Hormones are chemicals which carry messages to different parts of your body to regulate how your body operates. They affect processes including
- Your metabolism
- Weight regulation
- Regulation of blood pressure and blood sugar
- Growth (especially during puberty)
- Sexual function and reproduction
- Sleep
- Mood
Most people are aware of testosterone (the ‘male’ hormone) and oestrogen (the ‘female’ hormone). In fact, both men and women have both testosterone and oestrogen in their bodies, as well as many other hormones. Progesterone is a very important calming and balancing hormone for women’s health, and natural progesterone is very different from what is commonly used in birth control.