated. Then before you know it you're sitting there, tissues in hand, tearing up over yet another random animal rescue Reel (also who wouldn't they’re so sad 😭)
Sounds familiar?
Uh-huh…… that's likely your hormones.
Let's get our nerd on.
Hormones: Your Body's Postal Service
When you hear the word hormones you likely think - reproduction. But, your reproductive hormones are just 5 of about 50 that are regularly released into the body.
Hormones are the ultimate go-betweens. In simple terms, they're the body's chemical messengers (think tiny carrier pigeons that zip around in your bloodstream) that serve the endocrine system relaying critical info from one organ to another.
They lay waiting in the endocrine glands, ready to be set free into your bloodstream to send messages to various organs and tissues throughout your body to regulate everything from your metabolism and mood to growth and go-get-em-ness.
Their release can be triggered by numerous things like - signals from the nervous system, changes in blood levels, stress, your circadian rhythm and your menstrual cycle.
You gotta admit it, hormones just got a smidge more fascinating right?
Beyond Period Dramas
Hormone balancing is about waaaaayyyy more than having better periods (although that is a rather dreamy outcome).
I'm talking about ways to maintain your inner ecosystem and regulate your nervous system, because the two work very closely together.
So now I'm guessing you want to know the stars of the show?
Here are 10 of my faves…
Insulin - Blood Sugar Hormone
- Function: Your body's blood sugar manager, making sure energy levels stay balanced.
- Role: Your internal Street Sweeper, it sweeps excess sugar(glucose) into storage in your cells and liver to keep you going without sugar spikes.
Cortisol - Stress Hormone
- Function: Your stress alert. It's your body's built-in alarm system.
- Role: It helps you get up in the morning and gives you the energy to face your day-to-day challenges but can be a bit too keen if stress is constant.
Adrenaline (Epinephrine) - "Fight or Flight" Hormone
- Function: Your instant energy booster in stressful situations.
- Role: Your internal ‘big red shiny panic button’, giving you a burst of quick power when action is needed.
Estrogen - The ‘Doing’ Hormone
- Function: Your inner multi-tasker, estrogen helps regulate your reproductive system and menstrual cycle.
- Role: Estrogen also supports brain, heart and breast health, muscle and bone growth and maintains a healthy metabolism.
Progesterone - ‘Being’ Hormone
- Function: The yin to estrogen's yang it primary function is to maintain a healthy pregnancy environment.
- Role: Creator of ‘The Baby Boudoir’ it thickens the uterine lining (the bit you shed when you have a period). Plus it helps regulate the ‘rest and digest’ part of your nervous system by calming the brain and reducing anxiety.
Melatonin - Sleep Hormone
- Function: Your body's sleepy-time controller, promoting a restful night.
- Role: It comes out to play with the setting sun and sends a signal to the body when it's time to wind down (which is why blue light at night is a no-no).
Serotonin - Feel-Good Hormone
- Function: Your mood maestro, responsible for those chill happy vibes.
- Role: Your internal cheerleader, there to boost your mood.
Oxytocin - Cuddle Hormone
- Function: Nicknamed the ‘cuddle hormone’ it fosters connection with others.
- Role: Like a hug in a molecule, it encourages closeness and bonding. Grab a cat, have a cuddle, and take it for a test dive.
Leptin - Fullness Hormone
- Function: It signals to the brain when it's time to put down the fork.
- Role: Acts like a gentle reminder, ensuring you know when you've had enough to eat.
Ghrelin: Hunger Hormone (Ghrelin Gremlins)
- Function: Responsible for everything you said when you were ‘hangry’. This is your stomach's wake-up call, letting your brain know it's time to eat.
- Role: Your tummy's messenger, reminding you to refuel.
So now I bet you wanna know how to support this inner A team? I gotchu….
Here are a few more resources to help you keep your inner ecosystem in check-
👉 What the heck is the Endocrine System (and how to support it)?
👉 5 Food Rules for Happier Hormones (and a Happier You)
👉 How to Support Irregular Cycles and Perimenopause
👉 5 Easy Ways to Support Your Cycle Today
So, how do you feel about hormones now? Pretty darn cool right? (I know I'm a total nerd)
Also, I can't get the imagery of tiny carrier pigeons in my blood out of my head now (you're welcome).
Hormones may often be out of sight, but they're hard at work behind the scenes, ensuring you're equipped to tackle everything life throws at you. So keep the crew in check to make sure they're always there to support you when you need them.
The easiest way to do this? Is by supporting your menstrual cycle. When you actively practise living in sync with your cycle, you're not just looking after your reproductive hormones but the whole gang. It's a win-win.
You can learn how to do that here 👉 Get your FREE Cyclical Rhythm Workshop & Guide