Hormones in balance: how they shape our bodies, health & work
An introduction to hormones, how they work, and what that means for energy, mood and productivity.
Reviewed by Dr Jess Chadwick, Clinical Advisor, Neuroendocrinologist, Medical Consultant at Phase. Jess is also a member of the Society for Endocrinology.
Unlocking the Power of Your Hormones
At Phase, we’re helping women and people with cycles understand how hormones shape their thoughts, energy, and emotions. By aligning your tasks with your cycle, you can boost productivity and well-being—turning your hormones into your superpower.
Understanding how your body works is key to optimizing your life, and hormones play a huge role. But how many are there? How do they function? And how do they impact energy, mood, cognition, and productivity?
Over the coming weeks, we’ll break down the science behind these powerful messengers. But first, let’s cover the basics.
What Are Hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by specialized cells, mostly in glands, that travel through the bloodstream to influence organs, muscles, and tissues. They regulate nearly every major bodily function, including:
Metabolism – How your body converts food into energy
Homeostasis – Maintaining balance in blood pressure, sugar levels, hydration, and temperature
Growth & Development – From childhood growth to cellular repair
Sexual Function & Reproduction – Regulating fertility, cycles, and pregnancy
Sleep & Mood – Influencing circadian rhythms and emotional well-being
The endocrine system, made up of major glands like the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, ovaries, and testes, constantly adjusts hormone levels to keep everything in sync.
Types of Hormones
Scientists have identified over 50 hormones in the human body. For example:
Growth Hormone, made in the Pituitary Gland, promotes growth in children and maintains metabolism in adults.
Cortisol, made in the Adrenal Glands, helps regulate metabolism, inflammation, memory, blood pressure, and even fetal development.
These hormones, along with many others, work together in a delicate balance, shaping how you feel, think, and function every day.
Thank you to the John Hopkins university for this helpful summary of some of the key hormones that you’ll find in your body, where they are produced, as well as the key functions of those hormones with respect to your endocrine system.
How Hormones Work: The Body’s Tiny Messengers
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate countless bodily functions. They trigger chain reactions, with one hormone often influencing the release of others.
Each hormone targets specific cells, like a key fitting a lock. If a cell has the right receptor, the hormone binds and delivers its message, prompting an action.
Hormones communicate in two ways:
Gland-to-Gland – One gland releases a hormone that stimulates another. For example, your pituitary gland releases TSH, which signals your thyroid to produce its hormones.
Gland-to-Organ – A gland releases a hormone that acts directly on a target organ. For instance, insulin from the pancreas helps muscles and the liver process glucose.
Key Female Reproductive Hormones and Their Roles
Female sex hormones play a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle, fertility, mood, energy, and overall well-being. Here are the key players and what they do:
Estrogen – Often called the "primary female hormone," estrogen is a group of hormones which regulate the menstrual cycle, support reproductive health, and impact mood, bone strength, and skin health. It rises in the first half of the cycle, boosting energy, cognition, and confidence.
Progesterone – This hormone dominates the second half of the cycle, preparing the body for pregnancy. It has a calming effect, supporting sleep, reducing anxiety, and balancing estrogen’s stimulating effects. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, progesterone drops, triggering menstruation.
Testosterone – While known as a "male hormone," testosterone is essential for women too. It fuels libido, muscle strength, motivation, and cognitive sharpness, peaking around ovulation.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) – Released by the pituitary gland, FSH kickstarts ovulation by stimulating follicles in the ovaries to mature an egg.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) – LH surges mid-cycle, triggering ovulation and encouraging the production of progesterone.
Prolactin – Mainly known for its role in breastfeeding, prolactin also affects mood and immune function. Elevated levels outside of pregnancy can impact cycles and fertility.
Each of these hormones fluctuates throughout the menstrual cycle, influencing energy, mood, and productivity. By understanding their rhythms, you can work with your body—optimizing your schedule, workouts, and self-care for better balance and well-being.
Hormone levels constantly adjust based on factors like stress, infection, and mineral balance. Even tiny fluctuations can have a big impact on your body. If you suspect a hormone imbalance, consult a healthcare professional.
Want to harness your hormones for peak performance? Join the waitlist for Phase.
The information provided on the site is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
Photo by Gustavo Torres on Unsplash
