Hormone is a special substance that is synthesized and secreted by certain cells in humans and animals to 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 the development and growth of follicles and helps the ovaries to accumulate cholesterol. 2.Promote the development of the uterus, promote endometrial proliferation, and combine with progesterone to regulate the normal menstrual cycle. 3.Promote the relaxation and dilatation of the cervical opening, increase the secretion of cervical mucus, thin the quality and easily pull it into a filamentous form, which is conducive to sperm passing through the cervical opening and meeting the egg. 4.Promote the development of fallopian tube muscle layer and strengthen the amplitude of fallopian tube rhythmic contraction, which helps the movement of fertilized egg to the uterus. 5.Promote the proliferation and keratinization of vaginal epithelial cells, the development and plumping of labia, and promote the increase of glycogen of vaginal mucous membrane epithelial cells. When glycogen breaks down, the vaginal fluid becomes acidic (pH 3.8~4.4), which is conducive to the growth of vaginal lactobacilli and unfavorable to the growth and reproduction of other bacteria, thus increasing the local resistance. 6.Stimulate the growth of human mammary ducts, promote the development of mammary gland alveoli and milk production. 7.Stimulate and maintain breast development, promote the second female characteristics such as wide pelvis, fatty hips, elevated tone, fatty plumpness and hair distribution. 8.Maintain and promote the deposition of calcium in bone. 9.Promote the synthesis of high-density lipoprotein in the liver, inhibit the synthesis of low-density lipoprotein, and reduce the level of cholesterol in circulation. 10.Promote water and sodium retention. 11.Control the secretion of pituitary gonadotropin and maintain libido through positive and negative feedback regulation of hypothalamus. Fighting for pregnancy – progesterone Progesterone usually works on the basis of estrogen action: 1.Secreted cyclically during non-pregnancy period, combined with estrogen, to help regulate normal menstrual cycle. 2.Converts the endometrium from the proliferative phase to the secretory phase, preparing the fertilized egg for implantation. 3.Secreted in large quantities during pregnancy to inhibit uterine contraction and facilitate fetal growth and development in the uterus. 4.Inhibit the peristalsis of the fallopian tube. 5.Close the cervical opening, reduce mucus secretion and become sticky in nature. 6.Hasten the shedding of vaginal epithelial cells. 7.Promote the further development and maturation of mammary gland follicles, which can lactate after estrogen stimulates the hyperplasia of mammary ducts and prepare for breastfeeding after delivery. 8.It has an excitatory effect on the thermoregulatory center, which can make the basal body temperature rise 0.3-0.5℃ after ovulation, so it can be used as one of the signs to determine the date of ovulation. 9.Promote water and sodium excretion. Low amount cannot be missing – androgens Like all hormones, the content needs to be kept within the appropriate range. The role of androgens is as follows: 1. Promote the development of female labia and clitoris, and the growth of pubic hair and armpit hair. 2. Excessive androgens will have an antagonistic effect on estrogen, slow down the growth and proliferation of the uterus and endometrium, and inhibit the proliferation and keratinization of the vaginal epithelium. 3. Through the influence on the sexual nerve center and the stimulating effect on the reproductive organs, it can stimulate human sexual desire and increase the sexual excitement. 4.Accelerate the synthesis of various proteins in the body: 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. Promote the synthesis of urinary protein. 5.Improve hematopoietic function, so that the bone marrow produces more red blood cells. 6.Androgens provide raw materials for estrogen production. Of course, excessive androgens can masculinize women, hinder the cellular function of follicles and contribute to 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.