Estrogen
Source of secretion:
During pregnancy estrogen is secreted by placenta in large quantities and during non pregnancy it is produced by the ovaries. There are different form of estrogen like esradiol, estrone and estriol but the most potent one is estradiol.
Chemistry:
It is also a steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol.
Metabolic roles:
- Effect on uterus:
- Causes enlargement of uterus due to increase in endometrial cells.
- Also proliferates and enlarges the blood vessels of endometrium.
- Effect on Fallopian tubes:
- Increases the ciliated epithelial cells of fallopian tubes.
- Increases the activity of cilia so that the movement of the ovum is facilitated.
- Effect on vagina:
- Changes the vaginal epithelium from cuboidal into stratified type. The sratified epithelium is more resistant to infection and trauma.
- Effect on breast:
- Increases the growth of ducts of the breast.
- Develops the tissues of the breast.
- Effect on metabolism:
- Deposits the fat in the tissues, breast and thigh.