Hormones are biochemical messengers consisting of a steroidal structure. This type of chemical is released by a specific organ to provide a signal to the other organs or tissues and promote a particular physiological function. In this section, we will study the two sex hormones produced in a female human body, progesterone, and estrogen. Both the hormones are very closely related and need to be understood properly. This is why you will find the difference between estrogen and progesterone tabulated on this concept page.
What is Oestrogen?
A steroid hormone called estrogen or oestrogen plays an important role in reproduction for females. In addition to estrone and estradiol, it also includes estriol. The most predominant location of this hormone is the ovary, which is a grape-sized gland located on either side of the uterus. Adrenal fat cells are also responsible for producing some estrogens. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is responsible for the secretion of estrogen. At puberty, estrogen supports the development of secondary sexual characteristics in females. Women with thick pubic hair, wide hips, and breasts share some of these characteristics. During the beginning of a menstrual cycle, estrogen is involved in the formation of the endometrium. A non-fertilized egg triggers menstruation by abruptly decreasing estrogen levels. Estriol is produced by the pregnant placenta. Breast milk is also controlled by estrogen.
What is Progesterone?
The steroid hormone progesterone is responsible for preparing the uterus for pregnancy. The placentas and ovaries each produce their own amount of this hormone. A small amount of this hormone is also produced by the adrenal glands. This hormone is responsible for preparing the body for pregnancy and conception. It is during the luteal phase of pregnancy that progesterone is made by the corpus luteum ovary follicle. Luteinizing hormone (LH) is responsible for regulating progesterone production.
Steroid hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play a crucial role in the regulation of reproduction in mammals. The uterus develops and functions according to these hormones. Certain genes in the uterus are transcribed by these hormones.
A woman’s menstrual cycle is regulated by estrogen, while pregnancy is supported by progesterone. During pregnancy, these two play a crucial role, causing the body to undergo various changes.
The Difference Between Estrogen and Progesterone Table
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Estrogen |
Progesterone |
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The female hormone estrogen is secreted by the ovaries before ovulation. |
The female hormone progesterone is secreted by the ovaries after ovulation |
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The secretion of estrogen is greatly influenced by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) |
Progesterone is largely controlled by luteinizing hormone (LH) |
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It causes enlargement of the breasts and uterus during pregnancy |
It reduces the contractility of the uterus and stimulates the growth of the mammary glands during pregnancy. It also stimulates the growth of decidual cells. |
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Growing graafian follicles produce estrogen. |
Progesterone is produced by the cortex luteum. |
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Excess estrogen in men creates an imbalance. |
Progesterone and testosterone work together to provide a number of benefits |
Comparing estrogen and progesterone, we can see that a healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone is needed during pregnancy and the menstrual cycle.
Why Should You Know the Difference Between Progesterone and Estrogen?
Now that you know what both female sex hormones are and what their functions are, you can go on to understand the differences between them. You can easily memorize and understand the differences between estrogen and progesterone once you have studied their functions.
It is very important to understand female reproductive hormones. In this way, you will have an easier time studying the entire chapter by remembering the key differences between the two biochemical messengers. It will be easier to understand the concept and differentiate between the two hormones by using the language the experts use. Make the chapter more understandable by learning the difference between estrogen and progesterone.