Woman Code - The Reproductive Group

The ovaries, hypothalamus, and pituitary glands are the three main organs that influence a woman’s menstruation cycle and reproductive organs. The ovaries store millions to hundreds of thousands of eggs that will be released in the uterus. The hypothalamus (in the brain) scans the blood for levels of different hormones known as estrogen and progesterone that our ovaries produce. The hypothalamus sends messages and signals to the pituitary gland. They are both located in a region of the brain that is responsible for controlling hormone activity. 

Our ovaries produce two hormones progesterone and estrogen. Progesterone is peaked during ovulation (think of it like Pro-Gestating) so that the body can prepare the endometrium (uterus lining) to be soft and suitable for an egg to be fertilized and implanted. Estrogen is the female sex/gender hormone that regulates the growth of reproductive organs and its main functions during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, and during menopause. Having an imbalanced (high or low) combination of the two hormones can cause painful and irregular periods, and other hormonal issues.

The menstrual cycle goes through four phases:

1. Menstruation is the elimination of the thickened lining of the uterus (endometrium) where blood cells (endometrial cells) and mucus are shed through and out of the vagina. 

1. The Follicular phase starts on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation. The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to send a hormone known as follicle stimulating hormone (FHS) and Oestrogen into the uterus. The ovary produces 5-20 follicles (tiny nodes or cysts) to the surface. 

1. Ovulation is the release of a mature egg to the surface of the ovary to be fertilized. It occurs mid-cycle, roughly 12-14 days before your next expected period. Progesterone levels are very high during this 24-48 hour phase. 

1. Lastly, the Luteal phase starts during ovulation when the egg bursts from its follicle, but the ruptured egg stays on the surface of the ovary for two weeks. The follicle turns into corpus luteum. The cyst-like corpus luteum starts releasing progesterone and estrogen. 

Knowing where you are in your cycle and what your body is doing can help you find ways to eliminate symptoms and hormonal imbalances, avoid or get pregnant, and help you and your gynecologist have a clear idea where your reproductive health lies.