1. Female Reproductive Hormones
Dr. Hazrat Bilal Malakandi
DPT (IPM&R, KMU)

2. Two major hormones
Estrogen: most important is estradiol
Progestin: most important is progesterone

3. Estrogens Nature Sites of secretion In non-pregnant woman by
Steroid
Sites of secretion
In non-pregnant woman by
Ovaries: theca interna. Granulosa cells and corpus luteum
Adrenal cortex
In pregnant woman by
Ovaries, adrenal cortex and placenta

4. Types of Estrogens
Estrone (E1): small amount secreted by ovaries and mostly formed in peripheral tissues from androgens secreted by adrenal cortex and ovaries. Most imp. estrogen in pregnancy and postmenopausal women.
Beta-estradiol (E2): mainly from ovaries and most important estrogen in non-pregnant females.
Estriol (E3): oxidative product of estradiol and estrone in liver, most abundant
Estetrol (E4): produced only during pregnancy

5. Degradation and excretion
Plasma transport
In loose combination with
Plasma albumin
Specific estrogen-binding globulins
Degradation and excretion
Active Beta estradiol and estrone are converted into inactive estriol in liver
Estrogens are conjugated in liver to form glucoronides and sulfates
Conjugates are excreted mainly into urine and about 1/5 in bile.

6. Action of Estrogen 1. On Reproductive Organs On vagina
Inc. in size and wall musculature
Simple cubiodal epithelium is converted into stratified epithelium which is more resistant to trauma and infections.
Increase glycogen deposition
pH becomes more acidic due to conversion of glycogen into lactic acid by bacteria
Lactobacilli in the lower genital tract of women utilize glycogen in vaginal epithelial cells as an energy source and produce lactic acid. The resultant vaginal acidity is believed to provide protection against HIV infection.

7. On External Genetallia
Clitoris and labia minora increase in size
Increase fat deposition in mons pubis and labia majora
On Cervix
Slight enlargement
Epithelium become stratified
Increase alkaline secretions to neutralize the acidic pH of vagina.

8. On Uterus On Fallopian Tubes On Ovaries
Cubiodal epithelium becomes columnar
Uterine glands develop
Increase size, vascularity and glycogen contents
On Fallopian Tubes
Proliferation of glandular tissue
Increase no. and activity of ciliated epithelium
On Ovaries
Estrogen inhibits LH and FSH secretion by negative feedback mechanism  so decrease ovarian functions  used as oral contraceptive

9. 2. On Secondary Sexual Characters On Breast
Initiate growth of breast
Causes development of stroma and duct system
Causes fat deposition in breast
Hair Distribution
Axillary and pubic hairs grow partly due to estrogen and mainly due to adrenal androgens.

10. On Skin On Pelvis On Voice Causes skin to become smooth and soft
Causes increase skin vascularity
On Pelvis
Broadens pelvis
Pelvic outlet become broad and ovoid
On Voice
Larynx retains its prepubertal size and voice remains high pitched

11. 3. Other Effects On Skeletal On Protein Metabolism On Fat Metabolism
Causes increase ossteoblastic activity
Causes early union of epiphysis with shaft
On Protein Metabolism
Slightly increase in total body protein
On Fat Metabolism
Increase fat synthesis
Increase fat deposition in subcutaneous tissue, breast etc.

12. On H2O and Electrolyte Metabolism On Menstrual Cycle
Causes increase Na+, Cl- and H20 retention
On Menstrual Cycle
Estrogen is responsible for the proliferative phase of menstrual cycle.
On Blood
Decrease blood cholesterol level
Raises fibrinogen level

13. Progesterone Nature Sites of secretion Steroid
In non-pregnant woman by
Corpus luteum in later half of ovarian cycle
Small amounts by adrenal cortex
In pregnant woman by
Corpus luteum
Adrenal cortex
Placenta (esp. after 4 months)

14. Degradation and excretion
Types of Progestin
Progesterone (more important)
17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone
Plasma Transport
2% is free circulating
In loose combination with
Plasma albumin – 80%
Specific progesterone-binding globulins- 18 %
Degradation and excretion
Progesterone is degraded in liver into pregnandiol, which is excreted in urine.

15. Actions of Progesterone
On Uterus
Promotes secretary changes in uterine endometrium during secretary phase of menstrual cycle.
Decrease frequency of uterine contraction
On Fallopian Tubes
Promotes secretary changes in mucosal lining, needed for nutrition of fertilized ovum
Increase peristalsis from mouth of fallopian tube to uterus

16. On Breast On ovulation Promotes development of lobule and alveoli
Causes alveolar cells to proliferate, enlarge and to become secretary
Does not cause milk secretion
On ovulation
Inhibits ovulation by inhibiting release of LH & FSH. During pregnancy, ovulation is inhibited by luteal and placental progesterone

17. On H2O and Electrolyte Metabolism
Causes slight retention of NA+, Cl- and H2O from renal tubules
On Protein Metabolism
Mobilizes protein during pregnancy to be used by fetus.