Hormones play an important in human reproduction. The body naturally produces hormones. They have an impact on numerous body processes and assist in relaying messages between cells and organs. They are in charge of sperm production, sex drive, menopause, menstruation, puberty, pregnancy, and more in males and females. Keep reading this blog to see more about female reproductive hormones in detail.
Female reproductive(sex) hormones
Female reproductive hormones include
Estrogen
The development of the reproductive and sexual mechanisms (puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause), which starts when a person reaches puberty, relies mainly on estrogen. A blood test can be used to determine estrogen levels
Progesterone
Progesterone is a female sex hormone that is produced by the ovaries after ovulation and by the placenta during pregnancy. Progesterone’s function is to prepare the uterine lining for a fertilised egg, support pregnancy, and stop the production of estrogen after ovulation. Furthermore, a blood test can be used to determine progesterone levels.
Testosterone
Although testosterone is present in lesser amounts in females, it is the primary sex hormone in males. Several bodily processes, including the following, are influenced by this hormone menstrual cycle management, bone and muscular strength, and sexual desire. Unlike estrogen and progestogen, testosterone hormone levels can be found by blood tests.
The hormone roles in females at various stages
Puberty
Puberty usually begins for females between the ages of 8 and 13. At the stage of puberty, the sex hormone estrogen is released. As a result of this, you can notice the following changes in yourself
- Breast development
- Pubic and armpit hair will start to grow
- The uterus, vagina, and ovaries maturing
- The beginning of a menstrual cycle
- Body fat gain, especially in the hips and thighs
Mensuration
About two to three years after the breasts start to grow, a woman experiences her first menstrual cycle (menarche). The menstrual cycle can be classified into 3 phases follicular, ovulatory and luteal phase. The levels of estrogen and progesterone remain low when there isn’t a fertilised egg and this causes the lining of your uterus to shed. Day 1 of your cycle, also known as the follicular phase, is the day on which you first notice bleeding.
The next phase is the ovulatory phase when the follicle ruptures and the egg is released. The last phase in the menstrual cycle is the luteal phase where the uterus gets ready to receive the fertilised egg. If it doesn’t, progesterone and estrogen begin to decline once more, and the cycle repeats. In all, the menstrual cycle lasts between 25 and 36 days and bleeding lasts for three to seven days.
sexual desire
Female libido, often known as sexual desire, is influenced by the hormones testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen. Females typically reach their peak sexual desire right before ovulation due to hormonal changes.
Pregnancy
In pregnancy, the cervix becomes thicker due to progesterone, which shields the uterus from germs and sperm. Higher estrogen levels also contribute to the uterine lining’s thickening. Both hormones(progesterone and estrogen) aid in the expansion of the milk ducts in the breasts. During pregnancy, levels of the hormone relaxin also increase.
Relaxin helps prevent premature contractions and promotes the growth and implantation of the placenta. Postpartum depression may arise as a result of a sudden decline in estrogen and progesterone which happens after pregnancy.
Menopause
Menopause is when a woman has gone 12 months without having her menstruation. At this point, the levels of progesterone and estrogen are holding steady at low levels. Usually, this occurs around the age of 40 and above. Your risk of developing illnesses like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease may rise as a result of decreased hormone production after menopause(menopause symptomps).
To sum up
Thus, the primary sex hormones in females are progesterone and estrogen. These hormones are mostly produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and placenta during pregnancy. Although a person’s hormone levels normally change throughout their lifetime, persistent imbalances can result in a variety of symptoms and adverse health consequences.
