We hear a lot about the hormones estrogen and progesterone, but what is the difference between estrogen and progesterone? Find out in this article the most important information.
There are different types of hormones present in the body of both the female and the male, and there are some of them that are unique to the female or male body.
Especially the hormones responsible for the reproductive system in the male and female body, and these hormones include estrogen and progesterone.
Learn the difference between estrogen and progesterone through the following:
The difference between estrogen and progesterone: what are they?
The difference between estrogen and progesterone is explained in the following:
1-Estrogen
It is a steroidal female hormone, responsible for the development of female characteristics at puberty.
Estrogen is found in both male and female bodies, but it is found in a greater proportion in females.
2-Progesterone hormone
Progesterone is one of the important female steroid hormones in the body, and it is found in the male body, but also a small proportion.
It plays an important role in preparing the body for pregnancy, during pregnancy, and in the menstrual cycle.
The difference between estrogen and progesterone: where they are secreted
The locations and times of estrogen and progesterone secretion vary, as follows:
1. Estrogen
Estrogen is produced by the follicle in the ovary.
Estrogen is secreted by the ovaries before ovulation occurs.
Estrogen secretion is regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
2. Progesterone
Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary and from the placenta.
Progesterone is secreted by the ovaries after ovulation occurs.
The secretion of progesterone is regulated by the luteinizing hormone (LH).
The difference between estrogen and progesterone: Function
There is a difference between estrogen and progesterone in terms of the roles of the two hormones in the body. The difference is explained by the following:
1. Estrogen functions
Estrogen plays an important role in the body, as explained by the following:
puberty
Estrogen helps the physical changes in the female, as it works on the puberty of the girl. Among the changes are the following:
- Breast protrusion.
- The appearance of pubic and armpit hair.
- start of menstruation
- Regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation
Estrogen is responsible for the bleeding during the menstrual cycle. During puberty, the ovaries begin to release estrogen every month during the menstrual cycle.
The level of estrogen rises in the middle of the menstrual cycle, which leads to the release of an egg.
And then the level of estrogen in the body drops rapidly after ovulation occurs.
Support the work of the reproductive system
The difference between estrogen and progesterone is that estrogen supports the work of the male and female reproductive organs through:
Estrogen stimulates follicle growth for ovulation to occur in the ovaries.
Estrogen maintains the thickness of the vaginal wall and promotes lubrication.
It regulates the thickness and flow of uterine secretions and strengthens the mucous membrane that lines the uterus.
Estrogen plays an important role in providing a suitable environment for fertilization, implantation, and nourishment of the fetus.
Contributes to the male reproductive system by regulating testosterone, found in small proportions in males.
Other functions in the body
Estrogen supports the work of other organs. Like:
Controls the level of cholesterol in the body.
Maintains bone health.
It affects the brain by increasing stress, moods, and tantrums.
2. Progesterone function
To find out the difference between estrogen and progesterone, here is an explanation of the role of progesterone:
In the second half of the menstrual cycle, progesterone thickens the lining of the uterus to receive and nourish the fertilized egg, and during ovulation, progesterone levels are high.
Both progesterone and estrogen work during pregnancy to stop the process of new ovulation as the proportion of progesterone increases throughout pregnancy.
Progesterone stimulates the growth of the milk-producing glands in the breasts during pregnancy.
Helps with the development of the fetus’s growth during pregnancy.
It strengthens the pelvic bones and stimulates contractions of the uterine wall in preparation for childbirth.
Regulates the menstrual cycle. If the egg is not fertilized, the level of the hormone progesterone gradually decreases, the lining of the uterus sheds, and the menstrual cycle occurs.
PMS causes breast pain, moodiness, and bloating when progesterone levels drop.
