Does Estrogen give you energy? If you’ve ever used a super cool app — like Hormona — to track your energy levels, you might notice that they seem to coincide with your cycle or, more specifically, your Estrogen levels. So, you might be wondering: Are Estrogen and energy levels related? Here’s what the science says.
Estrogen and your cycle
As you probably know, Estrogen levels vary throughout your cycle. After your period, Estrogen levels climb and peak around Ovulation. If there’s no fertilized egg, Estrogen levels plummet before slowly increasing again during the Luteal phase.
But they don’t usually reach the same heights as earlier in your cycle. Estrogen then tapers off and remains comparatively low throughout your period. And then the whole thing starts again. It’s a wild ride. Which is why tracking your cycle and symptoms is so useful – knowing when your levels are likely to be higher or lower can help you plan your life accordingly. Step forward the Hormona app! We’re great at tracking, symptom predictions and improving your overall wellbeing…
Estrogen and energy levels
Estrogen does more than just contribute to your cycle. It’s also a key player in metabolic function. For those of us who don’t speak science, the metabolic process describes the chemical process our bodies perform to turn food into energy.
Lower Estrogen has been linked to metabolic issues, obesity, and decreased energy. Which is why you might feel extra tired during the second half of your cycle, or if you’re going through the Menopausal transition.
So, if you’re feeling like your energy consistently takes a dip a few times a month, it’s not all in your head. Your low Estrogen levels could be slowing your metabolism, which means your energy levels are bound to take a dip, too.
Ways to increase your energy levels
For all you over-achievers and productivity-driven people out there, we see you. We know it can be particularly challenging when you feel like you just can’t accomplish as much as usual, no matter how hard you work. Remember that your worth isn’t based on how many things get crossed off your list. You are important and valuable just for being you.
Okay, but is there any way to not feel like you need two extra cups of coffee to get through the day?
Yes! And no. Listen up. Your body is designed to function a certain way, and it’s essential to listen to your body as much as possible so that it can do what it needs to do. Having said that, there are a few things you can do to soften the blow of an energy crash:
- Prioritize sleep: Get that nighttime routine going and stick with it! Yes, even on weekends.
- Eat whole foods: We know, we know! It’s so hard sometimes! But nutrient-dense foods will help your body create the energy it needs better than that fried chicken sandwich.
- Drink water: Your body is over 50% water. And every time you pee, sweat, and even breathe, you lose a little water. Replace it by drinking clear, unsweetened beverages.
- Exercise: Yes, you read that right. When you expend energy, your body often creates more energy. So, go for a walk or a bike ride. Shoot some hoops or dance around your kitchen. You may even get a mood boost from it, too.
Birth control and energy
If you use hormonal birth control, you might find that your energy levels don’t take a huge dip or don’t match what we’ve described here. That’s partly because using hormonal contraception essentially pauses your menstrual cycle, meaning that you won’t experience the same hormonal ups and downs over the course of the month.
But remember that everyone’s body is different, and we all react differently to medications. So, if your energy is chronically low — particularly if it’s resulting in consistently low mood or depression — it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider.
So, does Estrogen give you energy?
Indirectly, yes. Estrogen and energy levels are connected. And while you can do certain things to help increase energy levels overall, you will probably still find that some days are more energetic than others. And that’s okay. It’s part of being human.
