--- title: Estrogen and Progesterone 101 date: 2024-06-01T23:41:00-04:00 author: Missy Moyer canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/estrogen-and-progesterone-101" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Estrogen and Progesterone 101 What is a hormone? How do estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH govern the menstrual cycle? What else do hormones do? > Hormones act all over our bodies — far beyond our ovaries. Many places in the body have active receptor sites for estrogen and progesterone. When these hormones are fluctuating, it’s no wonder it can cause such a wide array of symptoms, and we feel off-kilter! [Read the full article ](https://womenlivingbetter.org/estrogen-progesterone/) SOURCE: Women Living Better ![Dots 02](data:image/png;base64,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) © Women Living Better ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ menopause & perimenopause](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menopause-perimenopause) - [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle) - [ signs & symptoms of perimenopause & menopause](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/signs-symptoms-perimenopause-menopause) - [perimenopause](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/perimenopause) - [estrogen](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/estrogen) - [menopause](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menopause) - [menopausal hormone treatment](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menopausal-hormone-treatment) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Sharing What I Learned about Perimenopause Nina shares how her experience with perimenopause led her to co-found Women Living Better, a resource that demystifies the menopause transition. ![Nina_Coslov](data:image/png;base64,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) Nina shares how her experience with perimenopause led her to co-found Women Living Better, a resource that demystifies the menopause transition.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-the-very-early-perimenopause) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Coping with Perimenopause JF discusses her perimenopause symptoms. She explains her difficulty with the healthcare system and finding a perimenopause specialist. ![My Story- Coping with Perimenopause](data:image/png;base64,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) JF discusses her perimenopause symptoms. She explains her difficulty with the healthcare system and finding a perimenopause specialist.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-coping-with-perimenopause) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Finding a Perimenopause Specialist JF recalls the research she did to find a perimenopause specialist in her area who would accept her insurance. ![My Story- Finding a Perimenopause Specialist](data:image/png;base64,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) JF recalls the research she did to find a perimenopause specialist in her area who would accept her insurance.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-finding-a-perimenopause-specialist) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Recognizing My Symptoms of Perimenopause on My Own JF shares the difficulties of living with perimenopause, a condition for which there is little research and no consensus on symptoms. ![My Story- Recognizing My Symptoms of Perimenopause on My Own](data:image/png;base64,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) JF shares the difficulties of living with perimenopause, a condition for which there is little research and no consensus on symptoms.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-recognizing-my-symptoms-of-perimenopause-on-my-own) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Perimenopause: The Ugly, The Bad, and The Good! Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Ann Marie Meyer offers encouragement in facing the many sides of perimenopause and its symptoms. ![Headshot of Ann Marie Meyer](data:image/png;base64,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) Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Ann Marie Meyer offers encouragement in facing the many sides of perimenopause and its symptoms.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-perimenopause-the-ugly-the-bad-and-the-good) [ResourcesRead ## Culture May Influence How Women Experience Menopause A study suggests that cultural differences shape how many people experience menopause. ![Woman Smiling Leaning on Hand](data:image/png;base64,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) A study suggests that cultural differences shape how many people experience menopause.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/culture-may-influence-how-women-experience-menopause) [ResourcesListen ## "Decolonizing The Crone" and Reclaiming The Freedom of Aging Omisade Burney-Scott speaks about her work with aging and menopause, including her multimedia project, “Decolonizing the Crone” ![1igknf Gp Syz VW8kan88 T2kg e1668620969423 jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) Omisade Burney-Scott speaks about her work with aging and menopause, including her multimedia project, “Decolonizing the Crone”](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/decolonizing-the-crone-and-reclaiming-the-freedom-of-aging) [ResourcesRead ## The Importance of Demystifying Perimenopause Endocrinology professor and menstrual cycle researcher Dr. Jerilynn Prior addresses common misconceptions about perimenopause. ![Jerilynn-Prior](data:image/png;base64,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) Endocrinology professor and menstrual cycle researcher Dr. Jerilynn Prior addresses common misconceptions about perimenopause.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/demystifying-perimenopause)