Hormones do much more than regulate monthly cycles or menopause. They influence mood, energy, sleep, metabolism, fertility, and overall health throughout a woman’s life. Understanding how key hormones work can help you recognize changes and stay on top of your health.

What does estrogen do?

Estrogen is produced in the ovaries and is an important female sex hormone. In puberty, along with progesterone, it prepares a young woman’s uterus to begin menstruating. Higher estrogen increases vaginal lubrication as well as the desire for sexual intercourse. Higher estrogen levels may lead to some types of cancer, as well as weight gain, disrupted sleep patterns, a decreased interest in sex, and problems with menstruation, among other conditions.

What does progesterone do?

In the female reproductive system, progesterone helps the uterus to get ready for pregnancy and is also necessary early in pregnancy by preventing premature labor or miscarriage. Low or imbalanced progesterone can also lead to heavy/irregular menstrual periods or issues with fertility. The risk of breast cancer increases if there is too much progesterone.

What does testosterone do in women?

While testosterone is generally associated with men, androgen testosterone is also produced in the ovaries, fat cells, and adrenal glands of women. Androgens are sex hormones that prompt the beginning of puberty and body development and are essential in reproductive health.

If a woman has too much testosterone, hair on the head may thin while hair growth increases on the face or body, as well as increased body fat and either less or more interest in sex.

How does insulin affect blood sugar and pregnancy?

Produced by the pancreas, insulin’s main job is to help regulate blood sugar by turning it into energy. If the body can’t use insulin properly or doesn’t make enough, insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes can result. Learn more about insulin and diabetes in our blog.

Women are at increased risk of diabetes during pregnancy. This type of diabetes is called “gestational diabetes ” (GDM) and can put the health of both mom and baby at risk. Even though most GDM goes away after delivery, moms who have had GDM are also at higher risk of getting diabetes later in life.

What does cortisol do in the body?

Cortisol is often called the stress hormone because it is released in greater amounts in stressful situations. If increased cortisol levels continue, autoimmune problems, anxiety, weight gain, high blood pressure, and other concerns can result. Opposite results occur when lesser amounts of cortisol are released.

How do thyroid hormones affect weight and energy?

Thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolism. When an imbalance occurs, weight and energy can be affected. Too much thyroid hormone is called hyperthyroidism, and too little is called hypothyroidism. There are treatments for both, but it is important to get evaluated to find out why the thyroid hormone imbalance is occurring.

Signs your hormones may be out of balance

Common symptoms may include:

• Ongoing fatigue
• Weight gain or loss
• Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
• Trouble sleeping
• Irregular or heavy periods
• Hair thinning or unusual hair growth
• Changes in sex drive

Hormones affect far more than monthly cycles or menopause—they influence mood, energy, sleep, weight, and long-term health. Because levels change over time, regular checkups and honest conversations with your provider matter. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Small changes can be early signs your body needs attention.