Hormones are chemicals produced by some specific organs (glands) which have the capacity to regulate the function of other organs in the human body. Some hormones have the ability to regulate the period and fertility in women, the production of sperm in men and sexual desire in both sexes. The levels of these hormones differ between men and women.
Hormones play an important role in reproductive function of women is as follows:
The follicular hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secreted by a small gland at the base of the brain called the pituitary. Τhe FSH regulates the development of follicles and ovulation. The luteinizing hormone (LH) is responsible for inducing ovulation. These hormones by controllin the development of follicles and ovulation control the production of other hormones produced by the ovary, which in turn directly affect reproductive function.
Estrogen are produced by the ovaries and their release is accelerated by the development of follicles. Estrogens stimulate the endometrium to grow during each cycle of the woman. Progesterone is produced mainly by the ovaries and the production is accelerated mainly after ovulation. Progesterone helps the endometrium to swell and be prepared for possible implantation of the embryo.
Androgens are not only produced by the testes but also by the ovaries and adrenal glands (small glands above the kidneys). Women use the most part of the androgens that are produced as substrate to form the main female hormone the estrogens.