What are Hormones?
Hormones are biochemical messengers consisting of steroidal structure, that regulates the system of the body. The type of specific chemical messenger that releases from a specific type of organ provides the signal to a specific organ and prompts specific physiological activities. In humans more than 50 types of hormones are present we learn about two reproduction hormones produced in the female body Estrogen and Progesterone.
Estrogen
A steroid hormone (Cholesterol derivative)/ A reproductive hormone in the female it starts producing during puberty. female produces most of the estrogen during puberty, the most prominent location of this hormone is the ovary a grape size gland located on either side of the uterus. Follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH), are responsible for production in the female body It is also secreted within the adrenal gland, fat tissue, and brain, during pregnancy placenta secretes some estrogen.
Types of Estrogen
a. Estriol
- Circulates in the female body during pregnancy.
- males don’t produce estriol.
- Most abundant in the female body but least potent.
b. Estradiol
- Found in both Male and Female body.
- Must be abundant in the female body.
- It is active during pregnancy.
- Chemical Nature same of both males & females Estradiol.
c. Estrone
- Only produces in the female body.
- Can enter menopause.
- Only Some males also produce Estrones.
- The chemical nature is the same in both males & females estrone.
Function of Estrogen
- Prepare the uterus for pregnancy.
- Body composition during puberty.
- support breast growth.
- Development of reproductive organs.
- Thickening of uterine line.
- Erectile function & sperm production.
Progesterone
A steroid hormone (Cholesterol derivative) / A reproductive hormone found in Males, Females & Intersex with varying degrees. The female produces most of their progesterone in the corpus luteum that arises after ovulation. It is responsible for preparing the uterus for pregnancy. The adrenal gland also produces a small amount of progesterone responsible for preparing the body for pregnancy and conception. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is responsible production of progesterone in the female body.
Function of Progesterone
- The menstrual cycle is regulated by estrogen but during/ after pregnancy, it is regulated by progesterone.
- After pregnancy body undergoes a lot of physical and biochemical changes being regulated by progesterone.
- It prevents ovulation throughout pregnancy.
- Supports the development of the placenta.
- Nourish fetus.
- Prepare breast to produce milk.
Difference Between Estrogen and Progesterone
Estrogen |
Progesterone |
| Estrogen is secreted by Theca Interna of the ovarian follicle. | Progesterone is secreted by the corpus luteum. |
| Estrogen control the formation and maintains the secondary female sex character controls. | Progesterone controls the growth and maintains the endometrium of the uterus. |
| Secretion of Estrogen stimulated by Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). | Progesterone secretion control by the Luteinizing hormone (LH). |
| It causes enlargement of the breast during pregnancy. | It stimulates the growth of mammary gland during pregnancy. |
| It also has non-reproductive affect also concentration varies according to male, female & intersex. | It has both reproductive and Non-Reproductive functions. |
| Estrogen production is higher during first half of the menstrual cycle known as the luteal phase. | Progesterone is higher during the second half of the menstrual cycle known as the ovulatory phase. |
| Estrogen in the female body is responsible for maintaining the female body for a potential pregnancy. | Progesterone is responsible for maintaining pregnancy. |
| If estrogen levels increase it leads to uterine cells continuously dividing, and it can be out of control and lead to cancer. | Progesterone can control estrogen levels at some limits. |
| Estrogen acts before ovulation. | Progesterone acts after ovulation. |
| Birth control pills are not absorbed by estrogen. | Birth control pills are absorbed by progesterone. |
| Estrogen plays an important in bone resorption by effectively breaking down and rebuilding bone. | Progesterone plays important role in maintaining the endometrium and uterus. |
Similarities Between Estrogen and Progesterone
- Both are female sex hormones.
- Estrogen& Progesterone is a cholesterol derivative hormones.
- Both hormones are secreted during the menstrual cycle.
- Both plays role in pregnancy.
FAQ:
Q1. What happens when Estrogen level increases in the body?
Answer:
Estrogen level increases in body lead to high risk of Uterine cancer due to uncontrolled cell division of Uterine Cell. can also lead to fatigue by thyroid dysfunction.
Q2. What function of the Estrogen Hormone?
Answer:
Function of estrogen:
- Normal development of mammary gland.
- Maintaining of female body for potential pregnancy.
- Maintain female sex character.
Q3. What is the function of Progesterone?
Answer:
Progesterone main function is to prepare lining of uterus for implant of fertilized egg.
Q4. Which vitamin deficiency will lead to decreased production of Estrogen & Progesterone levels in the female body?
Answer:
Vitamin-B6, in recent study there is find the Vit-B6 deficiency lead to increase in production of estrogen and progesterone.