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Sex Hormones
Sex Hormone Uses / functions
Oestrogen It stops FSH being produced so that
only one egg matures in a cycle
It simulates the pituitary to release
the hormone LH.
Allows preparation of the body for its
role in sexual reproduction.
It prevents the early breakdown of
the endometrium and the premature
release of the developing foetus,
which would be a miscarriage.

Progesterone It maintains the lining of the uterus
It enables the development of
secondary sexual characteristics.
Allows preparation of the body for its
role in sexual reproduction.
It enhances the development of the
endometrium.
It inhibits further production of LH
and FSH, so no more egg cells will
ripen and be released.
It prevents the early breakdown of
the endometrium and the premature
release of the developing foetus,
which would be a miscarriage.

Follicle stimulating hormone(FSH) It enhances the secretion of the sex
hormones.
It stimulates the ovaries to release the
hormone oestrogen.
Allows preparation of the body for its
role in sexual reproduction.
It stimulates the development of an
immature egg cell in the ovary
Lutinising hormone (LH) Enhances the secretion of the sex
hormones.
Causes the mature egg to be release
from the ovary.
Allows preparation of the body for its
role in sexual reproduction.
It stimulates the release of the mature
egg cell from the ovarian follicle into
the fallopian tube.


Oxytocin

Stimulates the wall of the uterus to
contract and to eventually relax the
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cervix and allow rapid and efficient
delivery of a baby.
The hormone promotes milk
production in nursing mothers and
promotes the easy flow of milk when
the baby is suckling.
Testoserone Allows preparation of the body for its
role in sexual reproduction.
It initiates the pre-natal development
of male sex organs.
It triggers and then regulates puberty
and the development of secondary
sexual characteristics.
It maintains the sex drive in adults.