Marla Ahlgrimm on Seasonal Changes That Affect Hormones

Fall is almost here, and that means a major shift in temperatures, daylight hours, and, surprisingly, our hormone balance. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the changing of the seasons can have a profound impact on a woman's hormonal cycle, affecting her melatonin, serotonin, and reproductive hormone levels. This can lead to changes in mood, energy, and even her menstrual cycle.

Hormones Affected by Seasonal Changes

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Marla Ahlgrimm says that shorter, darker days allow the body to produce more melatonin. This can lead to increased sleepiness and fatigue.

Serotonin

Often referred to as a "feel-good" hormone, serotonin is influenced by the amount of sunlight our bodies receive each day. Marla Ahlgrimm points out that as days become shorter, some women may feel more irritable or even experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition linked to decreased sunlight.

Reproductive Hormones

Some studies suggest that a woman's reproductive hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, and progesterone, are affected by seasonal changes. Marla Ahlgrimm says that some research shows that ovarian activity is greater in the summer months than in the winter. During the summer, follicle-stimulating hormone secretion is increased, ovarian follicle size is larger, and there may be a higher frequency of ovulation. This may result in slightly shorter menstrual cycles in the summer compared to the winter.

Cortisol

Cortisol is the primary stress hormone, and Marla Ahlgrimm says that its rhythm is also tied to sunlight. Cortisol typically peaks in the morning and declines in the evening hours. However, longer summer days can disrupt this rhythm, and the shorter days of late winter may actually leave us with less stress hormone running through our veins.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a major role in supporting healthy estrogen levels and enhancing receptor sensitivity. And since it is produced in the skin in response to light, Marla Ahlgrimm says that fewer hours of sunlight may lead to a vitamin D deficiency. This could be associated with decreasing estrogen levels and potentially worse PMS symptoms.

Overall, the connection between seasonal changes and a woman's hormones is a complex interplay. However, Marla Ahlgrimm says that our bodies are meant to be reactive to seasonal changes and that this is a natural part of the female experience. She cautions, however, that women experiencing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder consult with their primary healthcare provider for medical treatment and advice on lifestyle factors that can counter the effects of winter weather woes.