There are two key hormones involved in a woman’s menstrual cycle – oestrogen and progesterone. Oestrogen is secreted by the ovaries and ensures that only one egg matures during each menstrual cycle. It also stimulates the hormone that releases the egg from the ovary. Progesterone is also secreted by the ovaries and maintains the lining of the womb during the middle part of the menstrual cycle as well as during pregnancy. The levels of both hormones drop towards the end of a menstrual cycle triggering the breakdown of the womb lining and a period.
Hormonal imbalances are a common occurrence, particularly in young women that have started menstruating or in peri-menopausal women.
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance
A hormonal imbalance can result in heavy periods or your menstrual cycle may become longer or shorter or irregular.
If you think you are suffering from a hormonal imbalance, book an appointment with your GP. Read about how to get the most out of your GP appointment here.