A basic knowledge of the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy is important in understanding reproductive health and fertility.
Endocrine system: This topic covers the basics of how hormones work in the body, the types of hormones, and the different organs involved in producing and regulating hormones.
Hormone regulation: This topic covers the feedback loops and other mechanisms that regulate hormone levels in the body, including the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, the adrenal gland, and the thyroid gland.
Female reproductive hormones: This topic covers the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle, including estrogen, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) and their role in pregnancy.
Male reproductive hormones: This topic covers the hormones involved in male reproductive health, including testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Hormonal contraception: This topic covers the different types of hormonal birth control available, including pills, patches, injections, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Hormonal disorders: This topic covers conditions in which the body produces too much or too little of a certain hormone, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and diabetes.
Menopause: This topic covers the physiologic changes that occur during menopause, including the cessation of menstruation, and the changes in hormonal balance that can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
Hormone therapy: This topic covers the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve menopausal symptoms and the risks and benefits of hormone therapy.
Hormones and pregnancy: This topic covers the hormones involved in pregnancy, including human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), progesterone, and estrogen, and their role in fetal development and maternal health.
Hormones and cancer: This topic covers the relationship between hormones and cancer, including the risk factors associated with hormonal imbalances, and the role of hormone therapy in treating some forms of cancer.
Estrogens: Female sex hormones responsible for the development of female reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics.
Progestogens: Hormones needed for the proper functioning of the menstrual cycle and for the maintenance of pregnancy.
Gonadotropins: Pituitary hormones that regulate the growth and function of the ovaries and testes.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): A hormone that promotes the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles.
Luteinizing hormone (LH): A hormone responsible for ovulation, formation of the corpus luteum, and secretion of progesterone.
Oxytocin: A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding.
Prolactin: A hormone that stimulates milk production in the mammary glands.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): A hormone produced by the placenta that maintains the corpus luteum during early pregnancy.
Relaxin: A hormone that loosens the joints and ligaments in preparation for childbirth.
Androgens: Male sex hormones that also play a role in female reproductive health.
Testosterone: A hormone responsible for the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): A hormone that is converted into androgens and estrogens in the body.
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH): A protein produced by developing ovarian follicles that is used to assess ovarian function.
Inhibin: A hormone produced by the ovaries and testes that regulates FSH and LH secretion.
Thyroid hormones: Hormones produced by the thyroid gland that play a role in metabolic function and must be regulated during pregnancy.
Cortisol: A stress hormone produced by the adrenal gland that affects immune function, blood pressure, and glucose metabolism.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal gland to produce cortisol.
Growth hormone: A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth and cell division in the body.
Melatonin: A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
Insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels in the body.