Hot News Flash! Hormone basics you should know.

THE ROLE OF WOMEN’S HORMONES: Welcome to HORMONES 101. This is an introductory discussion of women’s hormones and how their changing levels can signal the onset of menopause. Let’s begin. There are three major hormones involved in the normal menstrual cycle: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Yes, women have testosterone. Each of these hormones has a unique role in the advancement of menopause and understanding their functions can help you comprehend your changing body. ESTROGEN: Estrogen is produced by the ovarian follicle and is responsible for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive organs. It also aids in the development of female secondary sexual characteristics. Estrogen has an important role during the monthly menstrual cycle of a woman. At the culmination of a menstrual period, estrogen secretion increases and makes the endometrium thick and more vascular than normal. This is