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Hormones in the Female Body
One of the main differences between the biological makeup of males and females are the sex hormones. In women the ovaries are responsible for the production of estrogen and progesterone. In males, the testes produce testosterone. These two hormones control similar developments in both sexes - namely sexual maturation and puberty. However, the differences lie in how these hormones affect specific bodily functions. In females, the effects of estrogen and progesterone are complex and fluctuate daily, monthly, and throughout life.
At the onset of puberty, the luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones will trigger the ovaries to start producing estrogen and progesterone. One of the major roles of estrogen and progesterone in women is control of the menstrual cycle. Over the course of a month, there is a complex pattern of increasing and decreasing levels of estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. All of these hormones and more are present during pregnancy to ensure proper growth and development of the fetus. Once a woman reaches an older age, levels of estrogen and progesterone suddenly drop, initiating bodily changes that indicate the onset of menopause. These drastic differences in a woman’s body at this time show just how much the hormones regulated on a daily basis. Loss of estrogen and progesterone results in atrophy of the sexual organs, smaller uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, and decrease in bone and muscle density.
Where Does Personalized Medicine Come In?
Both estrogen and progesterone are created from the cholesterol molecule. The pathway of this metabolism involves many enzymes that ensure the correct reactions are occuring. Enzymes will convert one molecule into the other, until estrogen is created. The last step of the cycle is the catabolism, or breakdown, of estrogen and its byproducts into harmless, smaller molecules.
Each enzyme that is responsible for an important part of the estrogen synthesis and removal cycle is governed by a gene. Due to chance variations and SNPs, these genes can produce enzymes that are overactive or not active enough. When it comes to hormone-related diseases such as PCOS, breast cancer, or endometriosis, since female hormones play such a central role in maintaining the homeostasis of a woman’s body, knowing more about your genes will go a long way for prevention, treatment and quality of life. A personalized diet and lifestyle can help support your body where your genes may not... just like with any case of personalized medicine, understanding what diet and lifestyle is best for you can help optimize your health and minimize risk of disease.
Elaine Novik
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