Difference Between Oestrogen and Progesterone

The key difference between oestrogen and progesterone is that the oestrogen is the main female sex hormone, which is responsible for the growth of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics while the progesterone is another female sex hormone, which is important for the maintaining and sustaining a pregnancy.

Women synthesize several sex hormones including Oestrogen and progesterone. They are steroid hormones that involve female sex and other behavioural characteristics. Among these two hormones, oestrogen is the chief female sex hormone while progesterone is important during the pregnancy. Both these hormones largely produced by the ovaries, and their production naturally declines when a woman reaches the menopause. Furthermore, both males and female produce progesterone. However, males cannot produce oestrogen hormone.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Oestrogen
3. What is Progesterone
4. Similarities Between Oestrogen and Progesterone
5. Side by Side Comparison – Oestrogen vs Progesterone in Tabular Form
6. Summary

What is Oestrogen?

Oestrogen is the chief female sex hormone. The ovary is the main site of oestrogen secretion. Apart from that, the adrenal gland and fat cells also produce this hormone. There are four forms of oestrogen; namely, estrone, estetrol, estradiol and estriol. Oestrogen is responsible for the growth and development of the female reproductive system as well as for the female secondary sexual characteristics. Furthermore, it helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. Thus, it is known to be predominantly present in the women of the reproductive stage.

Figure 01: Oestrogen

Moreover, oestrogen is useful in the treatments of osteoporosis, and the activation of the G protein-coupled reactions. Oestrogen prevents the production of stimulating follicle hormone to make sure one egg cell matures for fertilization. And also this hormone stimulates the luteinizing hormone too.

Oestrogen synthesis declines when a woman is going through menopause. Hence, it can be taken as an oral contraceptive to replace the required oestrogen levels.

What is Progesterone?

Progesterone is one of the female steroid sex hormone produced by the ovary and adrenal glands. It belongs to the category of a C-21 hormone that is helpful during the pregnancy and embryogenesis. Progesterone is useful in maintaining the pregnancy and sustaining it. Moreover, progesterone prepares the uterus for implantation and maintains elasticity as well. When pregnancy does not occur, it is natural that progesterone levels will decrease in the body.

Figure 02: Progesterone

Furthermore, it helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. However, a high level of progesterone is not either healthier since it can lead to premenstrual syndrome. Milk products are additional sources of progesterone.

What are the Similarities Between Oestrogen and Progesterone?

• Oestrogen and Progesterone are female sex hormones.
• They are steroid hormones.
• Both participate in regulating the menstrual
• Oestrogen and Progesterone are produced by ovaries.
• The production of both hormones declines when comes to menopause.
• Both can take as contraceptive pills to stop pregnancy.

What is the Difference Between Oestrogen and Progesterone?

There are several female sex hormones. Among them, oestrogen and progesterone are two main hormones. Oestrogen is the chief female sex hormone, which controls the development of the female reproductive system and secondary female sex characteristics. In contrast, progesterone is responsible for maintaining pregnancy by preparing the uterus for implantation and maintaining its elasticity. This is the key difference between oestrogen and progesterone.

The below infographic tabulates the difference between oestrogen and progesterone in more detail.

Summary – Oestrogen vs Progesterone

Oestrogen and progesterone are two female sex hormones secreted by ovaries and adrenal glands. Oestrogen is the main female sex hormone, which is responsible for the development of secondary female sex characteristics. On the other hand, progesterone plays a big role during the pregnancy. It helps to sustain the pregnancy. Moreover, it also prepares the uterus for implantation and maintains the elasticity of it. This is the difference between oestrogen and progesterone.

Reference:

1.Nichols, Hannah. “Estrogen: Functions, Uses, and Imbalances.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 2 Jan. 2018. Available here  

Image Courtesy:

1.”Chemical structures of major endogenous estrogens”By Coelingh Bennink, H. J. T., Holinka, C. F., & Diczfalusy, E. – Coelingh Bennink, H. J. T., Holinka, C. F., & Diczfalusy, E. (2008). (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia 
2.”Progesterone-3D-balls”By Jynto (talk) – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia  

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