Science Week 1

• Reproductive system


  System involved in sexual reproduction
• There is striking difference between the male and female reproductive system, although they also share a number of similarities
• Reproductive organs of the male and female are developed from the same embryological structure
• Some hormones are commonly found in both male and female, in varying quantities and produce different responses
• Reproductive hormones


  Usually made in the ovaries (in females) and testes (in males)
• Pituitary gland


  Controls the functions of both the testes and the ovaries
• Main reproductive hormones


  • Estrogen (females)
  • Progesterone (females)
  • Testosterone (males)
• Testosterone is considered a male hormone, but females also produce and need a small amount of this
• Production of sperm cells and the release of semen


  Regulated by hormones or special chemicals that come from the testis, the brain and the pituitary gland
• Hormones that regulate the male reproductive system

  • Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)
  • Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) - stimulates spermatogenesis
  • Luteinizing hormone (LH) - stimulates the production of testosterone
  • Testosterone - stimulates the development of male secondary sex characteristics and spermatogenesis
• Hormones that regulate the female reproductive system

  • FSH and LH - cause estrogen to be produced
  • Regulate the female reproductive system which is divided into the ovarian cycle and the menstrual cycle
  • Menopause occurs when the ovaries lose their sensitivity to FSH and LH and the female reproductive cycles slow to a stop
• Follicles produce hormones


  Control the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries
• Other hormones


  • Prepare the uterus so a baby can grow in it
  • Control the stretching of the uterus during pregnancy
• Hormonal Disorders Awareness
• Reproductive Hormone Disorders


  • Hormonal Imbalance
  • Infertility
  • Hypogonadism
  • Low Testosterone
  • Hirsutism
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
  • Ovarian Insufficiency