Hormones During the Follicular Phase for Conception

Female Hormones in the Follicular Phase

During the follicular phase, the hormone estrogen is secreted in greater amounts. Estrogen is a female hormone that contributes to both health and beauty. In terms of health, it plays a role in developing and maintaining reproductive organs, such as the breasts and reproductive tract, promoting the growth of the endometrial lining, regulating menstruation, supporting pregnancy, and shaping a rounded, feminine body. Additionally, estrogen has a stabilizing effect on mental health, making individuals more likely to maintain a positive outlook during the follicular phase when estrogen levels increase. From a beauty perspective, estrogen enhances skin moisture and elasticity. Its role in boosting metabolism also helps expel water and waste products, reducing swelling.

Thus, estrogen offers numerous beneficial effects for women. For those trying to conceive, estrogen’s health benefits are particularly crucial, making it essential to maintain balanced hormone levels.

Avoiding Stress

One of the most important factors in balancing hormones is avoiding stress.

Most hormones are regulated by signals from the brain, which is highly sensitive to stress. When our bodies detect danger or stress, defense mechanisms are triggered to protect us. The brain may perceive stress as a threat, which can influence the uterus, as the brain prioritizes essential organs and functions for survival. The uterus is often deprioritized, leading the brain to determine that it is "not an ideal time for pregnancy," which may result in reduced production of female hormones.

Methods to Balance Hormones

To maintain a balanced hormone profile, consider the following lifestyle practices:

• Consume a Nutrient-Rich Diet

Aim for three balanced meals daily. A recommended nutrient is soy isoflavones, which mimic the effects of female hormones. Soy isoflavones can be found in everyday foods such as natto, soy milk, fried tofu, kinako, and miso. For those who find it challenging to maintain a balanced diet at every meal, supplements can be a helpful option. Try combining foods and supplements effectively.

• Engage in Stress-Relieving Activities

Instead of focusing on methods to relieve stress, incorporate activities you genuinely enjoy into your daily life. This helps prevent stress from gradually building up. Maintain a healthy distance from stressors and make choices that are kind to yourself.

• Let Yourself Cry

If stress builds up to the point of distress, don’t hold back tears. Crying helps lower cortisol levels, a stress-related hormone known to negatively affect mental and physical health. Crying acts as a detox, allowing the body to expel cortisol. Additionally, the body contains manganese, an element involved in energy production. High levels of manganese can increase irritability and anxiety, and excessive accumulation is linked to a higher risk of depression. Similar to cortisol, manganese can also be released through tears, making it important to express your feelings rather than holding them inside.