The female gonad and its hormones

Basically gonad is a reproductive organ which is classified into two, the male gonad or the testes and the female gonad, the ovary. In this post we will discuss about the female gonad, the reproductive gland of the female body.

The female gonad or more well known as the ovary is found on the pelvis of the female body. This oval shaped ovaries on each side of the body produces eggs alternately every month, which are needed along with the sperm cells from the male gonad in order to produce an offspring.


It doesn't only acts as reservoir of the egg cells but it also secretes hormones which are very important for normal functioning of the body, development of the female body and it also plays an important role during pregnancy.

The ovary produces two hormones, namely progesterone and estrogen. This hormones are classified as steroid hormones and are further subdivided into mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and sex steroids. The hormones produced from the ovary are classified under sex steroids.

Progesterone

Progesterone's main function is to prepare the placenta for the implantation of the ovum during fertilization and it also stimulates the development of the mammary gland. It is produced in low amounts during the start of the menstruation but peaks at the middle and then returns to normal after menstruation ends.

To learn more about progesterone watch this video...


uploaded by beautyisnteverything

for the structure of progesterone click here

Estrogens

There are three major estrogens, namely estradiol, estriol and estrone

Estradiol - helps in the regulation of the menstrual cycle. It also assist in the regulation of FSH and LH in the anterior pituitary.

Estrone and Estriol - these two estrogens are present in normal non pregnant women but the latter rises in pregnancy.

To learn more about estrogen watch this video...


uploaded by iHealthTube

for the structure of estrogen click here

photo credits:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25221954@N04/3534396870/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/d_o_a/2760488805/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25221954@N04/3615100325/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/helenmakes/4005148060/

http://www.medgear.org/entry/nano-sized-drug-capsule-to-cure-ovarian-cancer