Hormones in Female Reproductive System

Hormone

Released by

Function

Remark

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

Pituitary gland

• Stimulates follicle growth in the ovary
• Stimulates the release of oestrogen

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Pituitary gland

• Stimulates ovulation
• Causes formation of the corpus luteum
• Stimulates release of progesterone

Oestrogen

Ovaries

• Repairs endometrium.
• Stimulates the thickening of endometrium
• Stimulates follicle growth until it matures
• Stimulates FSH and LH release prior to ovulation

Progesterone

Ovaries

• Stimulates the thickening of the endometrium, making it thick, folded and rich in blood vessels to prepare for the implantation of embryo

• Inhibits the release of FSH and LH to prevent follicle growth and ovulation

Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG)

Placenta

• Ensures that the corpus luteum continues to secrete oestrogen and progesterone in the early stages of pregnancy

• The level of hCG increases at the early stages of pregnancy and will double every two to three days for the first four weeks of pregnancy

• Can be detected in the urine of pregnant mothers (pregnancy test kit shows positive result)