Principal Reproductive Hormones in the Female

FSH

• Released by the pituitary gland

• Triggers the follicle to start developing in the ovary

LH

• Released by the pituitary gland

• Promotes ovulation and forms the corpus luteum

Estrogen

• This is released by the ovaries

• Thickens the endometrium lining during the menstruation cycle

• Responsible for female secondary sex characteristics

Progesterone

• This is released by the corpus luteum

• It helps in maintaining the endometrium in case of a possible pregnancy

Menopause

• The reproductive age/stages of the female has ended

Ovarian Cycle

• This is what prepares the endocrine tissues which will release hormones like estrogen and progesterone. It also governs the egg being eventually released

Menstrual Cycle

• Governs the preparation and maintenance of the endometrial lining

Cycle Explained

• Within the ovarian cycle (the process of the follicle developing), we will see different phases.

• The first half of this cycle (~14 days) is called the follicular phase.

• This process prepares the egg to be ovulated (the follicle develops in this phase)

• The levels of FSH and LH will gradually begin to increase because we want to promote follicular development and ovulation (the release of the egg)

• As the follicle begins to grow and develop, it will secrete hormones itself! These hormones include low levels of progesterone and estrogen.

• Progesterone will help to maintain the endometrium for pregnancy.

• If implantation does not happen, the lining will shed

• As the follicle continues to develop, estrogen levels will continue to rise