LocationThe female gonads, or ovaries, are located in the pelvic region on either side of the uterus.
Hormones in the Female GonadsEstrogen• The most important of
which is estradiol, are responsible for development and maintenance of the female reproductive system
• Responsible for the development of the female secondary sex characteristics
• Estrogen are components of complex neuroendocrine pathways
Hormones continued
Androgens• Produced early in
development determine whether a fetus develops as a male or female
Progestin• Involved in promoting
uterine lining growth to support the growth and development of an embryo.
Effect of the Hormones• These hormones control the development of female
body characteristics, such as the breasts, body shape, and body hair. They also regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Sex hormones affect growth and development and regulate reproductive cycle and sexual behavior
Homeostasis
• With age, the ovaries stop producing estrogen on a regular basis, and the adrenal glands become the main source of estrogen.
• Unused testosterone is converted into estrogen and estrogen stored in fat cells is brought into action
• Estrogen and progesterone are designed to balance each other out.
• Estrogen=makes things grow• Progesterone=checks and balances
that growth
Feedback Loops
Estrogen Regulation Loop:
Estrogen balance loop begins when the hypothalamus notices a low level of the hormone estradiol in the blood (negative feedback) and begins to release gonadotropin releasing hormones (GnRH), which then notifies the pituitary gland to release 2 more hormones: -Luteinizing hormone -follicle stimulating hormoneThen, LH and FSH tell ovaries to secrete estradiol and progesterone, thus completing the task.
Hormone Dysfunction
Hypersecretion of estrogen causes development of breasts, curved figure, fuller hips, and hair.
Hyposecretion of estrogen and progesterone causes the onset of menopause in women. Sometimes caused by radiation or surgical removal of hormone glands.
Medical Fixes for Hormone Dysfunction
Hyposecretion of estrogen or progesterone can be fixed by hormone therapy, hormone replacement drugs, or lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, consumption of vitamins, and exercise.
Hypersecretion of hormones can be fixed by hormone regulating drugs, radiation therapy, or surgical removal of glands. Birth control is sometimes used for hormone regulation.
Ovarian Diseases
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)- common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries that contain small collections of fluid — called follicles — located in each ovary as seen during an ultrasound exam. Infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity can all occur in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Bibliography
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8979
www.womenlivingnaturally.com/articlepage.php?id-35
e.hormone.tulane.edu/learning/feedback-loops.html
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/.../con-20028841