Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Estrogens
- Estradiol (most active and predominant)
- Estriol (weaker metabolic product that estradiol is converted to)
- Estrone (weak)
The estrogens (particularly estradiol) are involved in:
- proliferation of epithelial and muscular layers of vulva and vagina after menarche
- blood vessel development (especially in the uterus)
- endometrial proliferation and increase size of uterus (including glands, stroma and muscular layers)
Lack of estradiol (eg following menopause) leads to uterine atrophy
In pregnancy, the most important source of Estrogens is the Placenta. Note that the fetal-placental unit is crucial for Estrogen production due to relative enzyme deficiencies.
Progesterones
Act on tissues with estrogen receptors, but must have been sensitized first with estrogen.
the Progesterones are involved in:
- blocking maturation of vaginal epithelial cells
- increase Cx mucus viscosity
- increase the plump-ness of endometrium
- aids fat deposition
- increases Basal Temp by 0.2-0.5 degrees Celsius
Source - Llewellyn-Jones’ “fundamentals of O and G”
