Red light therapy and female hormones

Red light therapy and female hormones: natural support for the cycle, fertility, and balance

Female hormones are anything but stable; they constantly fluctuate with the cycle, stage of life, and external influences such as stress, sleep, nutrition, and light. When this balance is disrupted, it can manifest as fatigue, mood swings, painful periods, reduced fertility, or hormonal issues such as those associated with PCOS.

More and more women are discovering red light therapy as a natural, non-invasive way to support the hormonal system. But how exactly does it work? And what does research say about red light, the menstrual cycle, and even pregnancy?

In this blog, we explore the relationship between red light therapy and female hormonal health, including concrete research findings.

This article focuses on the hormonal aspect: the cycle, PCOS, PMS, and stress. Looking for an overview by life stage, from menstrual pain to childbirth and menopause? Then read our article on red light therapy for women: from cycle to menopause.

How light affects the hormonal system

The endocrine (hormonal) system responds strongly to light and darkness, particularly through the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, the two areas of the brain that regulate a large part of hormonal control. Light affects, among other things:

• The production of melatonin, which indirectly influences the release of estrogen, LH, and FSH
• The functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which regulates the reproductive cycle
• The cortisol balance, which directly affects sex hormones

Red and near-infrared light (between 630 and 1060 nm) acts deeply on cells and tissues through photobiomodulation, activating the mitochondria to produce more energy (ATP). This may contribute to, among other things, energy metabolism, recovery, reducing inflammatory responses, and hormonal balance.

Impact on the menstrual cycle

A healthy menstrual cycle depends on effective cooperation between various hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, LH, and FSH. Red light therapy can contribute to a balanced cycle in several ways:

• Supporting mitochondrial function: estrogen production partly depends on properly functioning mitochondria in the ovaries and adrenal glands.
• Reducing inflammatory responses: in women with severe menstrual pain or endometriosis, red light may provide support by locally reducing inflammatory responses.
• Regulation of the autonomic nervous system: red light activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate stress and maintain balance between cortisol and sex hormones.

A small-scale study from 2018 reported that transdermal application of red light to the lower abdomen was associated with a shortening of long cycles in women with PCOS.
Source: PubMed, light therapy for PCOS

In addition, many women experience fewer menstrual symptoms, such as cramps or mood swings, with regular use of red light on the lower abdomen or lower back during the luteal phase (the week before menstruation). You can read what the research says about light for menstrual cramps in our article on red light therapy for menstrual pain.

Support during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the female body undergoes significant changes. Although the use of red light therapy during pregnancy has not yet been extensively studied, there are several important insights:

• Red light supports cell growth and tissue repair, which may help with fatigue, muscle pain, or back pain.
• Research has linked it to blood flow to the placenta and uterus, which may benefit oxygen supply.
• It has a relaxing effect on the nervous system, which may help with hormonal mood swings and sleep problems.

An animal study from 2016 reported that red light therapy appeared to have a beneficial effect on placental development and fetal metabolism.
Source: Infrared light and pregnancy outcomes in rats

Important: During pregnancy, we strongly advise against using red light therapy on or around the abdomen. Although some studies suggest positive effects, there is still insufficient research available on the safety of pregnant women and their unborn children.
We therefore advise against targeted use of red light during pregnancy, unless this is explicitly done in consultation with a doctor or midwife.

If relief is nevertheless sought, for example for back pain or fatigue, limit use to indirect, short sessions on areas such as the back, legs, or soles of the feet, only after professional medical advice.

Effect on fertility and cycle recovery

For women who are having difficulty becoming pregnant, red light therapy may also play an interesting role:

• Support for ovarian function and follicle growth through mitochondrial stimulation
• Support for the circadian rhythm, which influences LH surges and ovulation
• Support for the uterine lining, by supporting microcirculation

A Japanese study described how some women with reduced egg quality became pregnant spontaneously after photobiomodulation (at 830 nm). Results vary from person to person.
Source: Low Level Light Therapy in Infertile Women

Red light and hormonal imbalance (PCOS, PMS, burnout)

Many women experience hormonal imbalance due to stress, diet, lack of sleep, or the use of hormonal contraception. Symptoms may include:

• Irregular or absent periods
• Severe PMS symptoms
• Reduced energy and vitality
• Anxiety, low mood, or burnout

Red light therapy can naturally provide support in these areas by:

• The support of a healthy balance of stress hormones such as cortisol
• The support of a healthy melatonin and serotonin rhythm
• The stimulation of cell renewal in the adrenal glands and ovaries

Regular use, particularly in the evening (around 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.), supports the hormonal day-night rhythm and, with regular use, may contribute to mood, cycle, and energy.

Conclusion

Red light therapy offers a wide range of possibilities for women seeking hormonal support, whether to support a balanced cycle, relieve menstrual symptoms, support fertility, or provide support during pregnancy. The key is consistent use at the right time of the cycle or day.

Please note: red light therapy is a wellness application and is not a substitute for medical care. Results vary from person to person; consultation with a doctor or therapist is always recommended for specific hormonal concerns or during pregnancy.

Want to discover which red light lamp best suits your stage or concern? Visit our webshop or contact us for personalised advice.