The immune system and hormonal health are two very complex areas that we usually talk about separately. With the arrival of the cold season, we are solving how to best support the body's resistance and avoid diseases, but we do not often relate this topic to hormones and their (im)balance. However, everything in the body is interconnected down to the smallest detail , which is why fertility and the menstrual cycle are largely related to immunity.
If our hormones are out of balance, our immune system will be in a similarly confused state. As a result of weakened immunity, you may be much more susceptible to infections and diseases , or inflammation may increase uncontrollably, directly promoting the development of chronic and autoimmune diseases .
How do reproductive hormones affect the immune system?
As you probably know from previous articles, the role of sex hormones in reproduction certainly doesn't end there. So let's imagine how estrogen and progesterone also affect your immune system.
Estrogen
Estrogen is one of the main sex hormones regulating the menstrual cycle . In addition to its many functions, such as preparing the uterus for potential pregnancy, maintaining healthy bone mass, building muscle, and supporting brain function, it also plays a significant role in the proper functioning of the immune system.
Estrogen receptors are found in tissues throughout the body, and estrogen strengthens key cells in the fight against foreign pathogens. As estrogen levels increase, the immune system also becomes more active . This is why research has shown that women are most resilient during their reproductive years. As women age, their immune function gradually declines as estrogen levels decline. ( 1 )
Progesterone
In addition to estrogen, progesterone is also involved in controlling the menstrual cycle and preparing for conception, and it takes on its role especially in the second part of the cycle after ovulation. While estrogen strengthens the immune response, progesterone stimulates cells to reduce inflammation . This results in a weakened immune system and a potential risk of disease. However, as you will find out below, this ability of progesterone also has its certain advantages.
What is the immune response during the menstrual cycle?
Estrogen and progesterone have slightly different effects on the immune system. You can most often observe the changing behavior of immunity in individual phases of the cycle, depending on which hormone is dominant.
Follicular phase
During the first phase of your menstrual cycle, after your period, you produce more of the hormone estrogen. Estrogen helps your immune system function, making you less susceptible to infection or illness . However, it also increases your antibody levels and inflammatory response, which is especially important for women with chronic conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis , or autoimmune thyroid disease. You may experience a worsening of some of your symptoms during the follicular phase . ( 2 )
Luteal phase
Although there is still plenty of estrogen being produced in the luteal phase, progesterone takes over . Its rising levels suppress the immune system , making it much less likely to cause an inflammatory response. However, this state is essential for the potential for pregnancy . Immune cells are tasked with eliminating any invaders that enter the system. If fertilization were to occur during the fertile days, the immune system would immediately attack the newly fertilized and developing egg, reducing the chances of pregnancy. ( 3 )
As a result of a weakened immune response, we as women are also most susceptible to illness or infection during this time . The reduced inflammatory response may also be one reason why women have a reduced ability to build muscle mass in the second half of their cycle. ( 4 )
However, suppressing inflammation during the luteal phase can help women with chronic conditions experience the second half of their cycle relatively symptom-free. However, this may not be the case if your hormones are not at optimal levels. A lack of progesterone can lead to PMS (premenstrual syndrome), and this may be why symptoms persist even though inflammation has subsided.
Menstrual phase
A few days before and during menstruation, the inflammatory response returns. As progesterone levels drop, the lining of the uterus produces hormone-like substances called prostaglandins . These have many roles in the body and are produced where they are needed. They play a key role in how the body responds to inflammation. They can have powerful effects on the uterus, helping it contract and shed its lining . ( 5 )
Prostaglandins themselves are essential during certain parts of the cycle. In addition to being produced by the uterine lining, their production can also be promoted by an unhealthy lifestyle and certain types of food . Prostaglandins themselves are not harmful, but their excessive amounts are the problem . Their excess during the menstrual period causes cramps and pain, migraines or nausea . ( 6 , 7 )
How to support your body's resistance and increase immunity?
- A nutritious diet with plenty of anti-inflammatory foods, such as extra virgin olive oil, fatty fish, turmeric, or ginger
- Enough sleep , without which no area of the body functions.
- By building resilience , perhaps through gradual hardening
- Vitamin D , which directly supports the proper functioning of the immune system, but also helps maintain a stable mood and energy level
- A fertility support complex that you can use not only to prepare for pregnancy, but also to support proper hormone production. In addition, it contains vitamin C, an important component of the proper functioning of the immune system.
Are you more susceptible to infections and illnesses and do you regularly catch colds with the arrival of autumn? Do you suffer from significant fatigue, do wounds and physical injuries take forever to heal, or do you have digestive problems? Do you want to support your immune system, increase your resistance to stress, or overall optimize your hormones and health?
Contact our Femvie experts who will create an individual plan based on your medical history, lab results, symptom monitoring, cycle analysis and a 90 min. initial consultation. Our experts will provide you with a complete assessment of your health and will support you on an ongoing basis to achieve results.
If you have a question about hormonal health, don't hesitate to ask in our Femvie consultation! We answer your questions for free every Thursday.*
*The advice does not serve as a substitute for gynecological support and assistance. If you are concerned about any health problems, we recommend that you contact your doctor as soon as possible .
