Hormone fluctuations explained (in plain English)
Share
Summary: Your hormones aren’t just about periods or pregnancy – they affect your mood, energy, motivation, sleep, appetite, and how you feel in your body. In this article, we break down the key players in your cycle – oestrogen, progesterone, and friends – in language that actually makes sense.
Why you feel like a different person each week
Ever wondered why:
- one week you’re excelling at work, full of ideas
- the next week you’re anxious, tired, snappy or withdrawn
- by the time your period hits, you just want to hide?
That’s not just ‘moodiness’ – it’s hormonal fluctuation. Your body isn’t broken, it’s cycling.
Knowing which hormones are rising and falling, and how they affect your mind and body, is key to feeling more like yourself throughout the month.
Meet your hormones
Think of these as your hormonal main characters
| Hormone | Think of it as | What it does |
| Oestrogen | the energiser | builds mood, motivation, memory and libido |
| Progesterone | the calmer | supports sleep and reduces anxiety (when balanced) |
| Testosterone | the spark | boosts confidence, drive and sexual energy |
| Cortisol | the stress barometer | regulates your stress response |
| Serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) | the mood managers | keep emotions in check - influenced by the above hormones |
Let's see how they interact throughout your cycle 👇
Phase-by-phase hormone breakdown
Menstrual phase (day 1-15)
🧬 Hormones: all low
🧠 Feels like: tired, introverted, and possibly emotional
Your period starts on day 1. Hormone levels are at their lowest, which can lead to cramping, fatigue, and lower mood. It’s normal to want quiet. You’re not lazy – you’re in reset mode.
Read more: → Luteal phase nutrition guide
Follicular phase (day 6-14)
🧬 Hormones: oestrogen rising and testosterone climbing
🧠 Feels like: clear, motivated, and social
Oestrogen boosts serotonin and dopamine – which explains the improved mood and mental clarity. You may feel more confident and physically energised.
This is your best phase for:
- brainstorming
- socialising
- strength workouts
- starting something new
→ Read: Managing PMS and PMDD symptoms: a complete guide to feeling more like yourself
Ovulation (around day 14)
🧬 Hormones: oestrogen peaks, luteinizing hormone (LH) spikes, and testosterone surges
🧠 Feels like: bold, flirty, and sharp
This is your supercharged day. Oestrogen peaks, LH triggers the release of an egg, and testosterone gives you extra sparkle. Libido and communication skills are high.
Read more: → Cycle syncing 101
Luteal phase (day 15-28)
🧬 Hormones: progesterone rises, then crashes; oestrogen dips, and serotonin may also drop
🧠 Feels like: irritable, anxious, tired, and emotional – also known as PMS
This is the most challenging phase for many. Progesterone is supposed to calm you, but if you’re sensitive or deficient, you’ll feel more on edge. This drop affects GABA and serotonin, making it harder to self-regulate emotions.
This is when you may experience symptoms such as:
- mood swings
- cravings
- bloating
- PMDD flares
✅ Read: how Evelyn’s Supplement Routine supports the luteal phase
✅ Download: relationship and workplace guides
What affects hormone balance?
Even if your cycle is regular, things like stress, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, or gut issues can throw off hormonal rhythm.
❌ Chronic stress → high cortisol suppresses oestrogen
❌ Low magnesium → harder to make serotonin and GABA
❌ Inflammation → amplifies cramping and mood swings
🧪 Explore the science behind Evelyn’s hormone-support strategy
Summary - hormones in plain English
| Phase | What's rising | How you might feel |
| Menstrual | nothing (all low) | flat, tired, and sensitive |
| Follicular | oestrogen and testosterone | clear, focused and energised |
| Ovulation | LH and testosterone, and oestrogen peaks | peak confidence and creative |
| Luteal | progesterone drops and oestrogen dips | anxious, moody and tired |
Want to feel more balanced all month?
Understanding your hormones is step one.
Supporting them is where Evelyn comes in.
✨ Explore Evelyn's Supplement Routine – our cycle-aware supplement system
🧠 Learn more about Evelyn’s evidence-based approach
Related reading:
- Guides to learn more about PMS and PMDD
- Cycle syncing: how to align with your hormones (coming soon)
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional about any health concerns.