Hormones are special substances that are synthesized and secreted by certain cells in humans and animals and regulate the physiological activities of the body. The word “hormone” is derived from the Greek word meaning “to stir up” or “to excite”. Nowadays, all chemical substances that transmit information through blood circulation or tissue fluids are called hormones. Hormones are secreted in tiny amounts, at the level of milligrams (parts per billion), but their regulatory effects are very pronounced. Today we will talk about hormones that are closely related to women. Estrogen has a wide range of effects. In addition to the reproductive tract and breast, estrogen receptors are also found in the liver, bones, cardiovascular and other organs. Estrogen has the following effects: 1. Promotes follicle development and growth, which helps the ovaries to accumulate cholesterol; 2. Promotes the development of the uterus and the proliferation of the endometrium, which, in combination with progesterone, regulates the normal menstrual cycle; 3. Promotes the relaxation and dilatation of the cervical opening, which increases the secretion of cervical mucus and makes it thinner and more easily drawn into silk, which facilitates the passage of sperm through the cervical opening to meet the egg; 4. Promotes the development of the myometrium of the fallopian tubes and strengthens the rhythmical contraction of the fallopian tubes. The amplitude of the rhythmic contraction of the fallopian tube helps the fertilized egg to move into the uterus; 5. Promotes the proliferation and keratinization of vaginal epithelial cells, the development and plumping of the labia, and the increase of glycogen in the epithelial cells of the vaginal mucosa. When glycogen breaks down, the vaginal fluid becomes acidic (pH 3.8~4.4), which is conducive to the growth of vaginal lactobacilli and not conducive to the growth and reproduction of other bacteria, thus increasing local resistance; 6. Stimulates the growth of human breast ducts and promotes the development of breast follicles and milk production; 7. Stimulates and maintains the development of breasts, promotes the widening of the pelvis, the thickening of the hips, the rise in tone, the fullness of fat and the distribution of hair and other female 8. maintain and promote calcium deposition in bone; 9. promote hepatic HDL synthesis, inhibit LDL synthesis, and lower circulating cholesterol levels; 10. promote water and sodium retention; 11. control pituitary gonadotropin secretion and maintain libido through positive and negative feedback regulation of the hypothalamus. Progesterone usually acts on the basis of the action of estrogen: 1. It is secreted cyclically during the non-pregnant period and, in combination with estrogen, helps regulate the normal menstrual cycle; 2. It converts the endometrium from the proliferative phase to the secretory phase and prepares the fertilized egg for implantation; 3. It is secreted in large quantities during pregnancy and inhibits uterine contractions, which facilitates Inhibits the peristalsis of the fallopian tubes; 5. Closes the cervical opening, reduces the secretion of mucus and makes it sticky; 6. Accelerates the shedding of vaginal epithelial cells; 7. Promotes the further development and maturation of the mammary gland follicles, which can lactate after estrogen stimulates the hyperplasia of the milk ducts and prepares for postpartum breastfeeding; 8. It has an excitatory effect on the thermoregulatory center and can increase the basal body temperature by 0.3-0.5℃ after ovulation, so it can be used as one of the markers to determine the date of ovulation; 9. Androgens, like all hormones, need to be kept within the appropriate range. Androgens have the following effects: 1. promote the development of female labia and clitoris, and the growth of pubic and axillary hair; 2. too much androgen will have an antagonistic effect on estrogen, slowing down the growth and proliferation of the uterus and endometrium, and inhibiting the proliferation and keratinization of the vaginal epithelium; 3. stimulate human sexual desire and increase sexual excitement through the influence on the sexual nerve center and the stimulation of the reproductive organs; 4. accelerate the synthesis of various proteins in the body: accelerate the synthesis of myosin, which is the most important protein in the body. 4. accelerate the synthesis of various proteins: accelerate the synthesis of myostatin, then promote the development of muscle and bone; accelerate the synthesis of immunoglobulin, then improve the immunity of the body. Androgens provide raw materials for estrogen production; of course, excessive androgens can masculinize women, hinder follicular cell function, and promote follicular atresia. To know if your hormone secretion level is abnormal, come to the hospital on the 2nd-4th day of your menstrual period to have your basal sex hormones tested. If abnormalities are found, please seek treatment under the guidance of your doctor.