5 Hormones That Mess With You Every Month

 

Women’s Health and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) teamed up on an exclusive survey that revealed how much women know about their own anatomy. The answer, sadly: Not a whole lot. To help you better understand your nether regions, we created an all-inclusive guide to your private parts in our November 2014 issue. This article is part of that package. 

If, once a month, you turn crazy pants, go on cupcake benders, or QVC-binge at 2 a.m., guess what? You're normal. Ricocheting reproductive hormones can influence your period, fertility, and sex drive—and your mental state and sleep cycle and appetite. Use this advice to keep everything in check.

1. Estrogen
Estradiol, the most potent type, prepares the uterus for conception. Stable levels can boost sex drive and immunity.