Inside Health Weekly

The One With Your Hormones.

It’s been a long month, and with summer wrapping up, your hormones are definitely not on vacation.

Welcome to Hormones 101, the crash course on who’s really behind your mood swings, cravings, and energy dips.

To help it all click, we’re bringing in the cast of Friends, because your hormones have just as much drama, chemistry, and plot twists as Ross and Rachel’s ‘We were on a break’ disaster.

Spoiler Alert: By the end of this newsletter, you’ll know who’s playing Rachel (estrogen), who’s inner Monica (progesterone), and which goes full-on Ross mode when stress hits (cortisol).

SPOTLIGHT: Contributing Author

At Inside Health, our mission is to boost health literacy. That’s why we launched the Contributing Authors Program, a space where students collaborate with health professionals to create media that breaks down barriers and effectively showcases health research.

This Week, we’re excited to spotlight Tyler Raikar, Executive Health Research Director at Inside Health, whose latest article dives into the world of hormones. As she puts it:

Don’t miss Tyler’s take on what your hormones are really up to. Ready to get Inside your Health? Click the button below to read the full article!

A SCIENCE STORY

Your hormones? Think of them like the Friends cast: iconic, unpredictable, always running the show. No matter your sex, these chemical messengers are influencing how you feel, function, and react every day.

Estrogen = Rachel Green
She’s iconic, stylish, and sets the tone. Estrogen exists in all bodies, and when it dips too low, it can leave anyone feeling unsure whether to laugh or cry over a TikTok.

Progesterone = Monica Geller
Progesterone steps in to help you wind down and stabilize… Whether that means sleeping better or wanting to clean your entire kitchen at 2 a.m. It’s the “I’m fine!!” energy we all know too well.

Cortisol = Ross Geller
Cortisol always thinks he’s helping… rushing into your life when chaos comes your way. He’s yelling “We were on a break!” while your heart races and your sleep tanks. Chill, Ross.

Your Balanced Self = Phoebe Buffay
Stress is low, sleep is solid, and your hormones are working in harmony. In balance, you’re less bothered and more productive.

 Your Body’s Cravings = Joey Tribbiani
Joey doesn’t share food, and neither do your hormones when they’re out of sync. He asks “How you doin’?” inside your head when you're reaching for that 3rd cookie or considering texting your ex.

THE DATA DROP

ESTROGEN

What is it? One of the essential hormones in the reproductive systems of men and, more so, women. Connected with serotonin, so fluctuations in estrogen might negatively affect your mood. 

Where is it made? Primarily in the ovaries, also in bones, and the brain. 

What does it regulate in the body?

• Bone health

• Cardiovascular system function

• Mood and emotions

• Essential for secondary sex characteristics, AKA the development of breasts and wider hips 

Balance is key:

• Too much estrogen → ↑ risk of ovarian & breast cancer

• Too little estrogen → irregular periods, hair thinning, bone fractures, impaired cognition

AVOID: Refined carbs, processed foods, and alcohol intake → they can elevate estrogen

SAY YES TO: Exercise & whole foods that help your body metabolize excess estrogen

PROGESTERONE

What is it? Essential for the formation of embryos, maintenance of pregnancy, and overall cognitive function. Influences amygdala reactivity and is neuroprotective against strokes.

What does it regulate in the body? → Regulates homeostasis, reproduction, behavior, and development.

Where is it made? Ovaries, Placenta, Adrenal glands (kidneys), Brain & Liver

To increase progesterone levels naturally, ingest foods rich in Vitamin B6 and Zinc: cashews, almonds, bananas, spinach

WATCH OUT FOR…

• A high exposure to EDCS, or endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as microplastics and pesticides, may cause low levels of progesterone.

• A lack of sleep may also decrease levels of progesterone.

• Excess sugar, caffeine, or alcohol intake… You guessed it! Also decreases levels of progesterone.

BIOHACKS AND NATURAL SUPPORTS:

• Evening primrose oil

• Chasteberry

• Plenty of leafy greens (e.g., spinach)

 CORTISOL

What is it? Helps maintain blood pressure, the body’s anti-inflammatory processes, and immune function. It is essential for life!

Where is it made? Adrenal glands (kidneys) & the pituitary gland (regulates the amount of cortisol released)

What does it regulate in the body? MANY BODILY PROCESSES. This key player regulates metabolism, sleep-wake cycle, suppresses inflammation, and regulates the body’s stress response.

 Hormone Hack: Balance Them All Together!

Avoid the confusion— instead of thinking about how to regulate each of these hormones individually, try systematically: do it all at once with…

FEATURING: Ask Petal

If your hormones were a chaotic Friends episode, Ask Petal is like the wise barista at Central Perk who actually knows what’s going on.

This app is dedicated to tracking female hormones, using AI to personalize your health and trends. From giving you real-time insights into what’s happening inside your body, it’s the future of women’s wellness.

HORMONE HEADLINES: Fact or Fiction?

1. FICTION: High cortisol = stressed out.

FACT: Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning to help you wake up and dipping at night to help you go to sleep. High Cortisol at the wrong times or for too is the real concern.

2. FICTION: Estrogen Works the Same in Females and Males.

FACT:

Females: Estrogen levels are higher and primarily regulate the menstrual cycle, fertility and development of female secondary characteristics like breast tissue and fat distribution.

Males: Estrogen is present in much lower levels and mainly helps regulate libido (flirty feelings), sperm production, bone density and brain function. It’s still important!

3. FICTION: Progesterone makes you gain weight.

FACT: Progesterone can cause water retention, which might feel like weight gain, but it doesn’t directly cause fat gain. Lifestyle and overall calorie balance are way bigger factors.