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Women are both beautiful and explosive, charming and wicked, sexy and moody, cheerful and irritable, strong and weak... and ten times more unique traits that poets describe as the "female universe." This universe is filled with a whirlwind of emotions, feelings, and moods that even scientists sometimes struggle to explain. In these cases, the answer is simple and singular: "Women!"
But it should be "Hormones!" The female body is influenced by so many internal processes that it is nearly impossible to see the same woman in the same mood on two consecutive days. The "female universe" is truly complex, but taking a closer look through the "telescope of science" at hormonal balance in the female body can help us better understand the gentler half of the world.
The "Creator" Estrogen
Without it, there would be no women on the planet. Estrogen is the primary steroidal sex hormone responsible for practically "creating" the female sex. It is produced in the ovaries and placenta, influences every part of the body, and plays a crucial role in women's physical, mental, and emotional health. It regulates sexual life, manages puberty, supports reproductive system health, and maintains overall bodily harmony.
Estrogen fine-tunes all biological processes in the female body. It determines whether a woman will be slim or curvy, whether she will have glowing skin and shiny hair, and even when she is ready to become a mother or when the first wrinkles will appear. Without it, falling in love wouldn't be possible—no "butterflies in the stomach," no sexual attraction to men. It also contributes to an "angelic voice," a graceful figure, and an irresistible charm. However, it is also to blame for mood swings, depression, and irritability during "those days" of the month.
Estrogen levels are the key to good female health in every aspect. But more estrogen doesn’t necessarily mean more femininity or beauty. On the contrary, excess estrogen can lead to weight gain, especially around the thighs and abdomen, and may even trigger uterine fibroids and reproductive issues. A deficiency, on the other hand, can cause dry skin and mucous membranes, leading to premature wrinkles. After menopause, low estrogen is the main culprit for osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. Another sneaky symptom is increased hair growth on the arms, legs, and face.
The good news is that hormone levels can be balanced easily through a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle. In more severe cases, dietary supplements or hormone therapy may be necessary under specialist supervision.
The "Life-Giving" Progesterone
It holds the "secret of life" because, without it, there would be no babies. Progesterone is the second most important female sex hormone, as it governs conception and the entire reproductive system.
Produced by the ovaries and later by the placenta and corpus luteum during early pregnancy, progesterone levels significantly rise during ovulation, signaling an optimal time for conception. This signal manifests as a slight increase in body temperature (by about 0.5 degrees Celsius), which is why progesterone is also called the "warm hormone." Measuring body temperature daily for a month can help identify ovulation.
Progesterone’s true role begins with pregnancy. It becomes active immediately after fertilization, suppressing menstruation by inhibiting the secretion of hormones responsible for triggering it. This prepares the uterus for pregnancy while also blocking receptors linked to cardiovascular risks to ensure smooth fetal development. Toward the end, progesterone promotes lactation, preparing the body for breastfeeding before passing the baton to prolactin—the hormone responsible for milk production.
Progesterone is also crucial for mood regulation. It influences women’s emotional and psychological state, and its deficiency can lead to various unpleasant consequences (not just for women). Frequent headaches that interfere with intimacy are often due to low progesterone levels. It also contributes to insomnia, irritability, and severe menstrual symptoms.
Like estrogen, progesterone levels can be maintained through diet and supplements, and if necessary, hormone therapy can be introduced.
The "Bonding" Oxytocin
Nicknamed the "bonding hormone," oxytocin creates the unbreakable connection between mother and baby and fosters the nurturing instincts that help women build families and raise children. It is also known as the "hormone of love" because it is released (by the pituitary gland) in moments of deep affection—such as during hugs. It helps women form attachments, build trust, and express generosity toward their partners.
Oxytocin plays a critical role during childbirth, as it directly controls uterine contractions. It stimulates uterine muscles to contract and increases the production of prostaglandins, accelerating the birth process. Synthetic oxytocin can be used to induce labor, but only under medical supervision.
After birth, oxytocin helps the uterus shrink back to its normal size and assists with postpartum recovery. It also plays a vital role in breastfeeding—when the baby suckles, oxytocin signals the body to produce more milk. Interestingly, this hormone commands its own production, ensuring that the body never runs out of supply.
Beyond childbirth and breastfeeding, oxytocin is vital for intimate relationships. Here’s a little secret for men—oxytocin is synonymous with orgasm. Higher levels of this hormone bring women closer to reaching the peak moment. But men must put in some effort to raise it—through hugging, caressing, kissing, and foreplay. And it doesn’t end quickly—hugging! During sex, and especially after orgasm, women deplete their oxytocin reserves. If not replenished quickly, they can become irritable and moody. That’s why extra cuddling post-intimacy is essential—it strengthens attachment and deepens emotional connections with a partner.
Beyond intimacy, oxytocin helps women cope with stress. High oxytocin levels act directly on the brain, reducing anxiety while lowering blood pressure and heart rate.
An interesting fact—women release oxytocin whenever something brings them pleasure, whether it’s a trip to the hair salon, looking at family photos, receiving compliments, meeting friends, getting gifts, dancing, or even a loving glance or touch. These simple moments are not only the secret to this hormone but also the key to female happiness.
