Overview of Female Hormones

Overview of Female Hormones

• Female hormones are primarily estrogen and progesterone, with smaller amounts of testosterone.
• These hormones regulate bodily functions including menstruation, pregnancy, and overall health.
• Estrogen and progesterone work together, preparing the body for pregnancy.
• Hormone levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, impacting bodily systems.

Estrogen

• Estrogen is a group of steroid hormones, with estradiol being the most potent.
• It's essential for female reproductive organs.
• It's vital for secondary sex characteristics (breast development, wider hips).
• Estrogen contributes to bone health and metabolism.
• It supports the cardiovascular system by reducing cholesterol.
• Estrogen is important for healthy skin and hair.
• Estrogen levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, peaking around ovulation.
• Different forms of estrogen have varying potency and bodily effects.

Progesterone

• Progesterone is a steroid hormone crucial for pregnancy prep.
• It thickens the uterine lining.
• It's vital for supporting a pregnancy.
• Progesterone levels increase after ovulation, preparing for potential implantation.
• It plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle.
• High progesterone levels can relax smooth muscles.

Hormones in the Menstrual Cycle

• The menstrual cycle is a complex process controlled by fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels.
• Estrogen rises during the follicular phase (before ovulation), stimulating follicle and uterine lining development.
• Progesterone increases after ovulation, maintaining the uterine lining for implantation.
• If no fertilization, both estrogen and progesterone decrease, leading to menstruation (shedding the uterine lining).
• Stress, lifestyle choices, and other health factors can affect the menstrual cycle.

Other Female Hormones

• Women have testosterone, albeit in smaller amounts than men.
• Testosterone affects muscle mass, libido, and bone density.
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are crucial for regulating the menstrual cycle, controlling egg maturation and release.
• Growth hormone (GH) influences metabolic processes and body composition.
• Thyroid hormones impact mood, energy, and metabolism.

Hormone Imbalances and Implications

• Normal hormone fluctuations are expected, but imbalances can cause health issues.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an example of a hormone imbalance.
• Blood tests can detect hormone imbalances.
• Imbalances can cause irregular periods, mood swings, fatigue, and infertility.
• Hormone imbalances may increase the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers.

Influence of Lifestyle

• Diet, exercise, and stress levels significantly affect hormone levels.
• Healthy diets with sufficient calories, vitamins, and minerals are crucial for hormone health.
• Regular exercise promotes healthy hormone regulation.
• Stress management (yoga, meditation) positively impacts hormone balance.

Medical Interventions

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can treat hormone deficiencies or imbalances, requiring medical supervision.
• HRT has potential risks and benefits and requires careful consideration with a doctor.
• Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) selectively interact with estrogen receptors.
• Anti-androgen drugs control androgen levels.