this post was submitted on 27 Jul 2025
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Not mentioned in the summary is joint issues. Relaxin is a hormone produced by the corpus luteum within 2 weeks of ovulation (rising even further during pregnancy). This hormone softens joints, increasing flexibility and helping to prepare for giving birth. Unfortunately it also increases the risks of joint injuries, especially for knees and ankles.
There's several paragraphs about ACL injuries that does discuss the hormonal effect of estrogen. The amount of relaxin produced by the corpus luteum is fairly minimal compared to the amount produced by the placenta though.