Hormones in Women

The hormones important to women are oestrogens – mainly oestradiol and oestrone. There is also progesterone (corpus luteum hormone). Oestrogens prevent arteriosclerotic vascular changes and for this reason women seldom suffer heart attacks prior to the menopause. In addition, they have preventive effects with a view to Alzheimer's disease and can be regarded as the body's own potent anti-aging substances.

The female cycle

The female hormones in the ovaries and uterus regulate a woman's monthly cycle. The cycle is divided into two halves. During the first half, oestradiol regulates the cycle. It ensures that the lining of the uterus is restored following menstruation. In parallel, a follicle, which contains the egg cell, ripens in the ovary with the help of the follicle-stimulating hormone FSH.
Ovulation ensues under the influence of LH (luteinising hormone, luteotropin) roughly 12-16 days prior to menstruation. Consequently, the follicle bursts and releases the egg. The egg then travels through the fallopian tube towards the uterus. This process takes about three days. The egg can be fertilised by sperm during the first few hours after ovulation. Following ovulation, the corpus luteum develops. This "yellow body" produces small amounts of oestrogen, but primarily progesterone (corpus luteum hormone), which is responsible for keeping the endometrium intact and promoting the growth processes of the embryo. If fertilisation does not occur, the endometrial layer disintegrates and is expelled during the next menstrual period. The cycle then begins again.

Oestrogen and progesterone deficiency during the menopause

Between the ages of 45 and 50, a woman's ovaries stop producing the ovarian hormones (oestradiol, testosterone and progesterone). Oestrogen deficiency leads to symptoms such as hot flushes, dizziness, sweating, depression and anxiety. The protection against osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis is also lost. The production of progesterone starts to decrease gradually, before the menopause, and may increase the risk of certain cancers (cancer of the uterus and, according to a recent, large study, also the risk of breast cancer).

Testosterone and DHEA

Women also have these male hormones in their bodies, albeit at lower concentrations. Testosterone is an extremely important hormone in women as well as in men, and is responsible for a woman's libido, assertiveness and muscle growth, but also her wellbeing. Similarly, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is responsible for muscle growth and memory performance in the female body. A drop in DHEA as a woman grows older also has an effect on her health and wellbeing. The mode of action of both hormones is explained in more detail under "Hormones in men".