Page 60 - The Miracle of Hormones

THE MIRACLE OF HORMONES

PITUITARY GLAND

FSH
Hormonal Control in
LH
Females: LH secreted
from the pituitary gland
ensures that the egg is
released and that pro-
gesterone is secreted.
FSH ensures the for-
mation and develop-
ment of egg cells in the
ovaries.
ovary

In the female body, the LH hormone ensures that the maturating egg
is released and that another hormone called progesterone is secreted.
LH performs a different function in the male body. It stimulates a
special group of cells in the testes called the leydig cells and ensures the

secretion of testosterone.
It is very interesting to think that these hormones are produced
according to the same formula in the bodies of each of the sexes and
that in each case the effects are totally different. How do the hormones
know the difference between the male and the female body? How does
it happen that a hormone composed according to one formula causes
the production of testosterone in the male and progesterone in the fe-

male? How can hormones of the same formula recognize the male
body on the one hand, and ensure the development of the male voice
and musculature, and, on the other hand, how can they know the

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