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 The
Role of Hormones in Menopause Hormones are chemical messengers, produced by a gland. They travel in the blood to target tissues where they exert their effects. While estrogen is probably the best known of the female "sex hormones," there are actually four main hormones important to the female reproductive system: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), leutenizing hormone (LH), estrogen and progesterone. FSH and LH are secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. They are considered gonadotropic hormones or gonadotropins which means that their target tissue is the gonads. Gonads are responsible for producing the ova and sperm. In women, the gonads are her ovaries. Estrogen and progesterone are both produced by the ovaries. A woman's ovaries and adrenal glands also produce small amounts of androgens or male sex hormones including testosterone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). These hormones contribute to sex drive and sexual function, help supplement bone growth and may contribute to brain function. |
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