Female Reproductive Systems – Hormones, Health, and What Can Be Done (Part 3)

Many theories exist about why the female reproductive system experiences dysfunction. The major ones can be summarized as:

1. Genetics

2. Insulin Resistance

3. Stress

Let’s look at each in detail.

1. Genetics

Genetics can simply be understood as the inbuilt biological code that defines an individual. It carries the blueprint for physical traits and the production of proteins essential for maintaining our body’s functions. Every cell holds this genetic code, and the variations we inherit make each person unique.

Over time, genetics has evolved—shaping humans from their animal origins. Evolution has always been a double-edged sword, with both advantages and limitations.

A classic example of how evolution impacts health is the link between osteoarthritis and upright posture. The stress placed on our spine and joints by standing and walking upright is, in part, an evolutionary trade-off. Another example relates to the kidneys’ development—modern populations now often show variations in how the kidneys ascend during embryonic growth, suggesting ongoing evolutionary changes.

So, while genetics plays a crucial role, it is not something we can modify directly. However, in medical discussions, it’s often used as a convenient explanation when answers are unclear—what I call the “etc. etc.” diagnosis, which really means “I do not know, but I refuse to admit it.”

2. Hormonal Regulation and Insulin Resistance

Hormonal regulation maintains balance within the reproductive system. When this regulation falters, it leads to various dysfunctions—most notably Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders.

PCOS and Insulin Resistance

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women. It involves excess androgen (male hormone) production, irregular ovulation, and cyst formation in the ovaries. A key contributor is insulin resistance (IR)—a condition where the body’s tissues become less responsive to insulin, forcing the pancreas to produce more.

This overproduction (hyperinsulinemia) leads to:

• Increased androgen levels

• Reduced sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)

• Disruption of LH and FSH balance

• Menstrual irregularities and infertility

The gut microbiome also plays a significant role. When gut health is poor (a state called dysbiosis), inflammation increases, further worsening insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance.

Thyroid and Reproductive Health

The thyroid gland, though small, profoundly influences reproductive function. Hypothyroidism—low thyroid hormone levels—can:

• Disrupt the release of LH and FSH

• Cause irregular periods or anovulation

• Reduce progesterone levels (leading to early miscarriages)

• Impair endometrial receptivity (reducing fertility)

If left untreated during pregnancy, hypothyroidism can lead to premature birth, growth restriction, and delayed fetal neurodevelopment. Early diagnosis and correction are therefore essential.

Why Does Insulin Resistance Occur?

The honest answer: we don’t fully know. But one explanation lies in human evolution. Our bodies are still wired like those of early humans—designed for survival, not for abundance. The modern mind, driven by sensory pleasure and constant stimulation, often overindulges in what feels good (like sweets and processed foods) and avoids what doesn’t (like bitter vegetables or restraint).

Over time, this imbalance forces the body into dependency on medication and external regulation. Hence, managing insulin resistance becomes a cornerstone of restoring balance—both physically and mentally.

3. Stress – The Silent Disruptor

Among all the factors, stress is perhaps the most underestimated yet central cause of hormonal and reproductive imbalance.

Why? Because there’s no pill for it.

Stress arises from fear—real, imagined, or socially imposed. Whether it’s a physical threat (a predator in ancient times) or modern anxiety (financial pressure, social competition, or constant exposure to fear-based advertising), the body reacts the same way: by activating the HPA axis (Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal axis).

This triggers the release of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Prolonged elevation of cortisol:

• Alters gut microbiota (reducing beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium)

• Promotes growth of harmful bacteria (E. coli, Clostridium spp.)

• Disrupts neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine

• Weakens thyroid function and reproductive hormones

Chronic stress leads to:

• Lowered oestrogen and progesterone

• Reduced ovulation

• Irregular cycles and infertility

• Subclinical hypothyroidism

Thus, stress becomes the “master switch” behind multiple hormonal and reproductive dysfunctions.

What We Can Do

While we can’t change our genes, we can manage stress, diet, and lifestyle—the three modifiable pillars of reproductive and hormonal health.

Practical steps include:

• Mind–Body Practices: Meditation, yoga, deep breathing, journaling, or simply spending time in nature.

• Gut Health: Include probiotics, fiber-rich foods, and reduce processed sugar.

• Balanced Nutrition: Limit refined carbs and sugars; incorporate healthy fats and bitter foods to aid liver detox and hormone regulation.

• Adequate Rest: Proper sleep and downtime allow hormonal systems to reset.

• Perspective Shift: Redefine success and failure—not every plan or person must meet an ideal benchmark.

In Summary

The harmony of the female reproductive system depends not only on hormones but also on how we live, think, and feel. Stress, indulgence, and disconnection from our natural rhythms have created imbalances—but awareness and small consistent actions can help restore equilibrium.

As we always say at #Tejasvani Knowledge Desk:

“The human body is one system—its healing begins when we see it as one.”