Production of Estrogen
Ovaries in females produces Estrogen and Progesterone. Corpus Luteum and ovary produces most of the estrogen. Placenta generates estrogen throughout the pregnancy(38.5 weeks)
Males also produce this Hormone. Placenta also produce some of this Hormone. Adrenal Gland creates little bit more of this Hormone. Anterior Pituitary Hormone called FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) causes Follicles in the ovaries to develop. When the follicles of ovaries develop two group of cells within them. They team up and start to release this Hormone into the blood stream.
- Granulosa cells
- Theca Cells
Theca cells have receptors for Luteinizing Hormone(LH) from the anterior pituitary. When LH binds theca cells, they produce a hormone called Androstenedione. Theca cells give this androstenedione to the ganulosa cells, who then convert it to Estrogen and release it into the blood
Granulosa cells secretes few hormones and one of them is this Hormone.
Functions of Estrogen
In males Estrogen has a role in maturation of sperms. It has to pair up with testosterone to increase libido(sex drive).
Estrogen preserves the strength of the bone in our skeletal system. Thorough-out our life bones are constantly undergoing renovation.- At a microscopic level they are constantly being broken down and built back up. It slows down the cells that are involved with the breakdown portion of your bone renovations
Role in Female reproductive system
In females it is responsible for the growth and development of the female reproductive tract. This Hormone stimulates the growth of ovaries and follicles inside the ovaries. It causes the growth of smooth muscle components in female reproductive tract(Smooth muscle in the Uterus, Uterine tubes).
It also stimulates the growth of the female’s external genitalia and breasts during puberty. The way it manages the breast growth by primarily increasing the fat that gets deposited in the breasts.
This Hormone is responsible for female fat distribution pattern. i.e, Deposition of fat in the Hips, Breasts in contrast to the male fat distribution pattern i.e. Deposition in tummy. It actually reduces the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the good cholesterol(HDL).
This Hormone gets lower when a female gets older, she’s more at a risk of developing a bone condition, where the bones get brittle and weak and thats called Osteroporosis. Estrogen suppress production of FSH, LH from the anterior pituitary by negative feedback. Estrogen supports the growth of Fetus Lungs, Liver. It stimulates maternal tissue growth so the uterus enlarges to accommodate the growing Fetus.
Estrogen prepares the inner lining of the Uterus(Endometrium) for implantation. Estrogen plays a major role in the timing of the egg release from the ovaries. It also involves in the development of feminine traits. Mammary Glands expands in response to stimulating hormones such as estrogen and prolactin