Reproductive Endocrinology
What is endocrinology?
Endocrinology is the study of medicine that relates to the endocrine system, which is the system that controls hormones. Hormones regulate:
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Breathing
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Sensory perception
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Reproduction
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Metabolism, which is the chemical process of converting food into energy
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Movement
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Sexual development
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Growth
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Hormones are produced by glands and sent into the bloodstream to the various tissues in the body. They send signals to those tissues to tell them what they are supposed to do. When the glands do not produce the right amount of hormones, diseases develop that can affect many aspects of life.
What are reproductive hormones?
The main reproductive hormones estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone are instrumental in sexuality and fertility. They are responsible for pregnancy, puberty, mensuration, menopause, sex drive, and more. In women these hormones are produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. These hormones include:
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Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)
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Estrogens (Estradiol, Estrone)
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Androgens (Testosterone, Androstenedione, Dehydroepiandrosterone)
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Progesterone
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Relaxin
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The pituitary gland produces, stores, and stimulates other reproductive hormones such as:
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Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
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Prolactin
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Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)