Let’s Talk About Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are a common issue among women in their childbearing years, but when they become painful, they're a problem. Read on to learn more about ovarian cysts, when they're a concern, and what to do next.
What Every Woman Should Know About Her Hormones
Every person has hormones circulating throughout their body that perform various essential functions. Women's hormones assist with fertility, drive the menstrual cycle, and aid in many other vital body functions.
Understanding your hormones is the best way to know when something isn't right. PCOS and endometriosis are both issues that stem from hormonal problems. At New England Women's Healthcare, our team of eight OB/GYN specialists offers women's health visits to explore hormone imbalances.
Whether you're trying to get pregnant or are nearing menopause, we have lifestyle tips and treatments to help you balance out essential hormones.
Essential female hormones
Many hormones in the body provide vital functions in men and women, but women have their own special hormones. These hormones aid in reproductive health and menstruation.
The main female hormones include estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and testosterone. Estrogen is the primary female hormone that aids in bone health and reproduction. Progesterone is necessary for pregnancy readiness and mood.
Cortisol is the body's hormone that deals with stress response, while testosterone aids in energy and sex drive.
The glands of the endocrine system produce these hormones and send them into the body to perform essential functions.
Hormones in your 20s and 30s
Hormones shift significantly throughout your life, with the first significant shift happening during puberty. When you reach your twenties, hormones begin to stabilize, and you've reached peak fertility years.
Many women have regular menstrual cycles during this period. It's also a good time to establish healthy habits that support hormones for the foreseeable future. But if you notice signs like irregular periods, weight gain, or severe PMS, it could be a sign of a hormonal problem.
Your twenties are also a key time to consider birth control if you're not ready to start a family. Discussing each type is essential for healthy hormone levels and pregnancy prevention.
In your thirties, you still have time to start a family, although fertility begins declining. Hormones begin to fluctuate slightly as you reach your late thirties.
Stress management is critical during your thirties to prevent high cortisol levels. When cortisol rises, hormones become unbalanced and lead to infertility, sleep problems, and changes in menstruation.
Subtle changes within your cycle are prevalent during this time. You may notice cramps getting more intense or bleeding for a longer or shorter period.
Hormones in your 40s and 50s
Perimenopause typically begins in a woman's forties, although it may be earlier in rare cases. During this stage, a woman's hormones gradually decrease, especially estrogen. Perimenopause can last anywhere from four to ten years.
Many women may begin to experience common perimenopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and night sweats. These happen because the ovaries gradually decrease estrogen and progesterone production.
Metabolism slows at this point due to hormonal changes, and bone health becomes very important. Estrogen is vital in bone health, and when it declines, women are at risk for osteoporosis.
When you reach 50, you're getting close to reaching menopause, or 12 months in a row without a period. Hormone levels are at their lowest, marking the end of reproductive years.
Sleep disturbances, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness are prevalent and intensify as hormones change. Hormone replacement therapy is the best way to deal with uncomfortable symptoms when lifestyle modifications aren't enough.
Bone health is extremely essential at this point, as well as heart health. Regular bone density screenings and doctor's visits are crucial for women's health.
Contact your nearest New England Women's Healthcare office to discuss HRT with our team, or schedule an appointment online.
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