Difference between estrogen and progesterone
Main difference
Hormones are the specific type of chemical molecules secreted by the glands to perform specific functions. The endocrine system of a body is a major system of the body that controls the activities of the body; It consists of endocrine glands that are found in different parts of the body and secrete a specific hormone into the body’s bloodstream. Here, we will discuss two hormones called estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is a steroid hormone that develops and maintains the female characteristics of the body, and progesterone is also a steroid hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and plays an important role in maintaining pregnancy.
Comparative chart
Estrogen | Progesterone | |
Secretion | Estrogen is secreted by the woman’s ovaries and also by the adrenal cortex. | Progesterone is secreted from the corpus lutetium and also from the adrenals. |
Principal function | Estrogen promotes the development of the female reproductive system; it also brings the development of female secondary sexual characters. | Progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy and has an important role in maintaining pregnancy. |
During pregnancy | Estrogen secretion decreases during pregnancy. | Progesterone secretion increases during pregnancy. |
Body fat and weight | Estrogen increases body fat and increases weight. | Progesterone lowers body fat and loses it and uses fat for energy. |
Memory | Estrogen promotes memory. | Progesterone has no such function. |
Risk of breast and prostate cancer | Estrogen increases the risk of breast and prostate cancer. | Progesterone reduces the risk of breast and prostate cancer by preventing it. |
Estrogen is one of the sex hormones and has a steroidal chemical nature. It is secreted in large amounts in women and a small amount also in men, which is why it is taken as one of the main female hormones. Estrogen is secreted by the woman’s ovaries and also by the adrenal cortex. Its secretion is stimulated by the stimulation of follicular hormone (FSH). In men it promotes spermatogenesis, and in women, estrogen promotes the development of the female reproductive system, it also brings the development of female secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development, skin softening, voice lighting, etc. . stimulates the formation of mature follicles in the ovaries and prepares them for ovulation. Estrogen causes early fusion of the epiphyses of long bones in women, leading to shorter stature in women. In pregnant women, it induces enlargement of the breast and uterus. Other effects of estrogen are that it increases body fat and weight gain, causes salt and water retention, can also cause anxiety, depression and headaches, increases the risk of breast and prostate cancer, increases the mucosa of the vagina and improves urinary tract health.
What is progesterone?
Progesterone is one of the sex hormones and has a steroid chemical nature. It is secreted in large quantities only in women and is very rare in men, which is why it is taken as one of the main female hormones. Progesterone is secreted from the corpus lutetium and also from the adrenal cortex. In non-pregnant females, it is secreted by the corpus lutetium and prepares the female’s reproductive system for pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, your discharge increases. In the first three months of pregnancy, it is secreted from the corpus lutetium, while later it is secreted from the placenta. It is a very important hormone because it maintains the pregnancy throughout its time if its secretion reduces it leads to a miscarriage. Other works of progesterone are to decrease body fat and lose weight and use fat for energy, decrease salt and water retention, reduce anxiety, depression and headaches. It reduces the risk of breast and prostate cancer by preventing it, in addition to all this, it also improves a woman’s sleep pattern and stimulates bone formation.
- Estrogen is secreted by the woman’s ovaries and also by the adrenal cortex while; progesterone is secreted from the corpus lutetium and also from the adrenals.
- Estrogen promotes the development of the female reproductive system; it also brings the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, while progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy and plays an important role in maintaining pregnancy.
- Estrogen secretion decreases during pregnancy while progesterone secretion increases during pregnancy.
- Estrogen increases body fat and weight gain, while progesterone decreases body fat and loses it and uses it for energy.
- Estrogen promotes memory, while progesterone has no such function.
- Estrogen increases the risk of breast and prostate cancer, while progesterone reduces the risk of breast and prostate cancer by preventing it.