Stimulated Hormones (Progesterone and Testosterone)

"Cell"
(Luteinizing hormone)

A. Progesterone - the hormone of pregnancy.

It is a steroid hormone involved in the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy (supports gestation) and embryogenesis of humans and other species.

Progesterone has a number of physiological effects that are amplified in the presence of estrogen. Elevated levels of progesterone potently reduce the sodium-retaining activity of aldosterone, resulting in natriuresis and a reduction in extracellular fluid volume.

Progesterone modulates the activity of CatSper (cation channels of sperm) voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels. Since eggs release progesterone, sperm may use progesterone as a homing signal to swim toward eggs (chemotaxis). Hence, substances that block the progesterone binding site on CatSper channels could potentially be used in male contraception.

Progesterone has many roles relating to the development of the fetus:

1. Progesterone converts the inner membrane of the uterus (endometrium) to its secretory stage to prepare the uterus for implantation. At the same time progesterone affects the vaginal epithelium and cervical mucus, making it thick and impenetrable to sperm.

2. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels will decrease, leading, in the human, to menstruation. Normal menstrual bleeding is progesterone-withdrawal bleeding. If ovulation does not occur and the corpus luteum does not develop, levels of progesterone may be low, leading to anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

3. During implantation and gestation, progesterone appears to decrease the maternal immune response to allow for the acceptance of the pregnancy.

4. Progesterone decreases contractility of the uterine smooth muscle.

5. Progesterone inhibits lactation during pregnancy. The fall in progesterone levels following delivery is one of the triggers for milk production.

B. Testosterone 

Testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as the testis and prostate, as well as in promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle, bone mass and the growth of body-hair. In addition, testosterone is essential for health and well-being even in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Testosterone has a WHOLE LOT MORE pyhsiological effects.

References:

http://www.menopause-symptoms-info.com/progesterone-%E2%80%93-effects/
http://www.pharmatronic.net/index.php?document_srl=356

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From SUPER ENDOCRINOLOGIST

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