Chapter 21, Problem 6A

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Hormones play an important role in the human body. The female reproductive system is regulated by various hormones such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are found in nonpregnant women. Estrogen stimulates the maturation of ovum and releases ovum during the menstrual cycle. Progesterone helps to prepare the endometrium for receiving fertilized ovum after ovulation. During pregnancy human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone is produced by the placenta and this hormone is not found in nonpregnant women. Home pregnancy tests are designed to check pregnancy by using urine of the pregnant women. The presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in urine detects the pregnancy.