Types and Functions of Reproductive Hormones in Men and Women
Reproductive hormones are closely related to the health of one's reproductive organs. In both men and women, reproductive hormones are involved in fertility and sexuality.
Reproductive hormones begin to be produced and work starting from entering adolescence. At that time, these hormones affect physical changes when entering puberty, such as breasts that begin to enlarge in girls and chests that are wider in boys.
Types of Reproductive Hormones
The following are some reproductive hormones in men and women that you need to know:
1. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
The reproductive hormone FSH is produced in the pituitary gland, a gland in the brain the size of a pea. This hormone has an important role in a person's sexual development.
In addition to influencing physical changes when entering puberty, the female hormone FSH also has a role in the process of forming eggs in the ovaries and also controlling the menstrual cycle. While in men, the hormone FSH functions to control sperm production and the development of sex organs.
2. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
The LH hormone is also produced in the pituitary gland and works complementary to the FSH hormone. In women, this reproductive hormone affects the work of the ovaries, the release of eggs (ovulation), the menstrual cycle, and fertility. While in men, LH stimulates testosterone production, which affects a man's sperm production rate.
3. Testosterone
Testosterone levels in men are higher than women. This hormone will increase during puberty, then begin to decrease since entering the age of 30 years.
The function of the male hormone testosterone, among others, is to control sexual arousal, sperm production, bone density, and also muscle mass, so this hormone is able to significantly affect men's physical and emotional changes.
Meanwhile, the function of the female hormone testosterone is to control mood and sexual arousal, keep bones strong, relieve pain, and maintain the ability to think.
4. Estrogen hormone
Estrogen levels in women are higher than men. The female hormone estrogen has an important role in sexual development during puberty. In addition, this hormone also plays a role in controlling the growth of the uterine wall during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy, as well as regulating various metabolic processes, including bone growth and cholesterol levels.
While in men, one of the functions of estrogen is to control sperm health. However, if estrogen levels in men are too high, it can lead to decreased sperm quality and erectile dysfunction.
Reproductive hormone health can be maintained by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as eating healthy and nutrient-rich foods, exercising regularly, managing stress well, and getting enough sleep.
In addition, if you still have a habit of smoking and consuming alcohol, it is recommended to start leaving it.
Imbalances in reproductive hormone levels can cause a variety of health problems, from obesity to osteoporosis. In women, this can be characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, while in men it can be characterized by a decrease in sexual arousal.
If you experience signs of hormonal imbalance as above, consult your doctor so that you can get an examination and treatment according to your condition.