What are the female hormones and what is their function and effect on mood?

In the intricate world of our emotions, there are silent players that play a fundamental role in how we feel on a daily basis. We recommend a journey through the chemistry of happiness to discover the impact of the hormones luteinising, follicle stimulating, oestradiol, prolactin and progesterone in regulating your mood.

Progesterone: the calming hormone

Known as the «pregnancy hormone», progesterone increases after ovulation and has sedative and calming effects on the nervous system. However, it can also contribute to feelings of drowsiness and emotional changes in some women. Self-awareness and self-care strategies can help balance the effects of progesterone.

Progesterone can cause side effects due to its interaction with different systems in the body, such as the central nervous system, the digestive system, and fluid and electrolyte balance. A increase in progesterone levels can occur naturally during the second half of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or due to hormonal treatments. Although it is essential for many bodily functions, an excess can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as:

• Fatigue and drowsiness: Its natural sedative action may increase feelings of tiredness.
• Changes in mood: By influencing the brain's neurotransmitters, it can cause irritability, anxiety or episodes of sadness.
• Swelling and fluid retention: By affecting the balance of sodium and water in the body, it can cause a feeling of heaviness.
• Digestive problems: Some people may experience constipation, nausea or bloating.
• Headache: Hormonal fluctuations can trigger headaches or migraines in certain cases.

On the contrary, low progesterone levels can be due to various causes, such as stress, hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or perimenopause (the time during which the body produces a natural transition towards menopause). This hormone is key to counteracting the effects of oestrogen, so its deficit can cause alterations in the organism such as:

• Irregular menstrual cycles: Insufficient levels may alter cycle length or prevent ovulation.
• Severe premenstrual syndrome: May increase swelling, breast tenderness, mood swings and anxiety.
• Difficulty in conceiving: It is essential for the implantation of the embryo and the maintenance of the pregnancy.
• Fatigue and lack of energy: May lead to persistent fatigue and reduced mental clarity.
• Fluid retention and weight gain: Hormonal imbalances can lead to fluid accumulation and changes in body composition.

Prolactin: beyond breastfeeding

Although its name is linked to breastfeeding, prolactin also plays a role in mood regulation. The elevated prolactin levels can contribute to feelings of tiredness and mood swings. Maintaining hormone balance and self-care are key to managing the effects of prolactin on mood.

Hyperprolactinaemia is a disorder caused by increased levels of prolactin in the blood, which can cause symptoms and signs such as irregular menstruation in women, decreased sexual desire, infertility and release of milk from the breasts.

On the other hand, in cases where there are low prolactin levels will be found related to side effects such as:

• Difficulty in breast milk production: It is essential for lactation, and low levels can affect milk production in new mothers.
• Menstrual irregularities: Its disruption can lead to irregular cycles or even the absence of menstruation.
• Decreased sexual desire: By influencing other sex hormones, deficiency can reduce libido.
• Changes in mood: Although less studied, it has been associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Fertility problems: Its role in hormonal balance may impact on the ability to conceive.

Oestradiol: the dance of oestrogen

Oestradiol, a form of oestrogen, is known to impact emotional well-being. As its levels fluctuate throughout the cycle, it can influence happiness, self-esteem and cognition. Times of increased oestradiol, such as the fertile period, are often associated with a positive mood and increased social interaction.

In cases where women find themselves in a situation where they have high levels of this hormone, the following side effects may occur: irregular menstrual cycles, sensitive breasts, aggravated premenstrual syndrome, headaches, breast lumps, fatigue, depression or anxiety, decreased sexual desire...

On the contrary, in cases where there are low levels of this hormone similar side effects will occur: irregular menstrual cycle or absence of menstruation, night sweats, sudden sensation of heat, decreased libido, discomfort during intimate contact, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety...

Luteinising and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (LH and FSH)

These two female hormones, known as gonadotrophins, play a central role in the menstrual cycle. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries, while luteinising hormone (LH) triggers ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum. Changes in the levels of these hormones can influence emotional sensitivity and energy throughout the cycle.

In cases where any of these hormones are above optimal levels, symptoms may be experienced:

• Irregular menstrual cycles or amenorrhoea: An increase in LH and FSH can disrupt ovulation, causing menstruation to be absent or irregular.
• SOP: In some women with PCOS, LH is elevated relative to FSH, which hinders ovulation and promotes the formation of ovarian cysts.
• Early menopause: High FSH levels in young women may indicate premature ovarian failure, a condition in which the ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40.
• Infertility: As these female hormones regulate ovulation, their imbalance can make conception difficult.
• Hot flushes and mood swings: By influencing the production of oestrogen and progesterone, an imbalance in LH and FSH can cause menopause-like symptoms.

Similarly, low levels of these hormones can cause:

• Amenorrhoea or irregular menstrual cycles: In women, deficiency may prevent ovulation and cause absence of menstruation, affecting fertility.
• Fertility problems: As they are essential for ovulation and sperm production, low levels can reduce reproductive capacity.
• Osteoporosis or bone weakness: The decrease in LH and FSH affects the production of oestrogen and testosterone, weakening the bones over time.
• Decreased body hair: It may be associated with hypogonadism, a condition in which the body produces insufficient sex hormones.
• Fatigue and mood swings: Hormonal imbalance can lead to persistent tiredness, irritability and depressive symptoms.

How to measure our female hormone levels

Now you have the opportunity to understand even more about your emotional chemistry throughout your menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle and female hormone test Ailin provides you with valuable information about your hormone levels at different stages, allowing you to take specific measures to take care of your mental and emotional well-being.

In short, our emotions are driven by a complex set of hormones that interact in harmony to create our mood. From serotonin to oxytocin, each hormone triggers unique reactions that influence our daily happiness. And now, with Ailin's menstrual cycle test, you can understand this emotional chemistry even better and take control of your holistic wellbeing - start exploring the connection between your hormones and your happiness today!

Bibliographical references

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3., Saúde T. Hyperprolactinaemia: what, symptoms, causes and treatment [Internet]. Tua Saúde. 2024. Available at: https://www.tuasaude.com/es/hiperprolactinemia/
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5., Aragón R. High oestradiol: symptoms, causes and treatment [Internet]. eSalud. Gabriel Giner; 2024. Available at: https://www.esalud.com/estradiol-alto/
6., Saúde T. Estradiol: what it is for, when it is high or low and what can alter it [Internet]. Tua Saúde. 2024. Available at: https://www.tuasaude.com/es/estradiol-que-es/
7., Hormona luteinizante (LH): función, niveles óptimos e implicaciones para la salud [Internet]. IVF Babble. 2025. Disponible en: https://es.ivfbabble.com/Funci%C3%B3n-de-la-hormona-luteinizante-%28LH%29-Niveles-%C3%B3ptimos-Implicaciones-para-la-salud/?