Women’s health encompasses a wide range of factors that are unique to females, from the intricate interplay of hormones to the specific health risks they face throughout their lives. Despite the progress made in understanding and addressing women’s health issues, there are still many things we don’t understand.
So many little known facts and nuances that affect you, and so many details in a woman’s health that we take for granted; common misconceptions about reproductive health, examining the crucial link between mental well-being and physical health, highlighting the unique health risks faced by women, and emphasizing the importance of regular screening and preventive care in maintaining optimal health.
Just for fun, did you know that the X chromosome is much larger than the ‘Y’, with more than 1000 extra genes? And we have two ‘X’ chromosomes! That’s a lot of genetic power. These extra genes are primarily in charge of hormone production and brain activity.
The next time you wonder how a man can sleep so soundly through the night, or keep a steady mood…remember how much more you have at stake! All those genes working hard to keep everything in balance. So, is it any wonder there is still so much we don’t know and understand about the female body?
A woman’s hormones do much more than sync up to protect our physical health, they have a huge impact on our mental health as well. Let’s look at some of the important hormones that affect our mental health.
Estrogen, often referred to as the hormone of the hour. It is mainly produced in the ovaries but also plays a role in the adrenal glands and fat tissues. Beyond its starring role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, estrogen also influences bone density, cholesterol levels, and even skin health. It’s basically the multi-tasking queen of hormones.
Just like how your BFF is always there to listen to your rants, estrogen has receptors in the brain that are all ears for its signals. These receptors can be found in regions governing emotions, stress responses, and cognitive functions. So, it’s not just a hormone for the body—it’s also the VIP guest at the brain’s exclusive party.
Progesterone is like the chill indie singer-songwriter of hormones, often overshadowed by its more popular sibling estrogen. It plays a vital role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, but did you know it also moonlights as a potential anxiety-buster? You may find that as you hit peri and post menopause, your anxiety may be increasing as well. Drops in progesterone may be one of the components that contribute to your increasing anxiety.
Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” plays a crucial role in our body’s response to stress and regulation of various physiological functions. However, disruptions in cortisol levels have been increasingly linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Understanding the intricate relationship between cortisol and mental health is essential for improving our comprehension of these prevalent conditions. stress is one of the greatest disruptors of cortisol and that rise in this hormones, creates a cycle that is hard to break. It’s critical to learn how to manage stress and keep those cortisol levels down.
Thyroid hormone is next up on our journey through the complicated world of hormone health and the connection to our mental health. Think of your thyroid as the body’s little thermostat. It produces hormones that control metabolism and energy levels. If your thyroid is slow and sluggish, it stands to reason your mood will be low as well. It is the thyroid that helps us with our energy.
Finally testosterone, the little hormone we often forget exists in the female body. It’s common for this hormone to drop as we reach menopause. An imbalance in this can produce a low and depressed mood, or aggression and rage.
It’s important for you to visit with your favorite provider at Madison Women’s Clinic and have a thorough check of all your hormones. There are so many tools we can use to get them into balance, regardless of what stage of life we find ourselves in.
