As women, we’re used to how our hormones can play a role in our everyday health and well-being. But, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, even minor hormone fluctuations can affect everything from mood and sleep to energy and even how our bodies react to outside influences.
Marla Ahlgrimm explains that hormones influence nearly every major system in the body. However, most women are taught from an early age to only pay attention to the “big” hormonal shifts, which typically happen around puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. In reality, even small hormone variations between these periods of life can have a noticeable effect on how we feel each day. Even changes that fall within “normal” lab ranges can still affect energy levels, stress tolerance, sleep quality, mood, and other aspects of our lives.
Hormones Work In Balance
One of the most important things women should know is that their hormones work in balance. Marla Ahlgrimm likens this to a symphony rather than a solo performance. Estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol, and more interact constantly. Even a slight drop in one of these can influence how the others behave. Because of this, Marla Ahlgrimm says that symptoms of health conditions can appear before any of the levels of these hormones are considered abnormal.
Small fluctuations are triggered by the menstrual cycle, stress levels, sleep changes, caloric intake, illness, inflammation, aging, and medical changes. Marla Ahlgrimm also notes that hormone changes can be affected by a woman’s physical activity. And while small fluctuations are considered normal, they are not always without symptoms.
Mood Changes Begin With Small Shifts
Even mild hormone variations can influence neurotransmitters in the brain. Estrogen and progesterone especially affect serotonin, dopamine, and other chemicals that regulate mood and emotional stability, says Marla Ahlgrimm. A subtle swing up or down in any of these can show up as irritability, anxiety, and an overall roller coaster of emotions.
Sleep Matters
Marla Ahlgrimm explains that our hormones are highly sensitive to our sleep patterns, and sleep quality is also affected by hormones. Progesterone has a calming and sleep-supporting effect. Cortisol controls the sleep and wake rhythm. Estrogen regulates body temperature and the sleep cycle. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that small disruptions can lead to night waking, lighter sleep, and feeling unrefreshed despite having spent the recommended seven to nine hours technically asleep.
Energy Levels And Hormone Rhythm
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, a woman’s energy level is one of the earliest indicators of a subtle hormone shift. Hormones regulate how each cell uses the fuel it’s provided, how the thyroid controls metabolism, and even how the body processes blood sugar. An insignificant “on paper” shift in hormone levels can leave a woman feeling wiped out in the afternoon, mentally fatigued, and physically energetic but out of it.
Supporting hormone stability
Marla Ahlgrimm says that it doesn’t matter what age or stage you are in; fluctuating hormones can take a toll on your daily routine. She explains, however, that there are a few self-help steps that you can take to support hormone stability each day. This includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, eating meals that are high in protein and fiber, working out, eating enough calories, reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption, and getting enough daylight. The retired pharmacist and women’s health expert explains that these small steps can help smooth out the hormone rhythm so that dips may not be quite as noticeable.
Ultimately, Marla Ahlgrimm reports that hormone health is not just about major life stages. Small routine fluctuations that are considered clinically insignificant can have a huge effect on our daily lives. Recognizing the patterns can give women more insight into our bodies and more control over our well-being each day.
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,