Out of several hormones in our body, estrogen and progesterone are the primary ones. These steroidal hormones play a vital part in the regulation of mammalian reproduction. Before finding the differences between estrogen and progesterone, just know that they both help in the better functioning and development of the uterus.
These steroidal hormones work synergistically, where estrogen controls the menstrual cycle and progesterone supports a pregnancy. Moreover, they are also responsible for all the changes occurring during pregnancy. Let’s check out a brief comparison table between estrogen and progesterone before moving further.
Comparison Table
| Basis of Comparison | Estrogen | Progesterone |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A steroidal hormone that develops the secondary sex characters and female reproductive cycle | A steroidal hormone that helps during pregnancy |
| Regulated By | Follicle Stimulating Hormone | Luteinizing Hormone |
| Secreted From | From the ovaries & adrenal glands | From corpus luteum & adrenal glands |
| Key Role | Handles the female reproductive system & secondary sex characters | Helps the uterus in pregnancy |
| Effect on Libido | Decreases libido | Restores libido |
| Effect on Cancer | Increase in estrogen has increased chances of breast cancer | Its secretion reduces the risk of breast cancer |
| Amount of Secretion | Decreases in pregnancy | Increases in pregnancy |
| Effect on Weight | Weight is gained and also an increase in body fats | Decreases the overall body fats |
| Ovulation | Released before ovulation | Released after ovulation |
Brief Explanation of Estrogen
Estrogen is an essential female sex hormone, functioning for the growth of the female reproductive system, and regulating its secondary sex characters. Despite being present in both males and females, estrogen primarily has a higher level in females. The morphological differences between both genders are mainly influenced by estrogen.
Moreover, this hormone is required to strengthen the bones and helps the cholesterol levels of the body. It has the ability to interact directly with body cells and tissues to perform its actions. Scientists are nowadays synthesizing it artificially to regulate the effects of menopause.
Brief Explanation of Progesterone
Progesterone is a well-known endogenous sex/steroidal hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It maintains the elasticity of a woman’s reproductive system and prepares the uterus for implantation. After ovulation or during the second half of the menstrual cycle, a female body produces a temporal endocrine gland (corpus luteum) that is responsible to secrete progesterone. Moreover, it is also subjected to provide nutrition to an embryo.
Find Out the Similarities Between Estrogen & Progesterone
Steroidal Hormones:
Both estrogen and progesterone are essential steroidal hormones.
Sex Hormones:
Both plays a vital part in regulating female sex hormones.
Time of Secretion:
Either estrogen or progesterone, both are secreted during the menstruation period.
Vital in Pregnancy:
Both steroidal hormones play a vital part in pregnancy.
Used in Birth Control Pills:
These hormones are also utilized in the contraceptive mix of birth control medicines.
Discover the Dissimilarities Between Estrogen & Progesterone
1. Major Function
Estrogen
Estrogen is a type of female hormone that assists in the development and functioning of secondary sex characters. These include the uterus, mammary glands, etc.
Progesterone
This hormone particularly helps in pregnancy and alters the formation of the placenta. Progesterone further attaches an embryo to the uterine wall and provide nutrition.
2. Production & Regulation of Hormones
Estrogen
There are Graffian follicles present in our body, which produces estrogen. These are further regulated by the FSH – Follicle Stimulating Hormone.
Progesterone
On the other hand, Progesterone is produced by the Corpus luteum, a temporal endocrine gland, and is regulated by LH – Luteinizing Hormone.
3. Time of Release
Despite both hormones releasing during pregnancy and providing nutrition, there is still a slight difference, as mentioned below.
Estrogen
Estrogen is released before the time of ovulation by ovaries.
Progesterone
Whereas progesterone is released after the time of ovulation by ovaries.
4. Role of Steroidal Hormones
Estrogen
Estrogen plays an important part in breast enlargement and the uterus during pregnancy. Moreover, it also helps in developing secondary sexual characters in women.
Progesterone
Its key role is to handle the growth and functioning of mammary glands and uterus contraction. Progesterone also helps in maintaining the endometrium and uterus.
Final Verdict
After discussing the differences between estrogen and progesterone, we understood that both of these steroidal hormones hold their own significance. Estrogen helps to control the growth and development of the female reproductive cycle & its secondary sex characters.
While the other one maintains the uterus during pregnancy by implanting the embryo and nurturing it. All in all, both of these hormones work side by side to regulate the overall health of a body.
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