6 Types of Reproductive Hormones You Need to Know

One of the factors that affect the process and success of reproduction is reproductive hormones. Reproductive hormones play a role and affect sexuality and fertility, both in men and women. Some functions of reproductive hormones include maintaining reproductive health, supporting the performance of sexual organs, and helping to carry out the fertilization process. 

Reproductive hormones known so far are testosterone in men and progesterone in women. But other than these two types of hormones, our bodies have 6 different types of reproductive hormones. Let’s see it in detail!

1. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone

The first type of fertility hormone is gonadotropin-releasing hormone or GnRH. This hormone has a significant influence on a person’s fertility. The hypothalamus produces it. Another function of the GnRH hormone is to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Both parts control the production of eggs and sperm. It should be noted that the GnRH hormone in childhood is very low. Later when a person begins to enter puberty, this hormone will increase.

2. Follicle-stimulating hormone

The next fertility hormone is follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH. In women, this hormone controls the number and level of maturation of eggs and ensures a smooth menstrual cycle. Whereas in men, the FSH hormone plays a role in controlling sperm formation and ensuring sperm is formed in a healthy state. In this case, the testes need this hormone as an androgen binder.

3. Luteinizing hormone

Next, the fertility hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), also affects a person’s fertility. With the hormone FSH, LH stimulates the ovaries to produce progesterone and estrogen in women. This hormone also influences the process of ovulation or the release of an egg. Not only that, in men, the LH hormone can also stimulate cells in the testes to produce healthy sperm.

4. Estrogen

The Estrogen hormone is undoubtedly more widely known than the other hormones mentioned earlier. This hormone comes from the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat tissue. The hormone estrogen plays a vital role in female puberty, starting from the growth of pubic hair and breasts to menstruation. This reproductive hormone also affects reproduction, balances sexual desire, and helps erectile function.

5. Progesterone

Next, there is also a female reproductive hormone called the hormone progesterone. This hormone has a vital role in preparing for pregnancy. The hormone progesterone thickens the uterine wall during pregnancy to receive a fertilized egg. This hormone also helps the absorption of nutrients from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. But when there is no pregnancy, the hormone progesterone will decrease and trigger menstruation.

6. Testosterone

The last reproductive hormone is testosterone. This hormone is a male sex hormone that comes from the testes. The hormone testosterone plays a role in male puberty, from pubic hair growth and penis size growth to muscle and bone growth. The male hormone testosterone must be in average numbers to help sperm formation and libido. While in women, the hormone testosterone is produced in less amount. Its function is to regulate libido, help the performance of the ovaries, and keep bones from porous quickly.

Those are 6 types of reproductive hormones in both women and men that you need to know. The above hormones must be possessed in sufficient quantities to maintain reproductive health. Consult a doctor if you experience hormonal disorders that disrupt the reproductive process.