Hormones in human reproduction

• The ovaries produce and secrete the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
• Oestrogen:

  • Controls the development of secondary sexual characteristics
  • Inhubuts follicle-stimulating hormone
  • Stimulates the pituitary gland to produce luteinising hormone
• Progesterone:

  • Maintains the lining of the uterus during the menstrual cycle
• The testes produce and secrete testosterone
• Testosterone:

  • Controls the development of secondary sexual characteristics in males
• Puberty is the stage in life when a child's body develops into an adult's body.

  The changes occur gradually, usually between the ages of 10 and 16.

  Changes occur at puberty because of hormones.
• Female secondary sexual characteristics:

  • Breasts develop
  • Hips get wider
  • Ovaries start to release eggs
  • Pubic and underarm hair grows
  • Sexual organs grow and develop
• Male secondary sexual characteristics:

  • Voice deepens
  • Body becomes more muscular
  • Testes start to produce sperm
  • Facial, pubic, underarm and body hair grows
  • Sexual organs grow and develop
• The menstrual cycle:

  Lasts about 28 days.

  It is the reproductive cycle in women.

  Hormones bring it about.

  At puberty, eggs begin to mature and one is released approximately every 28 days. This is called ovulation and it occurs half way through the cycle.
• Menstrual cycle:

  
• Egg is released on day 14.

  
• The interactions of FSH, oestrogen, LH, and progesterone, in the control of the menstrual cycle.