A woman's body undergoes various changes as she goes through a natural process, from puberty, ovulation, menstruation, to pregnancy and breastfeeding. These various processes occur due to the presence of various hormones in a woman's body.
Hormones are chemical substances produced by the endocrine system in the body and function to help control almost all body functions, such as growth, metabolism, to the work of various organ systems, including the reproductive organs.
Kinds of Female Hormones
The following are some types of female hormones and their functions:
- Progesterone
During pregnancy, the level of the hormone progesterone in the body remains high. This prevents the body from producing new eggs and prepares the body to produce breast milk. If fertilization does not occur, the level of the hormone progesterone in the body will drop and trigger menstruation.
- Estrogen
The hormone estrogen functions to help the development and changes of the body during puberty, including the development of sexual organ function, and ensure the process of ovulation in the monthly menstrual cycle.
This hormone also plays a role in the process of releasing breast milk after childbirth, regulating mood or mood, and the aging process.
Decreased estrogen production can cause various disorders, such as irregular menstruation, vaginal dryness, mood swings, menopause, and osteoporosis in elderly women.
- TestosteroneThe level of the hormone testosterone in women's bodies is not as much as in men, but this hormone still has an important function for women's health. The hormone testosterone plays a role in regulating libido or sexual arousal and maintaining vaginal health, breasts, and fertility.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
LH in women is responsible for helping the body regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Therefore, this hormone also plays a role in puberty. This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain.
Generally, LH hormone levels in women will increase during menstruation and after menopause. LH levels that are too high in a woman's body can cause reproductive problems.
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Similar to the hormone LH, the hormone FSH is also produced in the pituitary gland and plays an important role in the reproductive system. This hormone helps control the menstrual cycle and egg production in the ovaries.
Low levels of the hormone FSH indicate that a woman is not ovulating, that there is a problem with the pituitary gland, or it could be a sign of pregnancy. Conversely, a high FSH hormone can signal a woman entering menopause, the presence of a tumor in the pituitary gland, or symptoms of Turner syndrome.
- Oxytocin
When hormone levels increase, the uterus is stimulated to contract and prepare for labor. After giving birth, oxytocin will stimulate the breast glands to produce milk.
Every female hormone has an important role in health, including determining the shape of a woman's body. To maintain a hormonal balance in the body, you are advised to eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, limit consumption of sweet and high-carbohydrate foods, reduce stress, and get enough sleep.
If you feel you have a hormone-related disorder, it is advisable to consult a doctor to undergo an examination and get the right treatment.