Estrogen and Progesterone

Hormones perform a vital part in the human reproductive system. Hormones have a role in the development and maintenance of sexual characteristics in both the male and female reproductive systems.

Estrogen and progesterone are the two most important female sex hormones. Females generate and require a little quantity of testosterone, despite the fact that it is considered a male hormone. Estrogen is essential for reproductive and sexual development, including puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen, is a group of hormones that mainly control the development, maturation, and function of the female reproductive tract. Among the estrogens, there are three primary hormones: estradiol, estrone, and estriol, with estradiol being the most prevalent.

The ovaries and the placenta (the temporary organ that serves to nourish and eliminate waste from the foetus) are the primary producers of estrogens; the adrenal glands and the male testes generate small amounts as well.

Functions of Estrogen

At the beginning of puberty in females, pituitary hormones encourage the ovaries to produce estrogen. The estrogen performs the following reproductive functions:

• During puberty, the estrogen hormone stimulates the growth and development of the ovaries, which are the major female sex organs.
• Estrogens promote the development and maintenance of secondary sexual traits in females, such as a high pitched voice, hip expansion, breast growth, and so on.
• The menstrual cycle is regulated by estrogen hormone and the gonadotropic hormones (FSH and LH) of the anterior pituitary gland.
• Estrogen induces the endometrium (uterine lining) to expand (grow) in order to replace the layer lost during previous menstruation.
• The vaginal wall’s thickness and lubrication are maintained by estrogen hormone.

Types of Estrogen

1. Estrone: This kind of estrogen is produced by the body after menopause. It’s a weaker type of estrogen that the body can convert to other estrogens as needed.
2. Estradiol: Estradiol is the most common estrogen in females during their reproductive years. Both men and females generate it. High amounts of estradiol, osteoporosis, acne, depression, and a lack of sexual drive are all possible adverse effects. Furthermore, when estradiol levels rise, so does the chance of developing breast and uterine cancer. Low levels of estradiol, on the other hand, can contribute to cardiovascular and weight issues.

What is Progesterone?

Progesterone is a hormone generated by the female reproductive system that primarily regulates the state of the uterine inner lining (endometrium). The ovaries, placenta, and adrenal glands all create progesterone. Progesterone and synthetic steroid hormones having progesterone-like characteristics, such as the progestogen levonorgestrel, are referred to as progestogen.

The corpus luteum is the origin of progesterone production in the ovaries. Progesterone prepares the uterine wall so that the lining can receive a fertilised egg and the egg can be implanted and develop. It also prevents uterine muscle spasms, which would normally lead the uterine membrane to reject the attached egg.

Progesterone’s Functions

• Progesterone is a hormone that is classified as a steroid. The luteinising hormone stimulates progesterone synthesis in the corpus luteum. During the female reproductive cycle, progesterone helps with the following functions:
• Progesterone reduces the release of Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and so prevents the development of new follicles. This hormone so stabilises the menstrual cycle and prepares the body for pregnancy.
• Progesterone stimulates the growth of blood vessels into the endometrium, which contributes to the thickening of the uterine wall. This thicker lining aids in embryo implantation and gives nourishment to the developing embryo via the placenta.

How to increase estrogen and progesterone in females?

• Keep a healthy body weight:  Excess weight leads the body of a woman to create more estrogen. This causes a progesterone imbalance. While maintaining a healthy weight does not guarantee that a woman will produce more progesterone, it does indicate that her hormones will be more balanced.
• Reduce your tension:  Stress causes the synthesis of stress hormones as well as the conversion of hormones such as progesterone to cortisol by the kidneys. Meditation, writing, reading, listening to music, or indulging in other soothing and pleasurable hobbies are examples of stress-relieving activities.
• Excessive exercise should be avoided:  Physical activity can help you manage your stress and maintain a healthy weight. Excessive workout, on the other hand, might have the opposite impact. It has the potential to induce the body to create stress hormones instead of progesterone.

Difference between Estrogen and Progesterone

Conclusion

Estrogen, is a group of hormones that mainly control the development, maturation, and function of the female reproductive tract. The ovaries and the placenta (the temporary organ that serves to nourish and eliminate waste from the foetus) are the primary producers of estrogens; the adrenal glands and the male testes generate small amounts as well. Progesterone is a hormone generated by the female reproductive system that primarily regulates the state of the uterine inner lining. The corpus luteum is the origin of progesterone production in the ovaries. Progesterone stimulates the growth of blood vessels into the endometrium, which contributes to the thickening of the uterine wall.