Key Stage 4
Meaning
Reproductive hormones are hormones which produce by, or affect, the organs in the reproductive system.
About Reproductive Hormones
- Some reproductive hormones cause the expression of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.
The main reproductive hormones are:
- Testosterone - Secreted by the testes in males and causes the expression of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.
- Oestrogen - Secreted by the ovaries in females and causes the expression of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.
- Progesterone - Secreted by the ovaries in females and causes the lining of the uterus to become thicker during the menstrual cycle.
- Luteinising Hormone - Secreted by the pituitary gland in females and causes an ovum to be released from a follicle in the ovaries.
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone - Secreted by the pituitary gland in females and causes follicles to grow in the ovaries and stimulates the production of oestrogen.