Female Sex Hormones
Female sex hormones regulate the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system as well as secondary sexual traits. The ovaries are the primary producers, while the hypothalamus and pituitary gland regulate their levels.
1. Estrogen
The primary female sex hormone is estrogen. It is in charge of the development of female secondary sexual traits such as breast development, hip widening, and pubic and underarm hair growth. It is also involved in menstrual cycle management and bone density maintenance.
2. Progesterone
Another significant female sex hormone is progesterone. It is primarily produced by the ovaries and aids in uterine preparation for pregnancy. It also regulates the menstrual cycle and, when levels are low, can induce some of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Role of Hormones in Initiating Reproductive Function
Reaching adolescence is a critical stage of human development that brings significant physical and emotional changes. One of the most prominent changes that occur during this period is the activation of reproductive function, which is primarily regulated by hormones.
Hormones are chemicals that act as messengers in the body, produced by glands such as the pituitary, hypothalamus, testes (in males), and ovaries (in females). These hormones are essential for the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as the growth of pubic hair, breast development in females, and voice deepening in males.