Women’s Hormones: Understanding Meaning & Types
What are the Types of Female Sex Hormone?
There are three primary types of hormones in female physiology. They are estrogen, progesterone, and small amounts of testosterone. Each one plays a unique role in a woman’s body.
- Estrogen: This hormone is produced by the ovaries (glands that release eggs and make women’s hormones). The adrenal glands (small glands above your kidneys) and fat tissues also produce estrogen. This female sex hormone contributes to the growth and development of the female body during puberty. The estrogen hormone is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. Additionally, it affects the levels of cholesterol in the blood. Estrogen also impacts bone health, skin elasticity, and brain function.
- Progesterone: This hormone is released by the corpus luteum after ovulation. The corpus luteum is a temporary gland formed from the follicle that released the egg. Progesterone prepares the uterus for possible pregnancy and supports early baby’s development. Progesterone levels fluctuate throughout your cycle. If they are not balanced, it can make it hard to ovulate.
- Testosterone: Even though it is primarily a male sex hormone, women also have a small amount of testosterone. It contributes to sex drive, bone strength, and muscle mass. A woman’s adrenal glands and ovaries control how much testosterone they have.
Other Important Hormones: Two additional hormones, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), also play a significant role in female reproductive health. They are released by the pituitary gland (a small gland in your brain). These hormones help you ovulate and regulate estrogen and progesterone production.
What Role Do Hormones Play During Puberty?
Most girls start puberty between the ages of 8 and 13. During this time, the pituitary gland begins making more LH and FSH. These hormones signal the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone. As these female hormones increase, they trigger the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
These are changes like breast development, growth of pubic and underarm hair, and height increase. The body also starts storing more fat around the hips and thighs. Additionally, the reproductive organs (such as the uterus and ovaries) begin to mature. This is also when the menstrual cycle usually begins.
What is the Role of Hormones in Menstruation?
The first period is known as menarche in medical terms. It typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 16. On average, it begins around age 12. After that, most girls experience a regular menstrual cycle. Each cycle typically lasts 25 to 36 days. The cycle has three main phases: follicular, ovulatory, and luteal.
In the follicular phase, estrogen helps thicken the inner lining of the uterus. This helps prepare for a possible pregnancy. Due to the rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, the process of ovulation initiates. This means the release of an egg.
In the luteal phase, progesterone supports the thickened lining. However, if the woman is not pregnant, estrogen and progesterone levels drop. This causes the lining to shed. This results in menstrual bleeding, which usually lasts 3 to 7 days.
What is the Role of Hormones in Pregnancy?
Pregnancy begins when a fertilized egg attaches to the inside of the uterus. The process is called implantation. Right after this, a temporary organ called the placenta forms. The placenta is crucial because it produces hormones like progesterone and estrogen. In addition to these, there are several other hormones that play crucial roles during pregnancy. These are human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), relaxin, and human placental lactogen (hPL).
- Progesterone: This hormone helps prepare the uterus for the development of the fetus. It keeps the uterus from contracting too early. It also thickens the cervix (the opening of the uterus) and creates a protective mucus plug.
- Estrogen: Estrogen supports the growth of the uterine lining (the innermost layer of the womb). It also helps the milk ducts in the breasts to develop.
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): This is the hormone that pregnancy tests detect. It is important because it helps in maintaining high levels of estrogen and progesterone. This further prevents menstruation and supports the early development of the embryo (developing baby).
- Relaxin: Early in pregnancy, relaxin helps with the egg’s implantation and prevents early contractions. Later, it helps loosen the ligaments in your pelvis, preparing your body for childbirth.
- Human Placental Lactogen (hPL): In the second trimester (week 13 to week 27), hPL helps regulate your body’s metabolism. It ensures the baby gets enough nutrients. It also continues to prepare your breasts for milk production.
After the baby is born, these hormone levels gradually return to normal.
What is the Role of Hormones in Menopause?
Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. This typically occurs around the age of 50. However, the timing can be different for each individual. The period leading up to menopause is called perimenopause. During this period, the body’s hormone levels undergo significant changes.
During perimenopause, levels of estrogen fluctuate, while progesterone steadily decreases. These shifts in hormones can lead to a variety of experiences, such as:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes (sudden feelings of heat and sweating)
- Mood swings
- Sleep issues
- Vaginal dryness
Once menopause is reached, both estrogen and progesterone remain at consistently low levels. This can lead to several long-term effects, such as:
- Lower sex drive
- Bone density loss
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Some women may consider hormone replacement therapy to manage symptoms.
What is the Role of Hormones in Sexual Desire and Arousal?
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all influence female sex drive and arousal. Higher levels of estrogen generally lead to increased sexual desire. It promotes natural vaginal lubrication. On the other hand, higher progesterone levels can sometimes decrease a woman’s interest in sex.
Although testosterone is present in smaller amounts in females, it also affects libido. It supports better vaginal lubrication. In fact, a notable drop in testosterone can reduce sexual desire.
It is important to note that using testosterone therapy in women is not commonly recommended. This is because its benefits are not always clear. When it does help, it often requires high doses, which can lead to side effects. For example, weight gain, increased facial hair, enlargement of the clitoris, and hair loss.
When Hormones Become Unbalanced
Hormone levels naturally shift throughout a woman’s life. They change as a normal part of puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. They also change if you use hormonal birth control or other treatments. However, when they become consistently unbalanced, it can sometimes point to a health issue. These are some possible causes of a long-term imbalance:
- Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), ovarian tumours, or early ovarian failure can disrupt hormones.
- High levels of stress, being overweight, or taking certain medications can also affect hormone balance.
- Hormonal changes can also be triggered by a miscarriage. It can be linked to having multiple pregnancies.
When hormones are out of balance, the body may show several signs. These can include:
- Irregular periods
- Acne or unwanted facial hair growth
- Hot flashes or weight gain
- Feelings of fatigue or mood swings
- Sleep problems or anxiety
Summary
The various female hormone types play a crucial role in a woman’s overall health. Notice if you have been experiencing the above symptoms for a long time. If they are affecting your daily life, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can help figure out the cause of the imbalance. They will suggest the best treatment options for you. The diagnosis may involve some blood tests. Ultimately, the right treatment depends on the underlying cause.