Where is estrogen released from

Scientists have known for about 80 years that the hypothalamus, a region in the brain, is involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and reproduction. Within the past 40 years, they predicted the presence of neural estrogens, but they did not know whether the brain could actually make and release estrogen. Most estrogens, such as estradiol, a primary hormone that controls the menstrual cycle, are produced in the ovaries. Estradiol circulates throughout the body, including the brain and pituitary gland, and influences reproduction, body weight, and learning and memory.

As a result, many normal functions are compromised when the ovaries are removed or lose their function after menopause. For diseases that may be linked to estrogen imbalances, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, depression, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and other autoimmune disorders, the hypothalamus may become a novel area for drug targeting, Terasawa says. The study, published today in the Journal of Neuroscience , "opens up entirely new avenues of research into human reproduction and development, as well as the role of estrogen action as our bodies age," reports the first author of the paper, Brian Kenealy, who earned his Ph.

Kenealy performed three studies. In the first experiment, a brief infusion of estradiol benzoate administered into the hypothalamus of rhesus monkeys that had surgery to remove their ovaries rapidly stimulated GnRH release. The brain took over and began rapidly releasing this estrogen in large pulsing surges. In the second experiment, mild electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus caused the release of both estrogen and GnRH thus mimicking how estrogen could induce a neurotransmitter-like action.

Third, the research team infused letrazole, an aromatase inhibitor that blocks the synthesis of estrogen, resulting in a lack of estrogen as well as GnRH release from the brain. Together, these methods demonstrated how local synthesis of estrogen in the brain is important in regulating reproductive function. The reproductive, neurological and immune systems of rhesus macaques have proven to be excellent biomedical models for humans over several decades, says Terasawa, who focuses on the neural and endocrine mechanisms that control the initiation of puberty.

Some types of hormone therapy can also increase the risk of a stroke, blood clots, and uterine and breast cancer. A doctor can advise a person on whether estrogen therapy is suitable for them.

In addition to menopause, estrogen therapy can also help resolve :. High levels of estrogen can increase the risk and progression of some types of breast cancer. Some hormone treatments block the action of estrogen as a way of slowing or stopping cancer development. Hormonal therapy is not for everyone. A family history of breast cancer or thyroid issues may contradict using hormones.

People who are unsure can speak to a doctor. A doctor can prescribe estrogen as part of the therapy for a person assigned male at birth who wishes to transition to female.

The person may also need anti-androgenic treatment. Estrogen can help a person develop female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breasts, and reduce male pattern hair formation. Estrogen therapy will be part of a broader treatment approach.

A healthcare professional can advise the individual on the best course of treatment. Some types prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, and they do this by ensuring that hormone levels do not fluctuate throughout the month.

Other uses include decreasing premenstrual symptoms and reducing the severity of hormone-related acne. Oral birth control presents more risk for women who smoke or are over the age of 35 years. Long-term use may also lead to a higher risk of breast cancer. Some studies suggest that these may affect levels of estrogen in the body. However, there is not enough evidence to confirm this. Some people believe that foods containing phytoestrogens can help manage hot flashes and other effects of menopause, but this does not have scientific backing.

In addition, eating whole soy foods, for example, is unlikely to have the same effect as taking extracts from soy as a supplement. Some herbs and supplements contain phytoestrogens, which act in a similar way to estrogen. These may help regulate estrogen and treat symptoms of menopause. However, it is unclear exactly how these compounds affect estrogen and estrogen-related activity in the body, and there is not enough evidence to confirm that they are safe and effective, especially in the long term.

Researchers have called for further studies. As a result, it is not possible to know exactly what a product contains. Phytoestrogens are a natural compound found in plants. When eaten, they may affect a person in the same way as estrogen produced by the body. The endocrine system uses hormones to control and coordinate your body's internal metabolism or homeostasis energy level, reproduction, growth and development, and response to injury, stress, and environmental factors.

Consider the following hormones and their role in the workings of the endocrine system:. Controls key functions in the body; acts as an anti-inflammatory; maintains blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and muscle strength; regulates salt and water balance. Controls production of sex hormones estrogen in women and testosterone in men and the production of eggs in women and sperm in men. Controls blood pressure, both directly and also by regulating aldosterone production from the adrenal glands.