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Both oestrogens and progesterone are important in the control of the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis. IF pregnancy occurs, the secretion of progesterone by the corpus luteum and also by the placenta, suppresses menstruation for the duration of the pregnancy.ĩ Changes in plasma concentrations of FSH, LH and the principal gonadal steroids in the normal menstrual cycleġ0 Oestrogens act on several target tissues, including the uterus, vagina and breast progesterone mainly acts on the uterus, and is essential for the maintenance of early pregnancy. Progesterone is secreted after ovulation, stimulates the uterus to undergo changes that prepare it for implantation of the fertilized ovum and suppresses ovulation and secretion of pituitary LH. The second group comprises progesterone and its metabolites, which are formed in the corpus luteum, the body that develops from ruptured ovarian follicle. The estrogens participate in the menstrual cycle and are essential for the development and maintenance of the reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics. Activins, inhibins and progesterone also have a role in regulating the cycle.Ĩ The first group of female sex hormone, the estrogen, originate in the ovarian follicle( and also in the placenta during pregnancy). The placenta also makes the hormones that necessary for maintenance of pregnancy.ħ The hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis 2 different chemical types of steroid hormones are produced and secreted by ovary in non-pregnant females during pregnancy, the same hormones are produced by the ovary, but in different proportions. The reproductive system of female is more complicated than in males because of the cyclical events that take place during the menstrual cycle and even greater changes that occurs during pregnancy. One mature ovum is released approximately once every 4 or 5 weeks. Plasma testosterone levels in normal adult males range from ng/dl ( μg/d, and 30-90ng/dl in female.Ĥ Investigation of infertility and male hypogonadismĦ Female sex hormones The female gonad, ovary, has a double function it not only produces and secretes the female sex hormones, but it is the site of production and maturation of the ova. The pituitary gonadotropin LH stimulates interstitial cells in the testis to produce testosterone and FSH promotes spermatogenesis by the germinal cells. Testes have a double function: to produce and secrete the male hormone, testosterone, and to produce the spermatozoa. Testosterone production and spermatogenesis Infertility and male hypogonadism Female sex hormones Normal menstrual cycle Human chorionic gonadotrophin(hCG) Effect of pregnancy on biochemical tests Complications in pregnancyĢ Male sex hormones The male gonads are the testes.