#8 Peptide and Protein Hormones. Everything about FSH and LH.
On some advanced hormonal knowledge.
Last time, I discussed steroid hormones, our beloved estrogen and progesterone. We learned what these are, why keeping them at optimal levels is important, and which micronutrients can help us maintain this balance. Today, as we continue the topic, I would like to delve deeper into Peptide and Protein sex hormones, another category of hormones.
I know these hormones are known, but not as well as the ones we previously discussed. They are not any less important. These hormones are also crucial in keeping our cycle intact and facilitating ovulation.
Let's dive a bit deeper into them today, shall we?
Today, we're going to dive a bit deeper into:
🤔 What are peptide and protein hormones?
🫢 What are FSH and LH hormones?
🤩 What is GnRH?
And also...
🥰 What is the connection between sex steroids and peptide hormones?
So, welcome back to Emazed!
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the read!
💪 Peptide and Protein Hormones - Our Body's Little Helpers
Meet peptide and protein hormones! These super little helpers are chains of amino acids linked together, like a bead necklace. Both peptides and proteins are made from these chains, so their structure and function are similar. But here's the thing, peptides are usually smaller than proteins.
Keeping the right levels of these hormones is key in keeping your body humming along happily. These hormones swim around in your bloodstream, interacting with specific receptors on target cells, triggering all sorts of important body responses. But… to keep these hormone levels just right, you need healthy endocrine glands, smooth running feedback loops, and a good diet. More about it, later in the text 🫢
First, let me introduce you to…
🎀 Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Our first guest. FSH, a hormone produced by your pituitary gland (image 1), is your body's cheerleader during the menstrual cycle! In the early phase, it encourages the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles (where your eggs are developing). This whole process gets kick-started by another hormone, GnRH, which signals the release of FSH into your bloodstream. From there, FSH heads to the ovaries to help your follicles grow and eggs develop, while also contributing to estrogen production! If FSH levels drop too low, you might experience irregular periods or fertility issues. On the flip side, if they're too high, it could indicate issues with the ovaries or menopause onset.
So, if you're dealing with irregular periods, fertility problems, or experiencing symptoms like hot flashes and you are too early for menopause, it might be a good time to chat with your doctor.
Next hormone is…
🎀 Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Our pituitary gland (Image 1) produces this little helper, and it works hand in hand with FSH to keep our menstrual cycle on track. Around the mid-point of our cycle (think day 14 of a typical 28-day cycle), LH takes the stage and triggers ovulation, releasing a mature egg from the ovarian follicle.
LH has another vital role - it helps regulate the production of estrogen and progesterone. But like anything, balance is key. Too little LH can lead to irregular periods or ovulation issues, making it trickier to get pregnant. If LH levels are on the high side, it could signal conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or early menopause, which might show up as irregular periods, infertility, or symptoms like acne or excess hair growth…
Take notes, ladies.
Besides LH and FSH, I'd like to give a shoutout to GnRH. I've mentioned it a few times already, and it's a bit different from LH and FSH, but it's just as important.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a neuropeptide hormone (yes another name lol) that is made by specialized neurons in the brain's hypothalamus - the pituitary gland (Image 1). Its main job is to control the release of two of our other friends, LH and FSH. GnRH interacts with specific receptors, initiating a series of biochemical events.
GnRH secretion is happening in a pulsatile manner, with bursts of hormone release taking little breaks in between. This rhythmic pattern is what keeps the pituitary gland attentive to GnRH, and helps regulate the menstrual cycle and reproductive function. The frequency and volume of GnRH pulses fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. A significant increase is usually seen during the mid-cycle surge, which prepares the body for ✨ ovulation ✨.
Yes - PREPARES. Because hormonal health is not just a solo performance of one or two hormones. It's more like a choir, where we need a group of hormones working in perfect harmony for us to feel our best.
That is why, let me briefly explain how LH, FSH, estrogen, and progesterone work together…
Steroid Hormones and Protein Hormones, what is the deal?
Soo… LH and FSH are regulated by estrogen and progesterone in a process known as feedback inhibition.
🤔 You could say “Wait… you just said LH helps regulate the production of estrogen and progesterone!!”
🙂↕️ Yes, and that’s the point, bebe! This is what we call feedback inhibition. They work together, with each other and they keep changin’!
LH and FSH stimulate the production of estrogen and progesterone, which, in turn, inhibit the further release of LH and FSH. BRILLIANT. This feedback loop helps maintain hormonal balance and regulate the menstrual cycle, ensuring that ovulation and menstruation occur at the appropriate times.
Pretty straightforward, right?
However, if estrogen and progesterone levels aren't where they should be, this feedback loop can get a bit out of whack. This could lead to too much or too little LH and FSH, causing our reproductive systems to be a bit off balance. This might result in serious hiccups like irregular periods, ovulation issues, and fertility complications.
With hormones (and life) - Balance Is a Key!
So going back to my intro… I hope now you know why you need healthy endocrine glands, smooth running feedback loops, and a good diet 😄
And there you have it! I know, it's quite a complex system, isn't it? But that's what makes it so amazing.
Isn't it mind-blowing to think that our bodies are working tirelessly, every second of every day, to give us the very best? Why wouldn't we want to support that? Why wouldn't we treat our bodies with the respect and compassion they deserve?
They're perfectly designed systems that deserve our care. After all, our bodies are our lifelong companions, with us from the moment we're born and sticking by us no matter what.
Let's help them thrive, shall we? 🙂
Thank you for reading and good luck,
I talk to you soon.
xx
E
Emazed recommendation:
📚 Currently, I am reading... The Psilocybin Handbook for Women by Jennifer Chesak. I have been doing microdosing of psilocybin for a while now, so I am curious what news I can learn about female body response! (yes, I haven’t finished that one)
📹 YouTube channel I am subscribed to... Wellness Daddy. I appreciate how short and informative his videos are. Something different!
🎧 Podcast I have been listening to... Balancing Hormones Naturally by Leah. So many episodes, so much wisdom, and information. Go and check it out!
Hey there! Your thoughts and feedback mean the world to me as I'm always looking to improve. If you could spare a moment to drop a comment below or write me at emazedbye@gmail.com, I'd be super grateful. It could be about this topic, suggestions for future chats, or just your general musings. Truly, your input is priceless!
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