Sex hormones
The hormones of maturity
The secretion of sex hormones begins in adolescence. They are produced by the genital organs and it is the brain that controls their emission in the body. These hormones behave as messengers in charge of transmitting information from one cell to another and regulating the functions responsible for the development of the reproductive organs: they are at the origin of the development of the so-called secondary sexual characteristics.
In women, estrogen and progesterone are produced by the ovaries. The increase in their rate in the blood causes an increase in hairiness (pubis, armpits ...), breast growth and enlargement of the pelvis. They also have a certain influence on the development of the bone structure, the cardiovascular system, as well as on the adipose tissue.
See also
In humans, we talk about androgens (of which testosterone is the main representative) produced by the testicles. Testosterone grows hair, increases muscle mass, increases the size of the genital organs, and causes changes in the tone of the voice.
Estrogen and progesterone, the fertility hormones
Female sex hormones are emitted in a precise order, which follows a pattern that repeats every 28 days. That's why we talk about the cycle. Estrogens are produced during the first half of the cycle: they allow the ovum to mature until the moment of its expulsion, they stimulate the production of cervical mucus and also a slight dilation of the cervix, in order to facilitate the access of spermatozoa. . After ovulation, it is progesterone that takes over. This hormone prepares the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg, keeps the cervix closed and ensures the development of the mammary glands (and is therefore responsible for the tension in the breast that precedes menstruation). If fertilization does not take place, the progesterone rate drops abruptly causing the destruction of the endometrium: here is menstruation.
Testosterone, the manhood hormone
Unlike female sex hormones, testosterone is continuously produced by the testes. This hormone is responsible for the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics and regulates man's reproductive functions, ensuring the production of spermatozoa. Also in women, testosterone is produced in small quantities by the ovaries. During menopause, when the hormone rate drops sharply, the amount of other hormones is no longer able to counteract the effects of testosterone: this often causes an increase in hairiness (on the chin) and also a change in the tone of the voice, which becomes more serious. Testosterone is also the physical strength hormone. Also called steroid hormone, it is used by athletes as a doping substance useful for building muscle mass.
The chemical hormones
Sex hormones are naturally produced by the body. But it may happen that external intervention is needed to adequately regulate their rate. This is what happens during menopause, for example. In this case, it is possible to use chemical or synthetic hormones to maintain an ideal rate of estrogen and progesterone in women. Changing the rate of sex hormones in the blood also allows it to affect reproductive functions. This is the principle on which some types of contraceptives, such as the pill, are based. Ovulation is suspended and the development of the uterine mucosa is prevented: no embryo will be able to attach itself and develop properly.
Hormones and mood
Mood swings, fatigue, morale underground ... all of this would be caused by hormones and, in particular, female hormones: in men, on the other hand, testosterone is emitted constantly and does not cause the disturbances due to these variations. In addition to reproduction, estrogen also participates in the development of the central nervous system. The alternation of brutal peaks and drops in the rate of these hormones affects nervous sensitivity. In addition, progesterone has a mild sedative effect that can cause mild depression, especially in the time before menstruation.
Hormones and libido
Likewise, sex hormones affect desire and thus libido. Again, it is women who are most affected by hormonal changes. This occurs especially during menopause, when the lowering of the hormone rate affects the genital organs from a physiological point of view. To the decrease in desire, we must also add greater dryness of the vaginal mucosa and a slight atrophy of the vulva. But thanks to hormone replacement treatments, today it is possible to considerably reduce this type of ailments.
