What is Oestrogen
Estrogen or oestrogen is the main female sexual hormone, which is responsible for the regulation and development of the female reproductive system, along with secondary sexual characteristics.
Oestrogen is a hormone, which is secreted by the ovaries. Oestrogen or estrogen makes two things occur:
- It stops the production of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) to ensure that only one egg matures during the 28 day cycle of a woman
- Oestrogen is also responsible for stimulating the hormone LH – which is the Lutenising Hormone.
In women, oestrogen is generated primarily in the ovaries, however it’s also created by fat cells as well as the adrenal gland.
1. Oestrogen during the onset of puberty
2. Fertilisation
3. Placenta & oestrogen
4. Other roles of oestrogen
Oestrogen is instrumental in bone development, working with vitamin D, calcium along with other hormones to efficiently break down and reconstruct bones in accordance with the body’s natural processes. As oestrogen levels start to fall in middleage, the procedure for rebuilding bones is therefore less efficient, with postmenopausal females finally breaking down more bone than they create. This is why postmenopausal females are 4 times more likely to have problems with osteoporosis than men.
It changes skin, hair, mucous membranes and the pelvic muscles, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Oestrogen also has an impact on your mind, and studies also show that chronically low oestrogen levels are connected with a decreased mood.
Men produce oestrogen as well, but at lower amounts than females. Estrogen in men is secreted by the adrenal glands and by the testes. In guys, oestrogen is believed to influence sperm count.
5. Changes in oestrogen levels
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DISCLAIMER
All articles on the blog and website are intended as information only. Please do not consider any of the information provided here as a substitute for medical advice. At all times seek medical advice directly with your own doctor and medical team.
ANNOUNCEMENT
This website was formerly Merrion Fetal Health. The clinic has undergone a rebrand and is now known as Merrion Ultrasound.