Women's hormonal cycle: the 5 stages of major hormonal changes

Throughout our lives, we experience fluctuations in our hormonal system that will impact us and our bodies on a daily basis. We often hear about the "female" cycle , but we prefer to talk about menstrual cycles or hormonal cycles here, so as not to exclude people who experience these cycles without recognizing themselves in this gender identity.

Throughout our lives, we can identify 5 major stages of hormonal changes: puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, perimenopause, and menopause.

1. Puberty:

During childhood, hormones are dormant. Sex hormone levels awaken and increase dramatically during adolescence, when the menstrual cycle begins. When does the hormonal cycle begin? Breasts form (9-13 years on average), as do the genitals, which change, pubic hair appears, and puberty is manifested by the arrival of the first period. What does it actually involve? During adolescence, the brain triggers the release of hormones from the ovaries: estrogen and progesterone.

Estrogens are responsible for the development of female organs at puberty, but also impact our moods, our libido, while acting on our body (for example on the distribution of our fat mass, on the consolidation of our bones, blood circulation, etc.)

Progesterone is produced by the ovaries and helps create a climate favorable to pregnancy. Thanks to these two hormones, the hormonal cycle and the ovarian cycle are established and will repeat themselves until menopause, allowing ovulation every 28 days in several phases. To better understand the phases of the menstrual cycle and understand, for example, which days a woman can get pregnant, you can read our dedicated article: What are the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle? Also learn how to boost your hormones through naturopathy with our expert Anne Guillerm's masterclass here.

2. Pregnancy:

Hormone levels are completely disrupted during pregnancy. In the first trimester, the body produces more and more progesterone, which can create a significant surge of fatigue. Estrogen levels will also increase considerably as the pregnancy progresses, strongly impacting mood. It allows you to regain energy. These pregnancy hormones in abundance also allow the development of the fetus, the thickening of the uterine wall to properly accommodate the latter, the skin, the hair, and also allow lactation for example. Acting on other organs, they can have less desirable effects such as constipation, fainting, water retention, the famous pregnancy mask or even anxiety.

Estrogen and progesterone, which will help maintain the embryo and stop menstruation for the next 9 months. These hormones allow the pregnant woman to also secrete another hormone called HCG (Chronic Gonadotropin Hormone), the one that makes the pregnancy test positive. It is a hormone produced by the placenta that can create the famous nausea of ​​early pregnancy. Some women do not suffer from it at all, while others are very sensitive to it, generally until the 3rd month.

To support you during this time with healthy products, we have selected French brands designed to respect your balance, and that of your child. Discover our dedicated products and routines .

3. Childbirth:

Right after giving birth, there is a drastic drop in hormones until they return to their pre-pregnancy levels within a few days. During the month following childbirth, this hormonal drop can be accompanied by postpartum disorders, the famous baby blues, a state of more or less intense depression that manifests itself through emotional and existential troubles, and severe fatigue.

4. Perimenopause:

During the period leading up to menopause, usually around the age of 45, periods become less regular and cycles are completely disrupted. This hormonal imbalance is accompanied by hot flashes, night sweats, and a change in metabolism, potentially leading to weight gain.

5. Menopause:

Menopause is marked by the cessation of menstruation, a consequence of the cessation of production of the hormones that previously governed our cycles (estrogen and progesterone). A whole range of symptoms may appear, such as vaginal dryness, excessive sweating, irritability, weight gain or loss, fatigue, difficulty falling asleep, hot flashes, mood swings or low morale.

⚡ Did you know that evening primrose oil can help with female hormones ? More broadly, it may help manage some symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances, such as PMS and menopausal symptoms. Don't hesitate to get some!

At Gapianne, we wanted to select natural solutions designed for various hormonal imbalances. The Miyé brand offers a natural and ecological way to support your female cycles. You can discover it here ; this great brand offers infusions, food supplements, balancing intimate gels, and other intimate care products dedicated to this period.

In conclusion, throughout a woman's life, hormones will impact our physical and psychological well-being. Understanding them better allows us to better understand them and consider natural solutions to support these changes. Other factors can impact hormonal balance, such as thyroid problems, goiter, diabetes, and hypoglycemia. Consider having a hormonal assessment and consult a doctor if in doubt. Natural solutions exist that can complement treatment and help you rebalance your hormones on a daily basis.

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