What is estrogen hormone?

Ah, estrogen. That elusive hormone that sparks joy in some and fear in others. Yes, it can be the reason you cry over a sappy commercial (not that I do) or why your body keeps asking for unhealthy amounts of chocolate 🍫 (again not me…okay maybe just sometimes). But what exactly is estrogen and why does it have such a strong hold on our emotions? Let’s investigate.

The Basics

Estrogen, also known as oestrogen in Commonwealth countries, refers to a group of hormones responsible for regulating the development and function of female reproductive organs. But wait! Before all my male readers switch off (if they haven’t already), estrogen plays an important role in men too (more on this later).

There are three main types of naturally occurring estrogens: estradiol, estriol, and estrone. They are produced primarily by the ovaries but also by other organs like fat cells πŸ˜” – another reason not to overindulge during quarantine.

Functions

Alright let’s get down to business. Why does our body even bother producing this darn hormone? Here are some key functions:

1) Reproduction

This one probably doesn’t come as a surprise but estrogen plays a crucial role throughout every stage of female reproductive life- from puberty onset through childbirth into menopause.

  • Puberty: During puberty your body experiences greater levels of growth hormone which stimulates an increase in ovarian production leading to higher levels of circulating estrogen which fuels ovulation.

  • Menstruation: Estrogen helps build up uterus lining prepping it for pregnancy with higher level plateauing right before ovulation

  • Pregnancy:

    • Stimulates blood flow to womb,
    • promote growth & support tissue in breasts ,
    • promotes uterine contraction during delivery
    • regulates lactation after child birth
  • Menopause: Estrogen levels drop, no more ovulation or menstruation cycle. And so we wave off our reproductive years.

2) Skin & Hair

Who says beauty is only skin deep? As long as it looks good on the outside, right?

  • Collagen production: Estrogen boosts collagen production which help keeps the skin looking taut and plump thus also inhibiting wrinkles formation
  • Hair Growing Cycle: It regulates how much time hair spends in a growing phase before moving into rest then shedding phases

3) Mood & Behaviour

Estrogen helps control important brain functions like memory consolidation , mood regulation and a general sense of well-being πŸ’β€β™€οΈ.

Estrogen for men

Contrary to popular belief, “estrogen” is not just something reserved for women’s bodies. Men have estrogen too…just in smaller amounts than their female counterparts πŸ˜‰ . This sex hormone plays key roles to male health including:

1) Sperm generation (by stimulating proteins in testicular cells)

2) Brain Health includng cognitive and physical behaviour development

So next time you feel bad about having that bloated or over emotional episode (even though society has already conditioned us enough to self ridicule), remember EOSTROGEN(ready break!! πŸ’ͺ). An absolutely essential hormone that is some way or another responsible for keeping those gender characteristics distinguishable.

Random Posts