Our menstrual cycle is governed by four hormones: oestrogen, progesterone, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), and LH (luteinising hormone). 

Straight after your period, your hormone levels are low. Then, FSH tells your ovaries “let’s try to become pregnant again”, i.e. it’s time for some eggs (or follicles) to mature. Oestrogen rises steadily during these first 10 cycle days. This rise, along with the steeper rise of LH stimulates one lucky follicle to mature fully and then begin its way down the fallopian tubes, towards your uterus. (1)

Maisie Hill calls oestrogen the Beyoncé of hormones: ‘confident, alluring, sensual, fertile, and able to learn complex dance routines because she’s great at picking up new skills.’

Physically-speaking, oestrogen might make your facial features look more attractive, with an improved skin tone so we can do away with the assumption that all hormones are bad! (2) As your oestrogen levels rise during your late follicular (late spring) and ovulatory (summer) phases, you may feel more confident, outgoing, and sexual.

Next, progesterone. This hormone dominates the second half of your cycle. So, as you might imagine – it’s slightly different to Beyoncé.

Reflective and quiet, it slows you down, and can lead to anxiety, tears, and mood swings. This hormone signals the pituitary gland (which produces most of our hormones) to stop releasing FSH and LH. (1)