Let’s be real, hormones don’t always get the best rep. One day you’re feeling calm and collected, and the next, you’re emotional, bloated, or just off. But here’s the thing: hormones aren’t out to get you. In fact, two of the main ones, oestrogen and progesterone, play a huge part in keeping your body in sync, especially when it comes to your menstrual cycle, mood, and even your skin.

So, what exactly are oestrogen and progesterone?

Think of them as the ultimate duo working behind the scenes to keep your reproductive system running smoothly.

Oestrogen is like the energy booster. It rises in the first half of your cycle (the follicular phase), helping your body prepare for ovulation. It supports things like stronger bones, glowing skin, and even better mood. Basically, when your oestrogen is balanced, you feel on top of your game.

Progesterone, on the other hand, is more like the calm, grounding bestie that steps in after ovulation. It helps your body get ready for a possible pregnancy and keeps things chill, like regulating your sleep and helping with anxiety.
When these two are in sync, your body runs like a well-tuned playlist. But if they’re out of balance, things can start to feel… off.

The function of oestrogen and progesterone in your body

To put it simply, both hormones have a lot on their to-do lists.

Oestrogen helps build up the lining of your uterus each month, keeps your cholesterol in check, and influences everything from how your brain functions to how your skin looks. Progesterone steps in right after ovulation, stabilising that lining and preparing your body for the next phase.

Together, they regulate your menstrual cycle, support your metabolism, and affect how you feel physically and emotionally.

If you’ve ever noticed your moods, sleep, or appetite shifting at certain times in your cycle, yep, that’s these two doing their thing.

What happens when your hormones aren’t balanced?

When oestrogen and progesterone fall out of sync, your body starts sending little signals and sometimes not-so-little ones.

Low oestrogen might show up as fatigue, dry skin, or irregular periods. Too much can mean bloating, breast tenderness, or mood swings. Low progesterone can lead to anxiety, trouble sleeping, or spotting between periods.

It’s totally normal for these levels to shift throughout your cycle, but big imbalances can make daily life feel harder than it should. If your symptoms start interfering with how you function, it’s always worth checking in with your doctor or a healthcare provider.

Hormonal shifts can also affect things you might not immediately link to oestrogen or progesterone. For example, around your period, a natural drop in oestrogen can change your vaginal pH and microbiome balance, which is why some people notice they’re more prone to thrush right before their period. It’s another way your hormones quietly influence how you feel day to day.

How to support your hormonal health naturally

Small lifestyle tweaks can make a surprisingly big difference.

• Fuel up smart. Whole foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can support hormone production. Think of it as giving your body the raw materials it needs to do its job.
• Move your body. Regular exercise helps balance blood sugar levels and can boost your mood, too.
• Manage stress (as best you can). Stress hormones like cortisol can mess with your oestrogen and progesterone levels. Try journaling, deep breathing, or even a quick walk to unwind.
• Sleep it out. Hormones reset while you sleep, so if you’re skimping on rest, your body can struggle to stay balanced.

You don’t need to overhaul your whole life, sometimes it’s about paying attention to the little things. Small shifts, big comfort - your cycle, your rhythm.

How do you know if your hormones are off?

Honestly, your body’s pretty good at giving you hints. Things like unpredictable periods, low energy, breakouts, or unusual mood changes can all point to hormonal shifts.

If you suspect something’s up, a simple blood test can check your oestrogen and progesterone levels. From there, your healthcare provider can help figure out what’s going on and what might help, whether that’s diet changes, supplements, or medication.

Quick Q&A: 

Can stress really mess with hormones?

100%. When your stress levels are high, your body prioritises making stress hormones (like cortisol) over reproductive ones, which can throw off your cycle.

Do hormones affect your mood and skin?

Totally. Oestrogen can boost serotonin (your feel-good chemical), while progesterone can have a calming effect. Both also influence oil production in your skin, which explains those pre-period breakouts.

Can your hormones change over time?

Yes! Age, lifestyle, diet, and even sleep habits can shift your hormone levels. That’s why what worked for you at 18 might not work at 25.

Final thoughts

Your hormones aren’t background noise, they’re the rhythm behind how your body feels, functions, and flows. Oestrogen and progesterone might get blamed for a lot, but they’re doing their best to keep things balanced.

So, the next time your mood dips or your energy feels off, try tuning in instead of stressing out. Your body’s giving you information, and understanding those signals is the first step to better hormonal health.

Love, Libra x

Essity makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional, medical or other health professional advice.