Roll of Hormones Flashcards
Key functions of estrogen
Estrogen maintains reproductive health, promotes growth/maintenance of the endometrial lining, regulates menstrual cycle, supports cardio, skeletal and cognitive health, central to the development of the female secondary sexual characteristics
Role of estrogen in pregnancy
Estrogen increases to support uterine growth, blood flow, and fetal development. Low levels may lead to abnormal placental development. High levels can increase the risk of pregnancy complications
What is the role of estrogen in menopause
Estrogen levels decline during menopause leading to hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes
What is the result of estrogen dominance
Irregular cycles, weight gain, increased risk of conditions like fibroids
What are key functions of progesterone
Progesterone prepares the endometrium for implantation, maintains early pregnancy for inhibiting uterine contractions, binds to progesterone receptors to promote anti-inflammatory effects, modulate the immune system, and maintain the uterine lining
What is the role of progesterone in pregnancy
Progesterone suppresses the maternal immune response to prevent fetus rejection and increases breast tissue growth in preparation for lactation
What is the role of progesterone outside of pregnancy
Progesterone promotes mood stability, maintains regular cycles, supports cardio, neurological, and immune system function
What is the result of low progesterone
Associated with increased miscarriage risk, anxiety, and immune dysfunction. May increase cardiovascular disease risk
What is the role of progesterone during menopause
Progesterone contributes to irregular cycles, PMS, and worsened estrogen-dominant symptoms like bloating and breast tenderness
What are the key functions of testosterone
Testosterone influences development of secondary sexual characteristics, promotes muscle mass/bone density, supports libido and overall energy, plays a roll in RBC production
Result of excess testosterone
Conditions like PCOS and conditions like hirsutism (excessive hair growth), acne, menstrual irregularities
Result of testosterone deficiency
Can lead to fatigue, reduced libido and depression
Explain secretion and regulation of cortisol
Cortisol is regulated by the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis and it follows a circadian rhythm which peaks in the morning and gradually decreases throughout the day
What are the key functions of cortisol
Cortisol modulates glucose metabolism, immune response, and inflammation. It regulates the wake-sleep cycle and binds to glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) to influence gene transcription
Explain the stress response of cortisol
Short-term stress increases cortisol for the “fight or flight” response and it elevates blood sugar, enhances alertness, and suppresses non-essential functions
Result of prolonged high cortisol levels
Weight gain, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, sleep disturbances, anxiety and brain fog - chronic stress leads to HPA axis dysregulation and may result in adrenal fatigue and suboptimal cortisol output
What is cortisol’s impact on other hormones
Cortisol competes with progesterone for receptor binding which exacerbates symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, mood disturbances, reduced stress resilience
What is the DUTCH test
Dried urine test for comprehensive hormones - tests sex and adrenal hormones over a 24-hour period
