Be Well by Kelly Leveque

361: What Every Woman Should Know About Her Hormones | Sarah Hill

Nov 19, 2025
Sarah E. Hill, an award-winning researcher and author of The Period Brain, dives into how hormones impact women's lives. She explains the effects of estrogen and progesterone on mood, attraction, and relationships throughout the cycle. Hill shares insights on the role of hormonal birth control and its trade-offs, as well as practical tips for syncing diet and training with hormonal phases. She also discusses ways to alleviate PMS, boost ovulation health, and the influence of circadian rhythms, making complex science relatable and actionable.
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INSIGHT

Cycle Purpose: Attraction Then Preparation

  • The menstrual cycle evolved to alternate between mate-attraction (estrogen) and implantation readiness (progesterone).
  • Estrogen drives outward energy, sex drive, and sociality while progesterone shifts energy inward for pregnancy support.
INSIGHT

Estrogen Peaks Drive Fertile Behavior

  • Estrogen peaks before ovulation and increases sexual desire, social drive, energy, and recovery.
  • The fertile window (about days 7–14) aligns behavior and physiology to promote conception.
INSIGHT

Progesterone Promotes Bonding And Safety

  • After ovulation the corpus luteum releases progesterone which readies the body for implantation and promotes inward-focused behavior.
  • Progesterone supports social bonding, safety-seeking, and physiological changes for pregnancy.
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