Posted by Psychedelic mushrooms have been a subject of scientific research and study since the 60s. Standard dosing evolved to microdosing for high-functioning benefits without the hallucinogenic trip. It’s meant for subtle changes over time that don’t require a daily habit.
The same goes for non-psilocybin psychedelic mushrooms. Although many people choose to take them recreationally, microdosing twice a week or more for better brain power and performance is popular among working professionals.
But no matter whether you are microdosing or taking more for deeper journeys, mushrooms do more than simply rewire your brain. Do they affect your hormones, or vice-versa? Let’s look at whether hormones and mushrooms interact with each other.
What Kind of Hormones?
With the research that’s been done so far on psychedelic mushrooms, there is a relationship between them and hormones – sex hormones, that is. It is especially true for women.
That means estrogen and progesterone. Although men have estrogen, it’s in tiny amounts compared to testosterone. And while women have testosterone, the proportion is also tiny in comparison to estrogen and progesterone.
Estrogen in women helps develop and maintain female secondary sex characteristics and the menstrual cycle. It’s important for bone health and maintaining the uterine lining in preparation for possible conception.
Estrogen also helps thicken the uterine lining after ovulation, when a woman’s fertility is at its peak. Then, it prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy, and increases to support early pregnancy. The ovaries, fat cells, and adrenal glands produce estrogen in women.
For men, the testes, fat cells, and adrenal glands produce estrogen. Men naturally have a lower percentage of fat than women. Estrogen maintains bone density, metabolism, weight, regulates the libido and sexual function, and supports heart health and mental well-being.
Progesterone is exclusive to females. It thickens the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy, regulates the menstrual cycle, maintains pregnancy, and influences emotional regulation and sleep patterns.
Psychedelic Mushrooms and Sex Hormones: Research
For women, there is an interaction between the chemistry of psychedelic mushrooms and their sex hormones of estrogen and progesterone. There are greater effects from mushrooms with the hormonal changes that happen during the menstrual cycle.
Also, women with hormone disorders where they have an excess of estrogen or progesterone. They could have estrogen dominance or high progesterone. Conditions like PMDD and endometriosis also decrease quality of life.
Women on hormonal birth control are taking the synthetic form of estrogen, as are women who are on hormone replacement therapy for menopause and other conditions. In both cases, there are no natural hormonal fluctuations.
Hormonal birth control prevents ovulation. If it also contains progestin, it tricks the body into thinking it’s pregnant. In such a form, it’s known as a combined hormonal contraceptive. Progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone) is also in use for preventing miscarriage in women who have a weak cervix.
How do these hormones matter with psychedelic mushrooms?
Estrogen enhances the binding of the serotonin agonist to serotonin 5HT2A receptors, resulting in higher emotional, cognitive, and even psychedelic responses. And progesterone heightens emotional intensity, sensitivity, and reactivity while taking psychedelic mushrooms.
It is serotonin 5HT2A that boosts mood and stabilizes emotions. This makes it useful not only for alleviating anxiety and depression, but also balances the brain’s stress response and encourages positive thinking and behavior.
Physically, it has great benefits for women, too. With potential anti-inflammatory properties, it can alleviate pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances they may experience during the menstrual cycle and menopause.
How Microdosing Affects Women
Thanks to women’s cyclical nature with estrogen and progesterone, they will be more sensitive to the effects of psychedelic mushrooms than men. Even with microdosing (low amounts), they will have more intense experiences and reactions.
Since they’ll experience effects faster and more deeply, they’ll also get greater benefits at lower doses. That means an improvement in mood, emotional balance, and mental clarity, among other things.
Women may microdose for different reasons depending on their stage of life. For young mothers, psychedelic mushrooms can reduce the risk of burnout and improve intuition. Women who are experiencing PMS or menopause may use it to regain their focus and personal meaning in their lives. Older women may use it to maintain energy levels and inspire creativity.
Mindless Mushrooms: Microdosing Control, Your Way
When comparing the effects of microdosing psychedelic mushrooms between men and women, women experience them faster and more intensely. Women also commonly experience a poorer quality of life emotionally and physically, especially dealing with hormonal changes and conditions. That’s because of the unique way estrogen and progesterone interact with the serotonin agonist in psychedelic mushrooms.
Microdosing can help women deal with the stresses of life, and the best effects come from the best product. Only the highest quality control standards go into Mindless Mushrooms by Real Botanicals. Women who are interested in microdosing can rest assured they won’t have any unpredictable and unwanted effects thanks to its precise dosing and friendly formulation.
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