Hormones play a critical role in regulating the activity of cells and tissues in different organs of the body, maintaining overall health and well-being. Understanding the function of hormones is key to achieving hormone balance within the body. One common method used to evaluate sex hormone and stress hormone status is the Dutch Complete Hormone test, which is a urine test providing detailed insights into hormone metabolism.

Some key points regarding different sex hormones:

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Released from the pituitary gland, it promotes follicle maturation in the ovaries.
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Triggered by increasing estrogen levels, LH stimulates ovulation.
• Estradiol: Responsible for building the uterine lining in the first half of the menstrual cycle.
• Progesterone: Prepares the uterine lining for potential pregnancy, primarily released from the corpus luteum.
• Prolactin: Influences lactation in women, but elevated levels can impact estrogen and progesterone production.
• Antimullerian Hormone (AMH): Reflects ovarian reserve and can be elevated in conditions like PCOS.
• Testosterone: The primary male sex hormone affecting various aspects like growth, muscle strength, and libido.

The menstrual cycle involves distinct phases:

• Day 1 marks the beginning of the follicular phase with low estrogen and progesterone.
• Increasing estrogen initiates follicular maturation and uterine lining development.
• Ovulation, triggered by a peak in estrogen and LH, occurs around day 12-16.
• The corpus luteum forms post-ovulation, releasing progesterone and estrogen for potential pregnancy preparation.
• The luteal phase, from ovulation to pre-period, ideally lasts around 14 days, aiming for a 28-day cycle.

It is crucial to maintain a healthy hormonal balance for optimal physiological functioning and well-being.