Understanding the Female Body Across the Lifespan

Understanding the Female Body Across the Lifespan

Today, I want to share some essential knowledge every woman should understand about how our bodies change over time. Understanding these changes can help us support our bodies better and acknowledge the natural transformations they undergo.

The Finite Nature of Eggs

One of the fundamental aspects of female physiology is that we are born with a finite number of eggs. This fact often shapes much of the reproductive advice we receive throughout our lives. For instance, the push to freeze eggs for future pregnancies and the use of contraception during puberty all center around this concept. It's intriguing, given that women can only conceive one day a month, while men can father children at any time.-- That’s a story for another day though.

Female Fundamentals: Understanding the Menstrual Cycle

To fully support our bodies, it's crucial to understand the menstrual cycle and its stages. From puberty to menopause, our cycles are regulated by complex hormonal interactions. Here's a breakdown of what happens:

Puberty and Menstrual Cycle Onset

During puberty, our first period typically occurs between 12 and 15 years of age, our bodies begin the process of menstruation. By the time we get our first period, the number of eggs has already dwindled from millions to about 400,000. In each cycle, around 7 to 15 eggs are chosen to develop, with one maturing and being released during ovulation. This development is regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which helps these follicles grow over a three-month period.

Hormonal Regulation

FSH stimulates the growth of follicles, which produce estrogen as they mature. Once estrogen levels are high enough, the brain releases luteinizing hormone (LH), triggering ovulation. The follicle that releases the egg becomes the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. This hormone is essential for maintaining pregnancy and has calming effects on the nervous system.

Supporting the Cycle

To support this process, it's vital to maintain a balanced diet rich in zinc, vitamin B6, magnesium, iron, copper, vitamin A, vitamin C, and healthy fats. These nutrients ensure the corpus luteum functions properly, producing the necessary progesterone.

Changes in the 20s and 30s

By our 20s, the connection between the brain and ovaries is typically well-established, leading to regular menstrual cycles. Ideally, these cycles last between 24 to 35 days. Consistency is key; a stable cycle indicates a well-functioning reproductive system. If you’re not experiencing this, it’s a sign that your Fundamentals are off. 

Hormonal Imbalance Indicators

If you're experiencing irregular cycles, it could indicate hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. For example, bleeding for less than three days suggests low estrogen levels, while bleeding for more than seven days indicates high estrogen levels. Addressing these imbalances involves focusing on overall health and ensuring you're providing your body with the necessary nutrients.

Perimenopause and Menopause

Around the age of 35, the number of follicles decreases, leading to less consistent ovulation and lower progesterone production. This stage, known as perimenopause, can cause increased anxiety, sensitivity to stress, and changes in body temperature regulation.

Menopause: A New Phase

Menopause officially occurs when you haven't had a period for 12 months. During this time, FSH and LH levels rise, while estrogen and progesterone levels drop. This hormonal shift can lead to metabolic changes, including increased insulin resistance, making weight management more challenging.

Supporting Your Body Through Hormonal Changes

Nutritional Support

To navigate these changes, focus on maintaining a balanced diet and supporting your fundamentals. Key nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D are crucial for regulating insulin and supporting metabolic health when our nervous system is in a state of sympathetic dominance. When it is a doral parasympathetic response (red light), focusing on sodium, potassium and zinc is often required. If you want to know specifics you can test what you need here.

Metabolism & Blood Sugars

Regular exercise, particularly strength training, helps maintain muscle mass and supports metabolic health. Aim for 120 to 150 grams of protein daily to stabilize blood sugars and support muscle growth. Protein itself also helps to support metabolic health.

Nervous System

Prioritize stress management techniques to support adrenal health. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and spending time in nature can help keep your body in a "green light" state, reducing the overall stress load on your system. It doesn’t have to be ‘the right thing’, often its what brings you a sense of pleasure, play or connection. 

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

For some women, HRT can be beneficial, particularly if started early in perimenopause. HRT can help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. However, it's essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your individual needs.

Embracing Each Life Stage

Remember, each phase of life, from puberty to menopause, brings unique changes and challenges. Embrace these stages and understand that symptoms are often indicators that your fundamentals need support. Focus on providing your body with the nutrients, blood sugar, metabolism and nervous system support. 

Next Steps

Understanding the female body across the lifespan helps us appreciate the incredible changes our bodies undergo and how we can best support them. Whether you're in puberty, navigating perimenopause, or embracing menopause, remember to focus on your fundamentals and listen to your body's needs.

If you want community support and resources to help you, join our membership or attend the live workshop on June 27th.