Role of Hormones in Male and Female reproductive systems of

Humans

Table of Contents

Introduction............................................................................................................................................3
Female Sex Hormones...........................................................................................................................3
Types of Female Sex Hormones.........................................................................................................4
Roles of Female Sex Hormones.........................................................................................................9
Male Sex Hormones.............................................................................................................................13
Types of Male Sex Hormones..........................................................................................................13
Roles of Male Sex Hormones...........................................................................................................16
Disorder of Hormones..........................................................................................................................17
Causes...............................................................................................................................................17
Sign and symptoms...........................................................................................................................18
Common Disorders of Female Reproductive Hormones.................................................................18
Common Disorder of Male Reproductive Hormone........................................................................19
Treatment..........................................................................................................................................19
Conclusion............................................................................................................................................20
References............................................................................................................................................21
Introduction
Cells of multicellular organisms need to communicate with each other to regulate their development
and organize growth and cell division. Hormones contribute to these processes by acting as
messengers between cells, telling them what's happening elsewhere and how they should respond.
Hormones are chemical substances that affect the activity of a part of the body (target site). In
essence, hormones serve as messengers, controlling and coordinating activities throughout the body.

Upon reaching a target site, a hormone binds to a receptor, much like a key fit into a lock. Once the
hormone locks into its receptor, it transmits a message that causes the target site to take a specific
action.

Very small amounts of hormones can trigger very large responses in the body. Although hormones
circulate throughout the body, each type of hormone influences only certain organs and tissues.
Some hormones affect only one or two organs, whereas others have influence throughout the body
[ CITATION Mor19 \l 1033 ].

Reproductive hormones are a specific type of hormones involved in fertility and sexuality. Female
reproductive hormones help develop and maintain female sex characteristics and play an important
role in the menstrual cycle, fertility, and pregnancy. Male reproductive hormones, help develop and
maintain male sex characteristics and help make sperm in the testes [ CITATION NIH21 \l 1033 ].

Female Sex Hormones

Female sex hormones, or sex steroids, play vital roles in sexual development, reproduction, and
general health. Sex hormone levels fluctuate throughout a person’s life. Factors that can affect the
levels of female sex hormones include:

 Age
 Menstruation
 Pregnancy
 Menopause
 Stress
 Medications
 Environment

Sex hormone imbalances can lead to changes in sexual desire and health problems such as hair loss,
bone loss, and infertility [ CITATION Esk19 \l 1033 ].

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Types of Female Sex Hormones

In females, the ovaries and adrenal glands are the main producers of sex hormones. There are many
hormones involved in the female reproductive system that play a role in the regulation of menstrual
cycle, production of mature eggs by females of reproductive age, preparation of uterus for pregnancy
along with the development of female secondary sex characteristics. The types of hormones involved
in the female reproductive system are described below.

1. Gonadotropin- Releasing Hormone

Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone is produced and secreted by specialized nerve cells in the
hypothalamus of the brain. It is released into tiny blood vessels that carry this hormone from the
brain to the pituitary gland. In the pituitary gland it stimulates the production of two hormones-
follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Both these hormones are released
in the general circulation where they act on the ovaries to initiate and maintain their reproductive
functions. FSH and LH control the level of hormones produced by ovaries such as estrogen and
progesterone that are important in the maturation and the release of egg during each menstrual cycle
in women [ CITATION You18 \l 1033 ].

Figure 1: Image showing the production of gonadotropin releasing hormone, which further leads to the production of
ovarian hormones- Progesterone and Estrogen.

During childhood, the levels of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone are extremely low, but as puberty
approaches there is an increase in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, which triggers the onset of
sexual maturation.

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When the ovaries are fully functional, the production of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, LH and
FSH are controlled by the levels of estrogen and progesterone. If the levels of these hormones rise,
the production of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone decreases and vice versa.

The overproduction of gonadotropin releasing hormone can lead to the development of pituitary
tumors, which increase the production of gonadotropins that can lead to overproduction of estrogen.

A deficiency of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone in childhood means that the individual does not go
through puberty. An example is of a rare genetic syndrome known as Kallmann syndrome, which
causes loss of the development of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone-producing nerve cells, with a
consequent loss of pubertal development and sexual maturation. It leads to loss of development of
the ovaries along with infertility.

2. Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein gonadotropin secreted by the anterior pituitary
in response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone released by the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland
also secretes luteinizing hormone (LH), another gonadotropin. FSH and LH are composed of alpha
and beta subunits. The specific beta subunits confer unique biologic activity. FSH and LH bind to
receptors in ovary and regulate gonadal function by promoting sex steroid production and
gametogenesis.

The follicle stimulating hormone is named for its ability to stimulate follicle growth in females. This
hormone stimulates the division and function of follicular cells that surround and nurture the
developing oocyte in the follicle.

The luteinizing hormone is responsible for mediating a series of requisite series of events that results
in ovulation. It is required for the synthesis of androgens by follicular theca cells that are converted
to estradiol. Following ovulation luteinizing hormone acts in the ovary to maintain secretion of
primarily progesterone by the corpus luteum preparing the uterus for potential implantation
[ CITATION Orl20 \l 1033 ].

3. Estrogen
Estrogen is a steroid hormone which is involved in the processes of ovulation, endometrial regrowth
and calcium absorption, along with the development of female secondary sex characteristics. These
secondary sex characteristics include the development breasts, widening and the development of
rounded hips, a decreased ability to generate muscles at a faster pace, decreased upper body strength,
menstrual cycle etc.

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Estrogen is produced by ovaries, adrenal glands and fat tissues. There are three types of estrogen
explained below;

o Estrone (E1)

This type of estrogen is found in higher quantities in postmenopausal women. It is the least
powerful of all the three types of estrogens. As an estrogen, estrone is responsible for female sexual
development and function. It can sometimes be used as a repository for estrogens and it can be
converted to estrogen when needed.

o Estradiol (E2)
This type of estrogen is responsible for the development of the female reproductive system,
including breasts, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina. Estradiol is present in higher amounts in women in
their reproductive years and after none is present after menopause. Excessive levels of estradiol can
result in acne, osteoporosis, loss of sexual drive etc. On the other hand, low levels can lead to
cardiovascular problems and weight gain.

o Estriol (E3)

Estriol is the dominant type of estrogen during pregnancy and is secreted by the placenta. It is
produced by the placenta, starts to rise in the eighth week of pregnancy, and continues to rise
throughout the pregnancy. During pregnancy, it is proposed that the hormone regulates
uteroplacental blood flow and placental vascularization. It allows the uterus to grow and prepares the
body for delivery [ CITATION Fal15 \l 1033 ].

Figure 2: Chemical structures of all three types of estrogens- Estrone(E1), Estradiol(E2), Estriol(E3).

Estrogen imbalance can lead to irregular or no periods, noncancerous lumps in breast and uterus, low
sexual desire, vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy.

4. Progesterone

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Progesterone is a hormone produced primarily in the ovaries, but also in smaller quantities by the
adrenal glands, and in the placenta of pregnant women. The hormone helps regulate menstruation,
prepares the body for pregnancy, and aids in nourishing the uterine environment to support
implantation of the fertilized egg, as well as growth of the placenta. Progesterone also decreases
breast cell growth. It is involved in the maturation of breast cells and decreases the rate of
multiplication. Progesterone also promotes normal cell death in the breast which is important in the
prevention of cancer. Progesterone stimulates normal sex drive because it can be converted to
testosterone which is involved in male and female sex drive. It blocks aldosterone receptors.
Aldosterone promotes water retention and swelling. Progesterone blocks aldosterone causing normal
fluid loss and decreasing swelling. Progesterone decreases uterine muscle contractions which cause
menstrual cramps by promoting uterine muscle relaxation. It stabilizes menstrual cycles, and
prepares the body for pregnancy [ CITATION Gol21 \l 1033 ].

Progesterone’s most important role is that it causes endometrium to secrete special proteins during
the second half of the menstrual cycle, preparing it to receive and nourish an implanted fertilized
egg. If implantation does not occur, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, the endometrium breaks
down and menstruation occurs.

If a pregnancy occurs, progesterone is produced in the placenta, and levels remain elevated
throughout the pregnancy. The combination of high estrogen and progesterone levels suppress
further ovulation during pregnancy. Progesterone also encourages the growth of milk-producing
glands in the breast during pregnancy.

High progesterone levels are believed to be partly responsible for symptoms of premenstrual
syndrome (PMS), such as breast tenderness, feeling bloated and mood swings. On the other hand,
low levels of progesterone in the body can lead to difficulty conceiving, irregular periods etc.

5. Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and secreted by the pituitary gland. This
important hormone plays a crucial role in the childbirth process. Oxytocin is responsible for
signaling contractions of the womb during labor. The hormone stimulates the uterine muscles to
contract, so labor begins. It also increases the production of prostaglandins, which move labor along
and increases the contractions even more. The production of prostaglandins, prepares the cervix and
helps open the cervix in response to contractions. The uterine smooth muscles are not very sensitive
to oxytocin until late in pregnancy, when the quantity of oxytocin receptors in the uterus peaks. Just
before the onset of labor, uterine myometrium becomes extremely sensitive to oxytocin because of

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the large increase in the number of myometrial oxytocin receptors. Stretching of tissues in the uterus
and cervix stimulates oxytocin release during childbirth. Contractions increase in intensity as blood
levels of oxytocin rise via a positive feedback mechanism until the birth is complete [ CITATION
Tri17 \l 1033 ].

Figure 3: Image showing positive feedback loop of Oxytocin during childbirth.

Once the baby is born, oxytocin promotes lactation by moving the milk into the breast. When the
baby sucks at the mother's breast, oxytocin secretion causes the milk to release so the baby can feed.
At the same time, oxytocin is released into the brain to stimulate further oxytocin production. Once
the baby stops feeding, the production of the hormone stops until the next feeding. Prolactin
stimulates the production of breast milk and is necessary for normal milk production during
breastfeeding. Oxytocin is responsible for stimulation of milk ejection (milk letdown) and for
stimulation of uterine smooth muscle contraction at birth.

Oxytocin production is controlled by a positive feedback mechanism. This mechanism allows the
release of the oxytocin hormone when a trigger occurs. The hormone then causes an action in the
body, such as the letdown of milk or the start of labor contractions, which signals more production of
oxytocin. The feedback cycle continues until the action, such as childbirth or feeding the baby, is
complete.

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 Figure 4: Lactation positive feedback loop showing oxytocin involved in the stimulation of milk.

In the brain, oxytocin acts as a chemical messenger and has an important role in many human
behaviors including sexual arousal, recognition, trust, romantic attachment and mother–infant
bonding. Due to this reason this hormone is also referred to as love hormone.

6. Testosterone
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone however it is also present in smaller quantities in
females. Women produce this hormone in small amounts in their ovaries and adrenal glands. The
correct amount of testosterone supports bone growth and provides strength. It also has a
neuroprotective effect in women. In women testosterone directly affects sexual desire, fertility,
menstruation, tissue and bone mass and red blood cell production.

Low testosterone levels can lead to health issues such as fatigue, increased risk for bone loss,
osteoporosis and fractures [ CITATION Cat18 \l 1033 ].

Roles of Female Sex Hormones

1. In puberty
Most females enter puberty at the ages of about 8 to 13 and puberty ends when they are around 14
years old.
During puberty, the pituitary gland starts producing larger quantities of luteinizing hormone (LH)
and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the production of estrogen and
progesterone.

Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone initiate the development of secondary sexual
characteristics, which include;

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 o Breast development
o Hair growth on the underarms, legs, and pubic region
o Increased height
o Increased fat storage on the hips, buttocks, and thighs
o Widening of the pelvis and hips
o Increased oil production in the skin [ CITATION Jam19 \l 1033 ].
2. In Menstruation
The term menstruation refers to the periodic shedding of the uterus lining. Females of reproductive
age experience cycles of hormonal activity that repeat at about one-month intervals. With every
cycle, a woman's body prepares for a potential pregnancy, whether or not that is the woman's
intention. The average menstrual cycle takes about 28 days and occurs in three stages; the follicular
phase, the ovulatory phase and luteal phase.

o Phase 1: Follicular Phase

The two hormones, follicle stimulating hormone and the luteinizing hormone are released from
the hypothalamus and travel to ovaries through blood. Both the hormones stimulate the growth of
about 15 to 20 eggs in the ovaries, each in its own shell that is called a follicle. These hormones
trigger an increase in the production of estrogen. As the estrogen levels rise, the production of
follicle stimulating hormone is switched off. This limits the number of follicles that matures. During
the progression of the follicular phase, one follicle in the ovary becomes dominant and continues to
mature. This dominant follicle suppresses all the other follicles. Due to this all the other follicles
other than the dominant follicles stop growing and die. The dominant follicle continues to produce
estrogen. This increase in estrogen stimulates the release of endorphins that raise energy levels and
improve mood. Estrogen also enriches the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus, in
preparation for a potential pregnancy.

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 Figure 5: Menstrual cycle feedback loop.

o Phase 2: Ovulation Phase

The ovulatory phase or ovulation starts about 14 days after the follicular phase starts. This phase
is the midpoint of the menstrual cycle, with the next menstrual cycle starting about two week later.
During this phase the rise in estrogen from the dominant follicle triggers a surge in the amount of
luteinizing hormone produced by the brain. Due to this, the dominant follicle releases its egg from
the ovary. This release of egg is referred to as ovulation. The released egg is captured by fingerlike
projections on the fallopian tubes called fimbriae. These fimbriae sweep the egg into the tube.
Moreover, during this phase, there is an increase in the amount and thickness of mucus produced by
the cervix. If a woman were to have intercourse during this time, the thick mucus captures the man's
sperm, nourishes it, and helps it to move towards the egg for fertilization.

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 Figure 6: Image showing different concentrations of hormones in phases of menstrual cycles.

o Phase 3: Luteal Phase

This phase begins right after the ovulation phase. The follicle after releasing its egg develops into
a new structure called corpus luteum. The corpus luteum secretes a hormone called progesterone.
Progesterone thickens the uterine lining preparing it to receive a fertilized egg. If intercourse has
taken place and a man's sperm has fertilized the egg, the fertilized egg will travel through the
fallopian tube to implant in the uterus. The woman is now considered pregnant. On the other hand,
an unfertilized egg will cause estrogen and progesterone levels to decline. If the egg is not fertilized,
it passes through the uterus. This marks the beginning of the premenstrual week. Not needed to
support a pregnancy, the lining of the uterus breaks down and sheds, and the next menstrual period
begins [ CITATION All16 \l 1033 ].

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 Figure 7: An overview of female reproductive hormonal processes.

3. In Pregnancy
Pregnancy starts the moment a fertilized egg implants in the wall of a person’s uterus. Many
hormone levels change in the body during pregnancy, with several hormones playing major roles
during pregnancy. During the luteal phase of reproductive cycle, the rise in progesterone prepares the
uterus to receive a fertilized egg. The uterine walls get thick and fill with nutrients and other fluids to
sustain an embryo. Progesterone levels steadily rise during the first few weeks of pregnancy, causing
the cervix to thicken and form the mucus plug. Progesterone is also important in suppressing the
maternal immunologic response to fetal antigens, thereby preventing maternal rejection of the
trophoblasts (cells that provide nutrients to embryos) and progesterone prepares and maintains the
endometrium to allow implantation earlier. Progesterone teams up with a hormone called relaxin to
help soften ligaments and cartilage, and loosen joints to prepare the body for labor. Relaxin is
another hormone produced during pregnancy that prevents contractions in the uterus until the end of
pregnancy, at which point it then helps relax the ligaments and tendons in the pelvis [ CITATION
Kum12 \l 1033 ].

Estrogen levels increase steadily during pregnancy. A woman will produce more estrogen during one
pregnancy than throughout her entire life when not pregnant. The increase in estrogen during
pregnancy enables the uterus and placenta to help improve vascularization (the formation of blood
vessels), transfer nutrients and support the developing baby. In addition, estrogen is thought to play
an important role in helping the fetus develop and mature. The rapid increase in estrogen levels
during the first trimester may cause some of the nausea associated with pregnancy. During the

12
second trimester, it plays a major role in the milk duct development that enlarges the breasts.
Estrogen levels reach their peak in the third trimester.

As soon as conception takes place, the body starts to produce human chorionic gonadotropin
hormone (HGC). This is the hormone that shows up in your urine and is used to test for pregnancy. It
also boosts the production of estrogen and progesterone, preventing menstruation and helping to
sustain the pregnancy. This rapid increase in hormones leads to early pregnancy symptoms, such as
nausea, vomiting, and the need to urinate more often.

The cells in the placenta will start producing a hormone called human placental lactogen (HPL). HPL
regulates women’s metabolism and helps nourish the growing fetus. This hormone is involved in
providing nutrition to the fetus and plays a role in stimulating milk glands in the breasts in
anticipation of breastfeeding.

Hormone levels decline when a pregnancy ends and gradually return to pre-pregnancy levels.

4. In Menopause
As women approach their mid-40s to mid-50s, their ovaries begin to lose their sensitivity to FSH and
LH. Menstrual periods become less frequent and finally cease; this is menopause. There are still eggs
and potential follicles on the ovaries, but without the stimulation of FSH and LH, they will not
produce a viable egg to be released. The outcome of this is the inability to have children.

The side effects of menopause include hot flashes, heavy sweating (especially at night), headaches,
some hair loss, muscle pain, vaginal dryness, insomnia, depression, weight gain, and mood swings.
Estrogen is involved in calcium metabolism and, without it, blood levels of calcium decrease. To
replenish the blood, calcium is lost from bone which may decrease the bone density and lead to
osteoporosis. Supplementation of estrogen in the form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can
prevent bone loss, but the therapy can have negative side effects. While HRT is thought to give some
protection from colon cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, macular degeneration, and possibly
depression, its negative side effects include increased risk of: stroke or heart attack, blood clots,
breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, gallbladder disease, and possibly dementia
[ CITATION Ope21 \l 1033 ].

Male Sex Hormones

Types of Male Sex Hormones

1. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone

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Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is mainly made in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus
before traveling to the pituitary gland. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone causes the pituitary gland in
the brain to make and secrete the hormones luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH). In men, these hormones cause the testicles to make testosterone [ CITATION NIH211 \l
1033 ].

Figure 8: Male hormonal production

2. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is released by the anterior pituitary gland. Its presence in males
is necessary for the maturation of spermatozoa. Follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates both the
production of androgen-binding protein by Sertoli cells and the formation of the blood-testis barrier.
Increasing the levels of FSH increases the production of spermatozoa by preventing the apoptosis of
type A spermatogonia.

14
 Figure 9: Functioning of FSH and Sertoli cells

3. Luteinizing Hormone
LH is released from the pituitary gland, and is controlled by pulses of gonadotropin-releasing
hormone. The Leydig cells produce testosterone under the control of LH. LH binds to LH receptors
on the membrane surface of Leydig cells. Binding to this receptor causes an increase in cyclic
adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a secondary messenger, which allows cholesterol to translocate
into the mitochondria. Within the mitochondria, cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone.
Pregnenolone is then converted to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA is then converted to
androstenedione by 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and then finally converted to testosterone
[ CITATION Ban201 \l 1033 ].

When bloodstream testosterone levels are low, the pituitary gland is stimulated to release LH. As the
levels of testosterone increase, it will act on the pituitary through a negative feedback.

Changes in LH and testosterone blood levels and pulse secretions are induced by changes in sexual
arousal in human males.

4. Testosterone
Testosterone is the most important androgen (male sex hormone) in men and it is needed for normal
reproductive and sexual function, muscle and bone strength. Testosterone is important for the
physical changes that happen during male puberty, such as development of the penis and testes, and
for the features typical of adult men such as facial and body hair. Testosterone also acts on cells in
the testes to make sperm.

The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, located at the base of the brain, control the production of
male hormones and sperm. Hormone messages are sent from these glands to the testes where

15
testosterone is produced and sperm are made. The level of testosterone in the blood feeds back to the
pituitary gland and the hypothalamus and when the level is low more hormone messages are sent to
increase the production. The Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are
the two important messenger hormones made by the pituitary gland that act on the testes. LH is
needed for the Leydig cells in the testes to make testosterone that leads to the production of sperm
[ CITATION tru19 \l 1033 ].

In men with low testosterone levels, the symptoms that may be experienced include low energy
levels, little interest in sex, feeling sad, down or depressed, mood, irritability, poor concentration,
and reduced muscle strength. Symptoms often overlap with those of other illnesses [ CITATION
Mac19 \l 1033 ].

Figure 10: Pathway of testosterone production

5. Inhibin
The Sertoli cells produce the hormone inhibin, which is released into the blood when the sperm
count is too high. This inhibits the release of GnRH and FSH, which will cause spermatogenesis to
slow down. If the sperm count reaches 20 million/ml, the Sertoli cells cease the release of inhibin,
allowing the sperm count to increase.

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Roles of Male Sex Hormones

At the onset of puberty, the hypothalamus begins secreting high pulses of gonadotropin-releasing
hormone. In response, the pituitary gland releases FSH and LH into the bloodstream. FSH stimulates
Sertoli cells of the testes, which help to nourish the sperm cells, to begin facilitating
spermatogenesis. LH stimulates Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating the interstitial cells, to make
and release testosterone into the testes and the blood.

Rising levels of testosterone produce a negative feedback response and act on the hypothalamus and
anterior pituitary to inhibit the release of GnRH, FSH, and LH. The Sertoli cells produce the
hormone inhibin, which inhibits the release of GnRH and FSH, which will cause spermatogenesis to
slow down [ CITATION Bou21 \l 1033 ].

Figure 11: Hormonal regulation of the male reproductive system

Disorder of Hormones
Reproductive hormone disorders can affect fertility and may have long-term effects on metabolic,
cardiovascular and bone health [ CITATION Div21 \l 1033 ] . Usually, endocrine glands keep
reproductive hormones at the right levels, but many factors can cause hormone levels to be too high
or too low. This can lead to problems with sexual development, fertility and more.

Causes

There are many causes of hormonal imbalance that depend on which hormone or gland is affected.

 Hormone therapy

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  Medications
 Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy
 Tumors, whether cancerous or benign
 Pituitary tumors
 Eating disorders
 Stress
 Injury or trauma
 Genetic disorders

While the conditions below may be initially caused by hormonal imbalances, having the conditions
can also lead to further hormonal imbalances:

 Diabetes (type 1 and type 2) or diabetes insipidus

 Hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism
 Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
 Menopause
 Primary ovarian insufficiency
 Hormone drugs such as birth control pills

Sign and symptoms

Symptoms of a hormonal imbalance specific to females include:

 Heavy or irregular periods

 Hirsutism, or excessive hair on the face, chin, or other parts of the body
 Acne on the face, chest, or upper back
 Hair loss
 Darkening of the skin, especially along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath the breasts
 Skin tags
 Vaginal dryness
 Vaginal atrophy
 Pain during sex
 Night sweats
 Headaches

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in adult males include:

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  Gynecomastia, or the development of breast tissue
 Breast tenderness
 Decrease in beard growth and body hair growth
 Loss of muscle mass
 Loss of bone mass, otherwise known as osteoporosis
 Difficulty concentrating
 Hot flashes [ CITATION Osb20 \l 1033 ].

Common Disorders of Female Reproductive Hormones

Most common conditions that occur due to disturbance of reproductive hormone levels in female
include Endometriosis, Uterine Fibroids, Gynecologic Cancer, Interstitial Cystitis and Polycystic
Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive
age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male
hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles)
and fail to regularly release eggs.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may
reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease [ CITATION
Tra19 \l 1033 ].

Figure 12: Polycystic ovary syndrome

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Common Disorder of Male Reproductive Hormone

 Male Hypogonadism
Male hypogonadism occurs when the testicles do not produce enough testosterone, causing
infertility, a decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and loss of secondary male sex
characteristics. Testosterone plays a key role in masculine growth and development during puberty.

Baby boys can be born with male hypogonadism, or it can develop later in life, often from injury or
infection [ CITATION May19 \l 1033 ]. Some types of male hypogonadism can be treated with
testosterone replacement therapy.

Treatment

Treatment for hormonal imbalances may vary depending on the cause. Every person may require
different types of treatment for hormonal imbalances.

o Hormone control or birth control

For those who are not trying to get pregnant, medications containing forms of estrogen and
progesterone can help regulate irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms. People can take birth
control medications as a pill, ring, patch, shot, or an intrauterine device (IUD).

o Vaginal estrogen

People experiencing vaginal dryness associated with changes in estrogen levels can apply creams
containing estrogen directly to vaginal tissues to reduce symptoms. They can also use estrogen
tablets and rings to reduce vaginal dryness.

o Hormone replacement medications

Medications are available to temporarily reduce severe symptoms associated with menopause, such
as hot flashes or night sweats. Such as Eflornithine cream to slow excessive facial hair growth in
women or Anti-androgen medications that block androgens and can help limit severe acne and
excessive hair growth or loss.

Medications like Clomiphene and letrozole help stimulate ovulation in people with PCOS who are
trying to become pregnant.

o Testosterone medications

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Gels and patches containing testosterone can help reduce symptoms of hypogonadism and other
conditions that cause low levels of testosterone [ CITATION Jen20 \l 1033 ].

Conclusion
Hormones are chemical messengers that help regulate bodily functions and maintain general health.
Reproductive hormones play a crucial role in sexual development and reproduction. The male and
female reproductive cycles are controlled by hormones released from the hypothalamus and anterior
pituitary as well as hormones from reproductive tissues and organs. Although these hormones
naturally fluctuate throughout a person’s lifetime, long-term imbalances can cause a range of
symptoms and health effects.

21
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