Female Hormones: Definition and Importance

Female hormones play a vital role in regulating many bodily functions in women, from growth and development during puberty to menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth. Due to the importance of this topic, we will cover in this article the types of female hormones and their various functions, as well as their wide-ranging effects on overall health.

First: Types of Female Hormones

Estrogen

• Source : Secreted by the ovaries, and in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands and fatty tissues.
• Types :
  • Estradiol (Estradiol) : The most common and potent type during reproductive years.
  • Estrone (Estrone) : Present in larger quantities after menopause.
  • Estriol (Estriol) : Produced in large amounts during pregnancy.
• Functions :
  • Regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the body for pregnancy.
  • Develops secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast growth and fat distribution in the body.
  • Maintains bone, skin, and hair health.
  • Improves good cholesterol levels and reduces bad cholesterol.

Progesterone

• Source : Secreted by the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation, and also by the placenta during pregnancy.
• Functions :
  • Prepares the uterus to receive a fertilized egg.
  • Maintains the thickness of the uterine lining to support pregnancy.
  • Regulates the menstrual cycle by preventing repeated ovulation during the same cycle.
  • Supports pregnancy stability and prevents excessive uterine contractions.

Testosterone

• Source : Secreted by the ovaries and adrenal glands.
• Functions :
  • Affects muscle and bone growth and strength.
  • Plays a role in libido and mood regulation.
  • Contributes to red blood cell production balance.

Oxytocin

• Source : Secreted by the posterior pituitary gland.
• Functions :
  • Stimulates uterine contractions during labor.
  • Assists in breastfeeding by stimulating milk ejection.
  • Enhances social and emotional bonds, often referred to as the “love hormone.”

Second: The Role of Female Hormones in the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle consists of key phases, regulated by a delicate hormonal balance:

Menstruation
Begins when estrogen and progesterone levels drop, causing the uterine lining to shed and blood to exit through the vagina. This phase typically lasts 3 to 7 days.

Follicular Phase
Starts with the first day of menstruation and continues until ovulation.
Estrogen levels gradually increase, promoting follicle growth in the ovaries.
Rising estrogen levels thicken the uterine lining in preparation for a fertilized egg.

Ovulation
The egg is released from the ovary, usually around the middle of the menstrual cycle (day 14 in a 28-day cycle).
Triggered by a sharp rise in luteinizing hormone (LH).
The egg remains viable for fertilization for 12-24 hours after ovulation.

Luteal Phase
Extends from ovulation to the start of the next menstruation.
The corpus luteum primarily secretes progesterone, which thickens the uterine lining.
If fertilization does not occur, hormone levels drop, initiating a new cycle.

Third: The Impact of Female Hormones on Overall Health

Mental and Emotional Health

• Estrogen's Effect : Improves mood and reduces symptoms of depression; its decline can lead to mood swings.
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) : Characterized by mood changes and symptoms like anxiety and depression before menstruation due to hormonal fluctuations.
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) : A more severe form of PMS requiring medical intervention.

Bone Health
Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density by preventing bone loss.
After menopause, declining estrogen levels increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Weight and Appetite
Estrogen and progesterone help regulate appetite and fat storage in the body.
Some women notice appetite changes and weight gain during certain phases of the menstrual cycle.

Skin and Hair Health
Estrogen helps maintain smooth, moisturized skin and promotes hair growth.
Hormonal changes can lead to skin issues like acne or hair loss.

Heart Health
Estrogen improves blood cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
After menopause, the risk of heart disease increases due to lower estrogen levels.

Fourth: The Impact of Female Hormones During Pregnancy

Estrogen and Progesterone
Levels of estrogen and progesterone rise significantly during pregnancy to support fetal growth and develop pregnancy-related tissues.
Progesterone helps relax the smooth muscles of the uterus, preventing premature contractions.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
Secreted by the placenta shortly after the fertilized egg implants.
Stimulates the ovaries to produce more estrogen and progesterone, preventing menstruation and supporting pregnancy.

Estradiol
Increases during pregnancy to stimulate uterine lining growth, supporting fetal tissue development.

Relaxin
Helps relax ligaments and tendons, facilitating pelvic expansion in preparation for childbirth.

Fifth: The Impact of Menopause on Female Hormones

Decreased Estrogen Levels
Menopause is accompanied by a significant drop in estrogen levels, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
Low estrogen levels can increase the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Used to compensate for hormonal deficiencies and alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Treatment may include estrogen, progesterone, or both.

Female hormones are not just transient chemicals but are key regulators of many vital functions in a woman’s body. By gaining a deeper understanding of how these hormones work and their diverse effects, we can improve women’s physical and mental health and enhance their quality of life.