OESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE
In the female hormonal system, mainly there are 2 hormones
that are responsible for the growth and maintenance of secondary sex
characteristics. These two hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, have different
uses.
Oestrogen is the primary female sex hormones and is made of
a group of compounds. They are secreted through the ovaries and have a wide
variation of purposes. Some of these include:
- Growth of uterine lining
- Determining the gender of a baby (with a higher level of oestrogen, the fetus is then feminized. However, if the level of testosterone in a fetus is higher than the oestrogen level, the fetus is masculinised.)
- Improvements in the quality of skin
- Acceleration of metabolism
- Increasing cholesterol levels in bile
On the other hand, progesterone, like oestrogen, is a steroid
hormone. It is also produced by the ovaries. However, its functions differ from
those of oestrogen.
- Maintenance of the uterine lining to receive a fertilised egg
- Causes discomfort during pregnancy (as more space is required for the gestating fetus, the muscles in the uterus are more relaxed, prompting discomfort in the bladder, digestive system and the rectum)
- Prevention of endometrial cancer
- Signalling of insulin release
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