Hormones are substances that travel through the human body through the blood. The same they deposit in other organs and help improve their performance.
These soluble substances move by themselves or with a protein to better fix themselves in the soft tissues of the organs. Hormones, working in conjunction with the nervous system, They are responsible for making the body feel, think and act.
It is important that there is a balanced production of hormones in the body, as this helps the organs function properly. A very small amount produces major changes in cells or even the entire organism.
hormone levels They are measured through laboratory tests with blood, urine or saliva tests.
Here we will mention some of the hormones that affect the ovulation cycle.
What is Ovulation?
It is the process in which hormonal changes cause an ovary to release an egg and normally occurs once in each menstrual cycle.. A sperm can fertilize an egg only when this has reached its maturity, and thus pregnancy begins in the woman.
Ovulation usually occurs 12 to 16 days before the start of the next period and it is a process exclusive to women of reproductive age. It is performed in the female reproductive system, where an ovarian follicle ruptures and a primary egg is released.
This can be fertilized in a period between 12 and 48 hours. Ovulation is intended to promote reproduction, and for this reason triggers a hormonal surge once a month.
Phases of the menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle has 3 phases: follicular, ovulatory and luteal.. In each of them there are different advances in which various hormones are involved.
follicular phase
It occurs at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, which begins with menstruation. The follicles or cavities in the ovary begin to develop to mature an egg.. Fosiculostimulating hormone or FSH begins to be secreted.
The ovaries secrete estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen prepares the endometrium to protect the embryo in case of conception and progesterone keeps the uterus in good condition.
ovulatory phase
During this phase, follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones are released. These are the responsible for completing the development of eggs in the ovaries and are released when ripe. Some proteolytic hormones are responsible for breaking down follicular tissue to allow for ovulation or the exit of the egg into the fallopian tubes.
luteal phase
this phase It occurs at the end of the ovulation process. When the egg has not been fertilized and the endometrial surface is not needed, it is removed. This completes the ovulation cycle and the menstrual period begins.
Hormones that affect the ovulation cycle
female hormones They have the essential function of regulating the function of the female genital system. The production of these begins in the intrauterine phase. Its levels are low in childhood and in puberty These hormones are essential for fertilization, pregnancy and childbirth.
1. Estrogens
This is one of the most important hormones that affect the ovulation cycle. Estrogens are female steroid sex hormones mainly produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands..
The main function of estrogen is maturation of the female genital tract to make it fertile.
estrogen produce the development of female secondary sexual characteristics AS:
- Accumulation of body fat
- breast augmentation
- pelvis width
- softening of bones
- Beginning of menstruation
2. Progesterone
It is a female hormone of the corpus luteum which is formed with the cyclical rupture of an ovarian follicle. This sex hormone is released by the ovaries and later by the placenta. It is necessary for the uterus and breasts to develop and function. correctly.
It acts mainly during the second part of the menstrual cycle. Its function is to condition the endometrium for the implantation of the embryo. During pregnancy it helps to develop safely.
3. Gonadotropic hormones
The main function of the gonadotropic hormones consists of stimulate the growth of the small space in the uterus where is the ovum They favor the maturation of the ovarian follicle and the secretion of progesterone.
Other hormones that affect the ovulation cycle
There are other no less important hormones that affect the ovulation cycle such as:
4. Testosterone
It is the so-called “male hormone”, as it is found in large quantities in men. However, in women it can also occur in small quantities and is secreted by the ovaries. THE testosterone is responsible for the libido. It is important to note that if she overgrows, the woman may exhibit the hallmarks of the male gender, such as excess body hair.
5. Prolactin
This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland. Its function is promote secretion in the mammary glands of pregnant women, to prepare the body for the breastfeeding process.
It also stimulates progesterone synthesis in the corpus luteum and inhibits gonadotropin secretion. When prolactin is elevated there may be an absence of menstruation in women.
6. Thyrotropin
This hormone is produced by the thyroid gland and is related to human reproduction. When the thyroid does not produce enough thyrotropin, metabolism is impaired.which affects the ovulation cycle, consequently menstrual irregularities are more frequent in women with thyroid problems.
Finally, We can mention that hormones that affect the ovulation cycle help prepare the body for fertility. If you have menstrual disorders and are planning a pregnancy, consult a specialist.
The 6 most important hormones that influence the ovulation cycle appeared first in research-school.