The immune system and hormonal health are two very complex areas that we usually talk about separately. With the onset of the colder season, we consider how best to support the body's resilience and avoid illness, but we don't as often link this topic with 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 also largely related to immunity.
If our hormones are out of balance, the 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, conversely, inflammation may increase uncontrollably, thereby directly supporting the development of chronic and autoimmune diseases.
How do reproductive hormones affect the immune system?
From previous articles, you surely know that the role of sex hormones in reproduction certainly doesn't end there. Let's therefore introduce 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, or supporting brain function, it also plays a significant role in the proper functioning of the immune system.
Estrogen receptors appear in tissues throughout the body, and estrogen strengthens key cells in fighting hostile pathogens. With increasing levels of estrogen, the activity of the immune system also strengthens. This is why research confirms that the female body is most resilient during reproductive age. As women age, with declining estrogen levels, immune functions also gradually weaken. (1)
Progesterone
In addition to estrogen, the hormone progesterone also participates in controlling the menstrual cycle and preparing for conception, taking on its role especially in the second part of the cycle after ovulation. While estrogen boosts the immune response, progesterone, on the other hand, 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, even this ability of progesterone has its certain advantages.
What is the immune response during the menstrual cycle?
Estrogen and progesterone have slightly different impacts on the immune system. You can observe the variable behavior of immunity most clearly in the individual phases of the cycle, depending on which hormone currently predominates.
Follicular phase
In the first phase of the menstrual cycle, i.e., after menstruation ends, a greater amount of the hormone estrogen is produced. Estrogen thus supports the function of the immune system, so during this period, you will be less susceptible to infection or illness. Among other things, however, antibody levels and inflammatory responses also increase, which is particularly significant for women struggling with chronic diseases and conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, or even autoimmune thyroid disease. During the follicular phase, you may thus experience rather a worsening of some symptoms. (2)
Luteal phase
Although enough estrogen is still produced during the luteal phase, progesterone takes on the main role. Its rising levels suppress the immune system, making an inflammatory response much less likely. However, this state is essential primarily for potential conception. Immune cells are tasked with removing any intruders that enter the system. If fertilization were to occur during fertile days, the immune system would immediately attack the newly fertilized and developing egg, thus reducing the chance of pregnancy. (3)
As a result of a weakened immune response, women are also most susceptible to illness or infection at this time. A reduced inflammatory response may also be one of the reasons why women have a reduced ability to build muscle mass in the second half of the cycle. (4)
However, suppressing inflammation during the luteal phase helps women with chronic illnesses to experience the second half of the cycle relatively calmly without unpleasant symptoms. However, this probably won't be true if your hormones are not at optimal levels. A lack of progesterone can lead to PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms, and this may be why symptoms don't disappear even though inflammation has decreased.
Menstrual phase
A few days before and during menstruation, inflammatory reactions return. As progesterone levels decrease, prostaglandins, hormone-like substances, are produced in the uterine lining. These have many roles in the body and are produced where they are needed. They play a key role in how the body reacts to inflammation. They can have strong effects on the uterus and help it to contract and shed its lining. (5)
Prostaglandins as such are essential in certain parts of the cycle. In addition to their production source being the uterine lining, their formation can also be supported by an unsuitable lifestyle and certain types of food. Prostaglandins as such are not harmful to us; the problem is their excessive amount. Their excess during the menstrual period causes cramps and pain, migraines, or nausea. (6,7)
How to support your body's resilience and boost immunity?
- 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
- Building resilience, for example, through gradual cold exposure
- Vitamin D, which directly supports the proper functioning of the immune system, and also helps maintain stable mood and energy levels
- Fertility Support Complex, which you can use not only as part of preparation for pregnancy but also to support proper hormone production. It also contains vitamin C as an important component for the proper function of the immune system.
Are you more susceptible to infections and illnesses, and do you regularly catch colds as autumn approaches? Are you plagued by significant fatigue, do your wounds and physical injuries take ages to heal, or do you often have digestive problems? Do you want to support your immune system, increase your resilience to stress, or generally optimize your hormones and health?
Contact our Femvie experts, who will create an individual plan for you based on your medical history, laboratory results, symptom monitoring, cycle analysis, and a 90-minute initial consultation. Our experts will perform a complete assessment of your health and will continuously support you to achieve results.
If you have a question about hormonal health, feel free to ask in our Femvie advisory service! We answer your questions for free every Thursday.*
*The advisory service is not a substitute for gynecological support and assistance. If you are experiencing any health problems, we recommend contacting your doctor as soon as possible.
Femvie products that can help you
We have selected products related to this topic that can support your health:
- 💊 Ashwagandha Plus — adaptogen for hormonal balance and stress reduction
- 💊 Magnesium — a key mineral for women's hormonal health
- 💊 Magnesium-Zinc-B6 — support for hormonal balance and the nervous system
- 💊 Natural Vitamin D — important for immunity and hormonal health
- 📖 Ten Commandments for a Healthy Cycle — a guide to natural support for the female cycle
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes hormonal imbalance?
Chronic stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, excessive exercise or, conversely, a sedentary lifestyle, environmental toxins, and age — all these can disrupt hormonal balance.
How to recognize hormonal imbalance?
Fatigue, irregular cycle, acne, weight gain, mood swings, sleep problems, or decreased libido can be symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
How to naturally support hormonal balance?
The key is a nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress reduction, and targeted dietary supplements. Tracking your menstrual cycle will help you identify patterns and changes.
