Magnesium: the Key to our Hormonal Health

Why Magnesium Deficiency Is So Common

Many people lack sufficient magnesium because modern agricultural practices have stripped it from the soil. On top of that, the body tends to use up more magnesium during times of stress, making it even more likely that you’re running low if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Magnesium and Hormone Health

Magnesium helps keep the nervous system calm and plays a key role in regulating the HPA axis—the body’s primary stress-response system that also influences hormone balance.

It plays a crucial role in managing blood sugar levels by improving how your body responds to insulin. Thanks to this effect, magnesium is often likened to a natural alternative to metformin. Better insulin sensitivity means fewer sugar cravings and a greater potential for easing PCOS symptoms.

For thyroid function, magnesium is vital in hormone production and also helps to reduce the inflammation often seen in autoimmune thyroid conditions. Supporting thyroid health may also include eliminating gluten and taking selenium.

When it comes to sleep, magnesium can be especially effective, particularly when used alongside calming amino acids like glycine and taurine.

Magnesium supports the health of your mitochondria—the energy centers of your cells—which are crucial for producing steroid hormones.

It also helps regulate how progesterone acts on the brain and nervous system, easing symptoms like mood swings, headaches, and hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause or PMDD.

Additionally, magnesium is necessary for activating vitamin D. Without enough magnesium, vitamin D remains inactive—and in fact, taking high doses of vitamin D without adequate magnesium can make deficiency worse.

Finally, magnesium contributes to longevity by protecting your DNA, reducing oxidative stress, and boosting your body’s main antioxidant, glutathione.

Magnesium for Menstrual Cramps and PMS Relief

Magnesium is also highly beneficial for easing menstrual cramps and discomfort, particularly during the final days of the luteal phase, right before your period starts. As progesterone levels drop, magnesium helps to soothe the muscles of the uterus, reducing cramping. It also calms the nervous system, helping to alleviate mood swings, irritability, and other PMS symptoms. By supporting the body’s natural hormonal rhythm, magnesium can make the transition into your period smoother and less stressful on both your body and mind.