Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), Progesterone, and Estrogen are just some of the reproductive hormones in the development of the fetus. Human chorionic gonadotropin is a glycoprotein comprised of many amino acids. It is first produced in the embryo after conception, then later in the placenta. Progesterone is a steroid that originates from within an organism, tissue or cell of the ovaries, adrenal glands and placenta. Estrogen is a steroid, also found in the ovaries, adrenal glands and then later in the placenta. “A woman will produce more estrogen during one pregnancy than throughout her entire life when not pregnant” (Healthline Editorial Team). These three hormones flow through the blood, attach to proteins on the receptors and are essential in pregnancy.
“The correct balance of hormones is essential for a successful pregnancy” (Society for Endocrinology). After conception of the egg and sperm, the embryo must implant in the uterus approximately 6 days later for pregnancy to occur. At which time, human chorionic gonadotropin hormone is released into the body to support the pregnancy. Human chorionic gonadotropin can be detected by a urine pregnancy test within 7-10 days of fertilization. The high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin will increase the production of progesterone and estrogen through the blood to the ovaries. The only known function of human chorionic gonadotropin is to support the corpus luteum.
In puberty, progesterone is responsible for the maturation of the reproductive organs and development of the secondary sex characteristics. Libido, menstrual cycle and pregnancy are also functions of progesterone. Progesterone is produced from the corpus luteum, a gland of the ovaries which has several vital functions to maintain pregnancy. One of the functions include increased blood flow to the womb. This provides nutrients to the lining of the uterus and endometrium, helping it to thicken while preparing a supportive environment for the embryo. At approximately 8 to 10 weeks progesterone will be produced in the placenta from the ovaries. Progesterone levels should increase reducing the risks for miscarriage. Increase amounts of progesterone also helps with the expansion of the uterus. This expansion is necessary to house the baby to full term. When the fetus grows, it pushes on the kidneys, increasing the urine output. Kumar and Navneet state that when the pregnancy reaches term gestation, progesterone levels range from 100-200ng/ml and the placenta produces about 250 mg/day (Hormones in Pregnancy).
Due to the numerous medications that are taken during in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) there could be a decrease in the production of progesterone. Progesterone supplementation, whether in an oil based injection form or vaginal suppositories, may be needed. There are some side effects with the increase of progesterone during pregnancy like mood swings, headaches, fatigue and constipation. Exercise can be more difficult when pregnancy occurs due to injuries caused by the hormones effect on the ligaments. In today’s society, it seems as though more pregnant women exercise more frequent and actually harder to keep the “baby weight” off. After delivery of the placenta, blood levels of progesterone is decreased helping with the production of the colostrum, the breast milk which is high in protein, minerals and vitamins for the baby.
The other primary important hormone for pregnancy is a steroid called Oestrogen or also known as Estrogen. Estrogen is vital for the development of the fetus. Estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3) are naturally occurring estrogens in women during different stages of life. Estradiol is important in women during menarche and menopause. In pregnancy, estriol is most important. In menopause, Estrone is the primary estrogen in the body. Estrogen levels increase during pregnancy with the highest level being reached in the third trimester. Nausea and morning sickness can be the result of rapidly elevated levels in the first trimester. In the second trimester, the breasts are enlarged from milk production for lactation. Estrogen, like progesterone is passed to the placenta and needed for the organ development of the fetus including the liver, lungs and kidneys. During pregnancy, estrogen is essential for the thickening of the endometrium for implantation of the fertilized egg. Estrogen provides oxygen and nutrition to the fetus. Like progesterone, estrogen may cause side effects until the woman adapts to the higher levels. Some side effects may include nausea, constipation and mood swings which may subside at the end of the first trimester. Once the placenta is delivered, the blood levels of estrogen decrease.
Progesterone and estrogen are both vital during pregnancy. They sustain the fetus and provide the nutrients for growth within the womb. After birth, the elevated levels of progesterone and estrogen will return to normal. This decrease may cause emotional postpartum depression and mood swings from happy to sad. There will also be changes in the amino acids, neurotransmitters and thyroid hormones. Not every woman will experience the negative effect of hormone changes when they become pregnant, but some may develop serious issues with it. It is important for women to be knowledgeable about their bodies and the changes they face with their hormones starting at puberty with their menstrual cycle and continuing onto when they get pregnant. It is also important to have an understanding of the changes women go through when they get older and experience menopause. Women may have to take hormone replacements during menopause and for some the rest of their lives. Education should be a priority at puberty from parents and physicians, explaining the changes in one’s body and the functions of their hormones.
Works Cited
Healthline Editorial Team. “What Bodily Changes Can You Expect During Pregnancy?”
Healthline. George Krucik, MD. 15 Mar. 2012. Web. 6 Jul. 2015. <http://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/bodily-changes-during#HormonalChanges1>
“Hormones of Pregnancy and Labour.” You & Your Hormones. Society for Endocrinology,
Apr. 2015. Web. 6 Jul. 2015.
<http://www.yourhormones.info/topical_issues/hormones_of_pregnancy_and_labour.aspx>
Kumar, Pratap, and Magon, Navneet. “Hormones in Pregnancy.” Nigerian Medical Journal.
2012 Oct-Dec; 53(4): 179-183. Web. 6 Jul. 2015. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3640235/>
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