What is estrogen?

Estrogen is a hormone present in women's bodies. It is produced from the ovaries and placenta. Normal secretion can promote the development of organs such as the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. However, if the level is too high or too low, it can easily cause some gynecological diseases, such as uterine fibroids, infertility, etc.

1. What is estrogen?

Estrogen is a hormone produced by the female ovaries and placenta, and a small amount is produced by the adrenal cortex. The ovaries begin to secrete estrogen when female children enter puberty. The secretion of estrogen can promote the development of the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries themselves, and at the same time, the endometrium proliferates and produces menstruation. Estrogen also has the functions of promoting the increase of subcutaneous fat, promoting and maintaining female reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics, etc. Low or high estrogen levels may induce some gynecological diseases, such as uterine fibroids, breast hyperplasia, infertility, etc.

2. Pharmacological effects of estrogen

1. Estrogen acts directly on the ovaries. It can stimulate the development of follicles. It also has an indirect effect. The level of estrogen in the blood can promote or inhibit the release of gonadotropin, thereby indirectly affecting ovarian function.

2. Fallopian tube estrogen can accelerate the movement of eggs in the fallopian tube.

3. Uterine estrogen has a significant promoting effect on the metabolism of endometrium and smooth muscle.

4. An appropriate amount of estrogen in the follicle is necessary for follicle implantation.

5. Vaginal estrogen can promote the proliferation, differentiation, maturation and keratinization of the basal layer cells of the vaginal epithelium and cause nuclear density changes.

6. Breast estrogen can not only stimulate the growth of human mammary ducts, but also promote the development of mammary alveoli and milk production.

7. Protein metabolism: On the one hand, estrogen can stimulate the secretion of adrenal cortex hormone and counteract the effect of growth hormone, thereby promoting protein decomposition; on the other hand, it has a protein assimilation effect on the liver and can stimulate the synthesis of various plasma proteins.

8. Bone estrogen can promote bone density, but it can cause premature closure and ossification of epiphyseal and affect the increase in bone length. Estrogen can be used to treat osteoporosis in menopausal women.

9. Cardiovascular estrogen can reduce vascular permeability and lower serum cholesterol.