Estrogen
This hormone, among others, is responsible for kick-starting puberty and is behind the growth of breasts, cervical fluid, and other body changes. Estrogen also makes menstrual cycles happen! Most estrogen is made by the follicles.This is an on-the-go, super organized, busy hormone with a long to-do list! In the menstrual cycle, estrogen is busiest during the follicular phase, or the days leading up to ovulation. This is why this phase might make you feel energetic, extroverted, and confident.
Progesterone
This hormone is created as a result of ovulation. After the egg is released from the ovary, the empty follicle that contained the egg becomes a short-lived gland called the corpus luteum, which releases progesterone in the luteal phase. Progesterone is the “period hormone” in that a drop in progesterone at the end of the luteal phase is the body’s signal to start menstruation. This is a calm and collected hormone that aims to quietly make sure the body is ready for either pregnancy or another period. That’s why the high level of progesterone of the luteal phase can make you feel introverted, thoughtful, and sensitive.
Testosterone
This hormone may be on the B team, but it’s still important to the menstrual cycle. Testosterone gets to work around ovulation time. Testosterone is an excitable hormone that sweeps in full of creativity and romantic feelings. This hormone may make you want to paint, write, create a dance routine, or just sit and daydream about your favorite celebrity crush.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
It’s all in the name with this hormone! FSH stimulates the follicles of the ovary to mature and release an egg for ovulation. It is released by the pituitary gland (in the brain), focused on getting its work done in the first half of the menstrual cycle, the follicular phase. FSH is also estrogen’s boss, being the one that lets the ovaries know when it's time for them to begin sending out the hormone that starts the puberty and menstrual cycle show!
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
LH's main function is to bring about ovulation. LH and FSH are partners, and they work together to help the pituitary gland communicate with the ovaries. Again, the name tells us a lot, as luteinizing hormone is important in the creation of the corpus luteum (the gland that creates progesterone) during the luteal phase. In that way, LH is progesterone’s coach, inspiring and supporting the hormone to do its best.
