Functions Of Oestrogen And Progesterone Flashcards
What does oestrogen bring about in the first half of the cycle?
It causes the endometrium to thicken
When does oestrogen cause the endometrium to thicken?
In the first half of the cycle
What hormone first brings about the thickening of the endometrium?
Oestrogen
What does progesterone do in the second half of the cycle?
It continues the process of thickening the endometrium
When in the cycle does progesterone continue to thicken the endometrium?
The second half
What hormone continues the thickening of the endometrium during the second half of the cycle?
Progesterone
What does both progesterone and oestrogen inhibit?
They inhibit eggs from developing
Progesterone and oestrogen inhibit eggs from developing, what is a use of this function?
For this reason they are used in contraceptive pills
Why is progesterone and oestrogen used in contraceptive pills?
Because they inhibit eggs from developing
When are oestrogen levels high during the life cycle?
Puberty
Levels of what hormone are high at puberty?
Oestrogen
Describe the levels of oestrogen at puberty.
High levels of oestrogen are produced at puberty
What causes the primary female sexual characteristics?
High oestrogen levels at puberty
What do the high oestrogen levels at puberty cause?
They cause the primary female sexual characteristics
What are the primary female sexual characteristics?
The growth of the sex organs
What causes the secondary female characteristics?
The combination of oestrogen and progesterone at puberty
What does the combination of oestrogen and progesterone at puberty cause?
The secondary female characteristics
List the secondary female characteristics.
5
The maturing and enlargement of the breasts
Widening of the pelvis (to allow for birth)
Increased body fat
Growth of pubic and underarm hair
Growth spurt (also stimulated by testosterone produced by the adrenal glands)
Why does the pelvis widen in females at puberty?
To allow for birth
What causes a growth spurt in females?
Oestrogen combined with progesterone (produce all secondary characteristics) as well as testosterone
Where is testosterone produced in females?
It is produced by the adrenal glands
