Hormones and Sexual Wellness: A Comprehensive Guide for Women

As a woman healthy hormones and sexual wellness are very essential to the sexual life and well-being of a woman. Healthy hormones prevent moodiness, hair loss, obesity, and many more. They generally regulate the behaviors in functions like menstruation, fertility, and eventually sex drive and desire among female humans.

Being a woman, our body undergoes various changes during several stages of life, and one main aspect that could play a role in affecting our overall health is the balanced hormone. The hormone is vital to all areas of sexual well-being such as desire, arousal, and satisfaction.

In this definitive guide, we are going to explore everything about female hormones and how they affect the sexual health of women, giving you priceless information and hacks on how to keep the hormones in check.

Comprehending Hormones and Sexual Health

Hormones are certain special chemical messengers which are getting produced in our body to control an array of function in it including sexual health. The main hormones responsible for the changes in our sexual life are estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Estrogen helps to maintain the healthy tissue and normal natural lubrication of the vagina while progesterone assists in maintaining a balanced mood and normal levels of sexual desire. Testosterone, another hormone often placed with men, is thought to be a part of women as well and assist in supporting the sex drive.

Hormonal Changes throughout the Life of a Woman

Hormonal levels change during the life of a woman and this causes variation in sexual wellness. Puberty is the onset of hormonal changes as the hormonal level increases such as estrogen and progesterone. The increased levels of hormones may be the cause of the start of menstruation and growth of the secondary sexual features.

Hormones are very crucial in the process of fertility and sexual function at the reproductive age. Estrogen and progesterone have different levels fluctuating throughout the menstrual cycle, influencing libido, as well as lubrication in the vagina. Hormonal occurrences during gestation and menopause are major events that could influence sexual health.

Here's a detailed view of the hormonal changes and factors and how they affect you:-

1. Estrogen: It is the major female hormone with regard to reproduction. It develops and regulates all aspects that deal with the female reproductive system.  In a woman, fluctuation happens during different phases of the menstrual cycle, be it increment or decrement in estrogen levels and it has tremendous effects on sexual desire and arousal as well. It helps maintain the health of the vaginal tissues, promotes lubrication, and enhances orgasmic response.

2. Progesterone: Among the other important female hormones is procured progesterone mainly helps in preparing the uterus for pregnancy and also in maintaining a normal healthy pregnancy. Levels of progesterone differ throughout the menstrual cycle. Although it on its own has no direct effect on sexual desire, its balance with estrogen is important for general sexual well-being.

3. Testosterone: Testosterone is present in women, although it is most commonly associated with men. It helps to stimulate a woman's sexual desire and sexual arousal. Women with lesser levels of testosterone may have their libido reduced or a decreased level of sexual satisfaction. However, it's important to note that testosterone levels in women are significantly lower than in men.

4. Oxytocin: Termed as the "love hormone," oxytocin is released during sexual relations, childbirth, and breastfeeding. It endorses bonding, trust, and sexual satisfaction. Oxytocin works towards strengthening emotional bonds & may boost sexual arousal.

5. Menstrual Cycle: The hormonal fluctuations supervise the menstrual cycle. Usually, the cycle has an average time of 28 days although the same may vary among different women. In each of these cycles at various times, levels of hormones including estrogen and progesterone rise and fall, causing the releasing of an egg (ovulation) and by shedding the lining of the uterus (menstruation). These hormonal changes can influence the sexual desire and sensitivity of a woman. A rise in sexual desire may be observed with some phases of the cycle while it would make women more moody or feel different physical sensations with others.

6. Menopause: A natural change that comes in the life of a woman with an average age of late 40s through early 50s is called menopause. During the menopause, the ovaries slowly reduce production of estrogen and progesterone to eventually quit menstruation. Menopause is associated with altering sexual desire, vaginal dryness and other symptoms may alter the state of sexual wellness. However, there are quite different treatments and strategies that can be employed in order to mitigate these shifts or still promote sexual health during this time of life.

7. Birth Control: There are quite different hormonal contraceptives such as pills, patches, shots, or intrauterine devices (IUD) that work through manipulation of the levels of hormones in the body so as not to result in pregnancy. These methods can have an impact on sexual wellness, as they may affect libido, vaginal lubrication, or mood. It would be important to talk about any concerns or changes in sexual health with healthcare as they can help find the most appropriate contraceptive method.

8. Hormonal Disorders: Some of the hormonal disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or where there are imbalances in the level of the thyroid to some extent influence sexual wellness.  For example, PCOS is associated with hormonal imbalance that may result in irregular menses, infertility, and also dip in libido. If you suspect a disorder in hormones that could affect your sexual well-being, then consult the medical practitioner for proper diagnosis and treatment.

9. Psychological factors: For normal sexual well-being, it is also important to note that it might not solely revolve around hormones alone. Some psychological factors include stress, body image, self-esteem, past experiences and relationship dynamics which can affect the sexual well-being of a woman at a considerably high level. Care to one's self and open communication through counseling or certain ways she takes care of herself lead towards a sexually satisfying life.

Remember every woman's hormone and sexual wellness experience is different. Listen to your body, communicate with your partner and if need be seek professional help. Your unique situation and concerns can be addressed by a healthcare provider, such as a gynecologist or a specialist in sexual health, who can offer individualized advice and guidance. 

Photo by Microsoft Edge on Unsplash