Does Female Masturbation Cause Hormonal Imbalance?

Table of Content

• Female Masturbation and Hormones - How are they linked?

• Does masturbation cause hormonal imbalance in females?

• What are the symptoms of Hormonal imbalance in females?

• What hormone does female masturbation release?

• Does female masturbation have any negative effects on hormones?

• Is masturbation good for female hormones?

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on Does Female Masturbation Cause Hormonal Imbalance

Introduction

Masturbation in females is an act of self-pleasure in which a female stimulates her clitoris to achieve sexual pleasure. The clitoris is made up of thousands of nerve endings, which makes it ultra-sensitive to touch and acts as an erectile tissue. The clitoris is present in the vulva under the clitoral hood in the female genital region.

Apart from sexual pleasure, the questions we’ll explore in this blog are Does Female Masturbation Cause Hormonal Imbalance or does masturbation cause hormonal imbalance

Female Masturbation and Hormones - How are they linked?

What is the link between female masturbation and hormones? Female masturbation causes stimulation of the pleasure centres in the brain like the nucleus accumbens. 

Masturbation in females also leads to a feeling of sexual satisfaction because of prolactin release after an orgasm. There is also the release of Adrenaline which causes an increase in Heart rate, respiratory rate and blood vessel dilation this leads to an increase in blood to the body.

Dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin are released during masturbation in girls which leads to feelings of bonding and pleasure. Pain threshold is increased while masturbation in women due to blunting of the excitatory system to be activated.

Does masturbation cause hormonal imbalance in females?

Female Masturbation doesn’t cause hormonal imbalance in females, but Masturbation in females does lead to the release of various hormones, which we have discussed in the above sections, these hormones only rise temporarily and don’t cause any imbalance in a female body

What causes Hormone imbalance in females? Hormone imbalance can be caused in females due to various reasons: 

1. Polycystic Ovarian syndrome

2. Pregnancy

3. Oral contraceptive pills

4. Menopause 

5. Thyroid disorder

6. Alcohol consumption

Female hormone imbalance can be caused by many other reasons, you should consider booking appointments with a gynaecologist for adequate management.

What are the symptoms of Hormonal imbalance in females?

Hormone imbalance happens when there are either high levels or low levels of hormones than normal levels. Hormones play a vital role in sexual functions, normal metabolism, mood balance etc.

Here are some symptoms of Hormonal imbalance in females:

1. Anxiety

2. Mood swings

3. Hirsutism( facial hair)

4. Fatigue

5. Acne

6. Insomnia

7. Painful or heavy menstrual bleed

8. Constipation or diarrhoea 

9. Weight gain or weight loss

10.  Headaches

What hormone does female masturbation release?

There is an interplay of many hormones in female masturbation. We have already answered: Does Female Masturbation Cause Hormonal Imbalance?, but What hormone does female masturbation release?

Here is a list of hormones which are released in female masturbation:

1. Prolactin: Prolactin release after female masturbation is related to satisfaction, sleepiness and decreased arousal.

2. Adrenaline and Nor-adrenaline: Adrenaline and Noradrenaline release while orgasm increases Heart rate, blood flow and excitement.

3. LH: LH stands for Luteinizing hormone which has a role in normal ovulation and menstrual cycle.

4. Testosterone: Typically testosterone is linked with males, it is also produced by females in small amounts and during orgasm testosterone levels in females also rise.

Hormone levels which are unaffected during female masturbation include:  

1. Beta-endorphins

2. FSH

3. Cortisol

4. Progesterone

5. Estradiol

Does female masturbation have any negative effects on hormones?

Female masturbation does not have any negative effect on hormones. Female masturbation is a Healthy activity which has other benefits: 

1. Sexual pleasure

2. Stress relief 

3. Exploration of one’s body

4. Improved sleep

Is masturbation good for female hormones?

Female masturbation doesn’t cause any hormonal imbalance, the condition leading to hormonal imbalance includes PCOS, Diabetes, thyroid disorders, excessive alcohol consumption etc. 

The point to note is that You feel happy and sexually satisfied after masturbation but it is not always the only way to pump up your hormones. You should include other activities to boost your hormones:

1. Exercise: Aerobic or strength training Exercises release endorphins and dopamine which boost energy levels.

2. Practising Relaxa techniques: Activities like yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises help in relieving stress and lowering your cortisol levels.

3. Balanced Diet: A balanced diet will provide your body with essential nutrients so that your body can synthesise all the required hormones. You can include omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

4. Social interaction and Hobbies: Social interaction boosts your oxytocin levels and brings joy and bonding with others. Engaging in your hobbies boosts your dopamine levels.

When to See a Doctor

Female masturbation does not cause hormonal imbalance in females but there can be other underlying diseases that can cause symptoms of Hormonal imbalance or Hormonal changes. Here is a list of symptoms that you should be worried about and consider booking an appointment with your gynaecologist:

1. Persistent Mood swings

2. Abnormal Menstrual cycles

3. Unexplained changes in Libido

4. Hair falls or skin changes like acne.

5. Sleep disturbances

6. Fatigue

7. Unexplained Weight gain

Take-Home Points

• Masturbation in females is an act of self-pleasure in which a female stimulates her clitoris to achieve sexual pleasure. 

• Female masturbation causes stimulation of the pleasure centres in the brain like the nucleus accumbens. 

• Female Masturbation doesn’t cause hormonal imbalance in females.

• The conditions leading to hormonal imbalance in females include PCOS, Diabetes, thyroid disorders, excessive alcohol consumption etc. 

• There is release of LH, adrenaline, Noradrenaline, testosterone and Prolactin in Female masturbation.

• Hormone levels that are unaffected during female masturbation include Beta-endorphins, FSH, Cortisol, Progesterone and Estradiol.

• Other activities which can boost Hormones in females include Exercise, stress relaxation techniques, meditation interaction with people and engaging in hobbies.