1. Reproductive Hormones

2. Reproductive Hormones
3 hormones common to both sexes:
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) - secreted from the hypothalamus at puberty, activating the anterior pituitary gland to release FSH and LH.

3. Male Reproductive Hormones
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Promotes production of testosterone by interstitial cells in the testes
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Stimulates Sertoli cells in the testes to increase sperm production

4. Male Reproductive Hormones
Testosterone
Produced in the testes
Stimulates sperm production & secondary male characteristics
High levels of testosterone inhibits LH production (negative feedback)

6. Female Reproductive Hormones
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
triggers ovulation & formation of corpus luteum
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
stimulates follicle (ovum) development

7. Female Reproductive Hormones
Estrogen
secreted by the developing follicle (containing the egg) in the ovary
responsible for secondary female characteristics
Progesterone
secreted by the corpus luteum
prepares the uterus for and maintains pregnancy

8. Menstrual Cycle Flow phase Follicular Phase 4 distinct phases:
Shedding of the endometrium
Follicular Phase
Development of follicles within the ovary, stimulated by FSH and LH
Estrogen secreted

9. Many follicles develop,usually only one reaches maturity
3) Ovulation
Many follicles develop,usually only one reaches maturity
the follicle ruptures, releasing the mature oocyte

10. 4) Luteal Phase follicle forms corpus luteum
secretes estrogen and progesterone
Progesterone prepares uterus for an embryo and prevents contractionsIf fertilization does not occur, estrogen & progesterone levels fall, and contractions begin, marking menstruation

13. Endocrine Disruptors
Estrogen Mimicking Compounds (EMCs)have chemical structures similar to estrogen and can bind to estrogen receptor sites.
EMCs are related to many reproductive system malfunctions
cancers,low sperm count,low birth rates, delayed sexual maturation, abnormal anatomy

14. Reducing the risk of exposure:
1. eat low on the food chain
2. reduce use of plastics, especially food related
3. avoid pesticides
4. quit smoking