Estrogen:

- Hormone that is associated with those characteristics contributing to “femaleness”.

- Produced by the ovary

- Control the development of the female secondary sex characteristics:

o Breast development,

o Growth of body hair,

o Widening of the hips,

o And deposits of tissues and fats to the mons pubis and buttocks.

- Causes the uterus to increase in size and weight during pregnancy because of increased glycogen, amino acids, electrolytes

and water.

- Assists in maturation of the ovarian follicles

- Causes the endometrial mucosa to proliferate following menstruation

- Amount is greatest during the follicular (proliferative) phase of menstrual cycle.

- Inhibits FSH production and stimulate LH production

- Can increase sexual desire by increasing libidinal feelings

- Increased level makes things grow (breasts, etc)

Progesterone

- Secreted by the corpus luteum and ovaries

- Greatest amounts during the secretory (luteal or progestational) phase of the menstrual cycle

- Smooth muscle relaxant:

o Because it is a relaxant: ^ tiredness, muscle tiredness, allows veins and arteries to stretch to accommodate for ^ in

fluid and weight; ^ constipation and gas b/c decrease in GI motility. In addition, it relaxes the smooth muscle in the

gastroesophageal sphincter, which

o Allows for stretch of the uterus during pregnancy

o Prepares uterus for implantation after fertilization

o Decreases uterine motility and contractility caused by estrogens. (keeps from preterm labor)

o Called the hormone of pregnancy because its effects on the uterus allow pregnancy to be maintained

o Vaginal epitheliumto proliferate,

o Cervix to secrete thick, viscous mucous,

o Breast granular tissue to increase in size and complexity (lactation)

o Causes ^ in temp during ovulation (.5-1 degree F)

- Increases the secretion of the fallopian tubes and uterus to provide appropriate nutritive matter for morula and blastocyst

- Aids in ovum transport through fallopian tubes

- Peaks 7-10 days after ovulation

Prolactin

- Promotes milk production

- Made in the pituitary gland

Pitocin

- Given to induce labor for a woman who is not progressing

Androgens

BSE (Breast self exam) – Page 128

- Do Breast Self Exam (BSE)- right after menstruation (within first week period ends), standing up and laying down, with

arms up and down, most in upper outer quadrant

Terminology related to the menstrual cycle and ovulation

Stages of the menstrual cycle

- 1.Menstrual Phase: (days 1-6)

o When menstruation occurs

o Hormone levels are low (estrogen and progesterone)

o Sloughing off of tissue

o Cervical mucous is scanty, vicious and opaque

o Lower mood

o @end: endometrium is at rest