Estrogens and progestins are the most important, and most abundant sex hormones in females.
The estrogens mainly promote proliferation and growth of specific cells in the body that are responsible for the development of most secondary sexual characteristics of the female.
The progestins function mainly to prepare the uterus for pregnancy and the breasts for lactation.
In the normal, non-pregnant female, estrogens are mainly produced by the ovaries, although very small amounts are produced by the adrenal cortex.
During pregnancy however, significant amounts of estrogens is produced by the placenta.
3 types of estrogens are found in females: beta estradiol, estrone, and estriol.
The principal hormone secreted by the ovaries is beta estradiol.
Compared to other two, estradiol is much more potent, and considered the major estrogen hormone in females.
Estrogens are steroid hormones synthesized using cholesterol as the precursor molecule.
Once produced, they are released into the blood stream, followed by binding to plasma proteins, mainly albumin, in order to be transported to the target organs.
Primary function of estrogens is to cause growth and maturation of sex organs, and other tissues related to reproduction.
During childhood, estrogens are secreted only in minute amounts, but at puberty, the secretion will be increased significantly under the influence of pituitary gonadotrophic hormones.
At this time, the female sex organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and vagina all increase several times in size.
In addition, the external genitalia enlarge, with deposition of fat in the labia majora and labia minora.
Before puberty, the breasts of both males and females are similar in size and shape.
Estrogens initiate the growth of breasts and their milk producing apparatus.
They are responsible for the characteristic growth and external appearance of the mature female breast.
Estrogens also have effects on female skeleton.
They inhibit excess bone demineralization, and therefore increase the growth of bones.
After menopause, the amount of estrogens in blood is reduced, which will ultimately lead to osteoporosis.
Other effects of estrogens in females include, slight increase in protein deposition.
Increased body metabolism and fat deposition.
Skin softening.
And mild fluid retention in the body.
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