Women’s Hormonal Health
2026-04-21
A woman’s health is the health of a nation. The fertile population (ages 18–49) represents a nation’s reserve. A woman’s health is regulated by the hormonal system, which determines the quality of reproductive health. Hormones regulate the activity of all cells in the body.
The word “hormone” comes from Greek and means “to stimulate” or “to set in motion.” Hormones are biologically active substances produced by specialized cells of the endocrine glands. They enter the bloodstream and regulate metabolism and physiological functions.
Key “Female” Hormones
Estrogens are a group of hormones that play a crucial role in the development and functioning of all parts of the female reproductive system. They are produced in the ovaries and belong to steroid hormones.
Estradiol is the main “protector” of the female body, a steroid hormone with the highest estrogenic activity. It is synthesized throughout the reproductive period and supports the normal functioning of major organs and systems.
Estrone replaces estradiol after menopause. It has low biological activity and does not provide sufficient protection. Therefore, postmenopausal women have a higher incidence of many diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders.
Estriol performs estrogen functions during pregnancy. It plays a role in fetal and placental development.
Estradiol and estrone are produced in the ovaries during follicle maturation, while estriol is produced in the placenta.
Progesterone is the “pregnancy hormone.” It prepares the body for conception and helps maintain pregnancy. Imbalance often leads to PMS, anxiety, and fertility issues.
Prolactin is essential for breastfeeding. It stimulates milk production after childbirth and regulates lactation.
Regulation of the Reproductive System
The highest (Level V) regulation of the menstrual cycle is carried out by the cerebral cortex, which controls the hypothalamic-pituitary system via neurotransmitters.
Neuropeptides (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, etc.) and the pineal hormone melatonin play a key role. Therefore, stress, climate changes, and altered work schedules (e.g., night shifts) can disrupt ovulation through changes in neurotransmitter synthesis and melatonin production.
Level IV — the hypothalamus, the highest autonomic center maintaining homeostasis. It regulates the pituitary gland and endocrine organs: ovaries, thyroid, and adrenal glands.
Level III — the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis), which produces gonadotropins: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, and others.
Level II — the ovaries. The main structural unit is the follicle containing the oocyte. Follicular growth, ovulation, corpus luteum formation, and steroid hormone synthesis occur here.
Level I — target organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, vaginal mucosa, mammary glands), which respond to hormonal fluctuations. The most pronounced cyclic changes occur in the endometrium (uterine cycle).
Ovarian Hormonal Function
Cyclic ovarian processes are linked to steroidogenesis — the production of sex hormones. Cholesterol is the substrate for all steroids.
Estradiol is produced throughout the reproductive period.
Estrone replaces estradiol after menopause and provides weaker protection.
Estriol functions during pregnancy and is produced by the placenta.
Estrogens affect reproductive organs by stimulating tissue growth, mucus secretion, and breast duct development.
Androgens
Androgens (“male” hormones) are also present in women. The most active is dihydrotestosterone (a testosterone metabolite). They are produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, adipose tissue, and skin.
Their effects include:
- Atrophy of reproductive tissues
- Regulation of libido
- Influence on follicular development
Gut Microbiota and Female Hormones
The gut microbiota is now considered a “virtual endocrine organ.”
The estrobolome is a group of intestinal bacteria that regulate circulating estrogen. These bacteria influence estrogen levels, which in turn affect weight, libido, and mood.
The estrobolome also impacts the risk of diseases such as breast cancer and endometriosis.
The body detoxifies estrogen via the liver and excretes it through the kidneys. There is a symbiotic relationship: estrogen supports microbial diversity, and gut bacteria help maintain optimal estrogen levels.
Microbiota imbalance can lead to excess beta-glucuronidase, causing harmful estrogen recirculation. Conversely, loss of beneficial bacteria can reduce estrogen levels, increasing risks of obesity, endometrial hyperplasia, PCOS, and tumor growth.
Estrogen Imbalance
Hyperestrogenism
Causes:
- PCOS or hypothyroidism
- Obesity (via aromatization)
- Liver dysfunction
- Medications
- Environmental estrogens (xenoestrogens)
Symptoms:
- Irregular or heavy menstruation
- Breast tenderness
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Libido changes
Hypoestrogenism
Causes:
- Dysfunction of hypothalamic-pituitary system
- Ovarian decline
- External factors
Symptoms:
- Irregular or absent menstruation
- Infertility
- Amenorrhea
Hormonal Changes with Age
Puberty (10–16 years)
Activation of hypothalamus and pituitary → estrogen increases → menstruation begins.
Reproductive Period (16–35/45 years)
Declining ovarian reserve → hormonal fluctuations → reduced libido, emotional instability.
Perimenopause (45–50+ years)
Sharp estrogen decline → irregular cycles, migraines, vasomotor symptoms.
Postmenopause
End of menstruation → possible menopausal syndrome lasting up to 10 years.
VedaPulse and Migraine
Heart rate variability (HRV) in migraine patients reflects autonomic imbalance.
- Before an attack: sympathetic activation
- During attack: both systems activated
- After: normalization with residual imbalance
Right-sided pain → sympathetic dominance
Left-sided pain → parasympathetic dominance
VedaPulse and Menopause
Women in early postmenopause show reduced adaptive capacity.
HRV indicators correlate with severity of menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes and blood pressure fluctuations.
VedaPulse and Endometriosis
Endometriosis leads to autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
Studies show:
- Reduced HRV
- Decreased regulatory capacity
- Increased influence of central and metabolic factors
This indicates the need for autonomic nervous system assessment in such patients.