STEROID HORMONE IN PREGNANCY

A steroid hormone (abbreviated as sterone) is a steroid that acts as a hormone.

The main steroid hormones on pregnancy are estrogen and progesterone

PROGESTERONE :
-largely produce by corpus luteum until about 10 weeks until replace by placenta.
-until 10 weeks, 100ng/mL is needed for pregnancy.

- A minimum level of about 10ng/ml is required to sustain a pregnancy

through the very early stages.

FUNCTION :
During the pregnancy, the progesterone is needed in the following ways, (mostly in
conjunction with estrogen):
-

Makes the endometrium develop and secrete fluids after being primed by
estrogen
Maintains the functions of the placenta and fights off unwanted cells near the
womb that could cause damage to the placenta or foetus.
Keeps the endometrium in a thickened condition
Stops the uterus making spontaneous movements
Stimulates the growth of breast tissue
Strengthens the pelvic walls in preparation for labour.

Level of progesterone throughout the pregnancy.

ESTROGEN :
Estrogen is the name given to a family of ovarian hormones which all have similar
characteristics.
Production of estrogen is controlled by the hormone LH (Leutenising Hormone) both
indirectly and directly. The corpus lutem is directly stimulated by LH to produce
estrogen, whereas before ovulation, the granulosa cells of the follicle are stimulated
to produce estrogen via an enzyme called aromatase.
FUNCTION
One role of estrogen during pregnancy is to regulate the production of progesterone
over the full term. As estrogen is produced by the placenta, progesterone
production is stimulated and regulated.
The following list shows some other known jobs undertaken by estrogen:
-

Triggers the maturation of reproductive organs

Help in the development of sexual characteristics
Assists in the lactation process
Regulates bone density in a foetus
Maintains the endometrium during pregnancy
Promotes blood flow within the uterus
Maintains, regulates and triggers the production of other hormones