Sex Hormones Flashcards
Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis
Maintains hormonal balance within the female reproductive system.
GnRh
GnRH stimulates the anterior pituitary
to produce and release LH and FSH.
LH and FSH
- LH and FSH support follicle development, ovulation, corpus luteum maintenance and the production of progesterone, oestrogen and inhibin.
- Raised oestrogen and testosterone exert
negative feedback over FSH and LH secretion. - Progesterone and oestrogen regulate the function of target organs, e.g., uterus, mammary glands.
Pregnenolone
A hormone synthesised from cholesterol in steroidogenic tissues such as the adrenal gland, gonads, and brain by the mitochondrial enzyme CYP11A1.
* A precursor of DHEA, testosterone, DHT, oestradiol, progesterone and cortisol.
* Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective.
Low levels of Pregnenolone
- Advancing age (>30)
- Statin use.
Symptoms of low pregnenolone
Poor memory; declining concentration and attention; fatigue; dry skin; joint and muscle pain; decreased libido.
Supporting healthy pregnenolone levels:
- Improves sleep, manages stress. Healthy fats.
Pregnenolone steal theory’
States that high stress increases the use of pregnenolone for cortisol production, reducing the total amount of pregnenolone available for production of sex
hormones.
Progesterone
- Produced: In the corpus luteum after ovulation, in the adrenal cortex and by the placenta during pregnancy. So, a lack of ovulation = a lack of progesterone.
Progesterone: Functions
‒ Maintains the endometrium for implantation and pregnancy. Increases cervical mucus (producing a barrier)
‒ Progesterone metabolites potentiate the inhibitory actions of GABA by modulating receptors; help relax smooth muscle.
‒ Supports bone health and mammary development.
Progesterone Imbalances
Perimenopause, PCOS, infertility
Low progesterone:
Leads to oestrogen dominance / tipping the ratio of oestrogen:progesterone (O:P).
Low Progesterone: Causes
Chronic stress, synthetic progesterones, xenoestrogens.
Low Progesterone: Signs and Symptoms
Irritability, mood swings and insomnia.
Also = a h igher risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women.
To balance progesterone
Support oestrogen detoxification , increase fibre , 3 balanced (not processed) meals / day, no snacking, avoid alcohol until balanced, magnesium, vitamin C and B6, zinc. Vitex Agnus castus , Australian bush flower essence ( she oak ), exercise and box breathing with anxiety