tissue effects
Last reviewed 01/2018
Oestrogens have a number of specific effects on tissues:
- uterus:
- proliferation of uterine mucosa
- strengthening of uterine smooth muscle contraction
- vagina:
- thickening of mucosa
- sloughing of epithelial cells
- cervix: modulation of consistency of mucus plug in order to regulate sperm transit
- gametes:
- maturation of follicle
- maturation of egg
- hastens ovum transit along Fallopian tube
- prepares sperm for junction with ovum
- hormonal:
- feedback on release of FSH and LH
- central nervous system:
- affects mood e.g. premenstrual tension
- increases sexual desire
- skin:
- increase hypodermal lipid deposits
- reduces number of sebaceous glands
- bone:
- decreased rate of growth
- increased rate of epiphyseal closure
- increased osteoblastic activity
- salt and fluid homeostasis: fluid retention
- liver metabolism: increased protein synthesis including transport globulins for various hormones
- glucose: impaired glucose tolerance