What Is The Function Of Estrogen ?
Estrogen is the primary sex hormone amongst the female species and is cardinal towards the normal functioning of the female reproductive system. Although it is produced by the adrenal glands amongst males as well, it is found in their bodies in much lesser proportions than females. |
Estrogen is present in the female species in 3 forms, namely estradiol, estriol and estrone. Each of these types of estrogens has its distinct role in the body. The development of the reproductive system amongst females during the years of adolescence is under the charge of estradiol. The second variant of the hormone, estriol is synthesized during pregnancy by the placenta. Finally, estrone is active during the menopausal phase of life.
This hormone plays an immensely important role in maintaining the regularity of the menstrual cycle and the healthy development of the fetus during pregnancy. Another vital function associated with this hormone is the development of secondary sex characteristics, which in females are illustrated by presence of well developed breasts, a widened pelvis, relatively greater amounts of body fat in the regions of the buttock, thigh and hip, lesser facial hair and smoother skin in contrast to men.
While the hormone is mainly produced by the egg follicles in the ovaries; the corpus luteum and the placenta also contribute towards its synthesis. Estrogen is manufactured in minute amounts by the liver, breasts and adrenal glands as well. The sound production of estrogen in women is also known to be associated with two other hormones called the luteinizing hormone (LH) and the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) during the reproductive years of life. Estrogen is involved in preparing the uterus for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining so that the fertilized ovum can be implanted and nurtured successfully.
Apart from being cardinal to the reproductive system, estrogen is known to be of significance to several other organs of the body; and also maintains the skin and hair in good condition. The hormone is also believed to aid in enhancing the level of good cholesterol or HDL in the body and reducing the proportion of LDL that is regarded as bad cholesterol; thereby maintaining the healthy functioning of the heart. The mental health of a woman is also influenced by the fluctuations in the level of this hormone. Tremendous mood swings and depression have been diagnosed in women demonstrating low levels of this hormone especially during the phases of postpartum, peri-menopause, and post-menopause. Administration of hormone therapy has been found to be helpful in obtaining respite from such symptoms by facilitating the restoration of healthy level of estrogen.
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The estrogen that is naturally manufactured in a female’s body is referred to as endogenous estrogen. Estrogen is present in the female species in three forms. The primary variant is called estradiol, which is synthesized by the ovaries prior to menopause. This type of estrogen is also signified as 17-beta estradiol and E2. A relatively weaker variant of estrogen is estrone, also known as E1. This type of estrogen illustrates the primary form of the hormone present in the female body during the menopausal years.