Difference Between Hormones and Pregnancy

Hormones and pregnancy are two distinct yet interrelated concepts in the realm of reproductive health. Hormones are biochemical messengers produced by various glands in the body that regulate numerous bodily functions, including growth and development, metabolism, and reproduction. On the other hand, pregnancy refers to the physiological state of carrying a developing fetus within the female body. In this essay, we will explore the differences between hormones and pregnancy in detail.

What are Hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by the endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions, including growth and development, metabolism, and reproduction. In the female body, the two primary hormones involved in the reproductive cycle are estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is responsible for stimulating the growth and development of the female reproductive system, while progesterone plays a critical role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy.

Any hormone associated with a specific receptor results in a cell-specific response. The response may be −

• Rapid non-genetic response

• Slower genetic response: The receptors affect gene transcription and increase or decrease the release of given proteins.

Most often the hormones are produced by the endocrine glands, but they can be also secreted from other tissues and organs.

The secretion of hormones is highly dependent on the body’s condition. For example, the blood sugar levels affect the production of insulin; the concentration of potassium ions in blood plasma affects the synthesis of parathyroid hormone, etc.

The hormones can be −

• Steroid hormones

• Polypeptide hormones

• Amino acid hormones

Hormones may circulate in the blood to reach distant target cells or remain where they are secreted and act on the nearby cells. There is a specific type of hormones, called autocrine hormones, which act on the cells which have secreted them.

What is Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a condition in which in the woman’s uterus develops an embryo/fetus. The term “embryo” is used during the first 8 gestation weeks and the term “fetus” – after the 9th gestation week.

Pregnancy begins with a fertilization process – merging of the male and female sex cells, followed by a nidation process – implantation of the fertilized egg (zygote) into the wall of the uterus. Pregnancy ends with the birth of the baby.

Different symptoms of pregnancy occur in the woman’s body, primarily under the action of elevated levels of hormones. In each pregnant woman, the symptoms of early pregnancy are different, but there are some common pregnancy symptoms −

• Late/absent menstruation;

• Nausea and vomiting;

• Feeling of dizziness, weakness, and fatigue, resulting from changes in the blood flow and hormonal fluctuations;

• Tension and changes in the breasts, resulting from the hormonal specifics of the early pregnancy;

• Spasms, resulting from the gradual stretching of the uterus;

• Vaginal bleeding, weaker than the menstruation and lasting for 3-4 days (in about 25% of pregnant women);

• Darkening of the nipples, resulting from the accumulation of melanin in the melanocytes;

• Mood changes, resulting from hormonal changes;

• Feeling of abdominal swelling, resulting from a delayed function of the digestive system during pregnancy;

• More frequent urination, resulting from an increase in the blood flow, passing through the kidneys and from the pressure caused by the growing baby to the bladder;

• Changes in appetite and food preferences, etc.

Differences: Hormones and Pregnancy

Hormones are produced by various endocrine glands in the body, including the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and ovaries in females, and testes in males. These glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream, where they travel to target tissues and organs to regulate their function. Hormones play a crucial role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, fertility, and pregnancy.

During the menstrual cycle, hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone are produced in a specific sequence to prepare the body for ovulation and potential pregnancy. FSH stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries, which contain eggs. LH triggers ovulation, where the mature follicle releases an egg into the fallopian tube. After ovulation, the follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.

If fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, and pregnancy begins. Pregnancy is a complex physiological process that involves numerous hormonal changes to support the growth and development of the fetus. The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by the cells surrounding the developing embryo and is the hormone detected in pregnancy tests. hCG signals to the corpus luteum to continue producing progesterone to maintain the uterine lining and prevent the shedding of the endometrium. Progesterone also plays a role in preventing contractions of the uterus to prevent premature labor.

As the pregnancy progresses, the placenta takes over the production of hormones to support the developing fetus. Estrogen and progesterone continue to rise and play a crucial role in maintaining the pregnancy, regulating fetal growth and development, and preparing the body for childbirth. Other hormones produced by the placenta, such as human placental lactogen (hPL) and relaxin, help prepare the breasts for lactation and relax the ligaments in the pelvis to aid in childbirth.

The following table highlights the major differences between Hormones and Pregnancy −

Characteristics	Hormones	Pregnancy
Definition	Hormones are signal molecules secreted by cells or glands with internal secretion, circulating in the body, and acting on distant organs and tissues	Pregnancy is a condition in which in the woman’s uterus develops an embryo/fetus.
Origin	Most often the hormones are produced by the endocrine glands, but they can be also secreted from other tissues and organs.	Pregnancy begins with a fertilization process – merging of the male and female sex cells, followed by a nidation process – implantation of the fertilized egg (zygote) into the wall of the uterus.
Function	The hormones travel through blood, tissues, and organs, to deliver instructions to modulate, initiate or stop almost all of the known processes in the body.They regulate the metabolism, growth, development, immune system, mood, sexual functions, behavior, etc.	The successful pregnancy results in the production of offspring and provides for the continued existence of species.
Stages	The life of each hormone consists of: assembling of the molecule, storage, secretion, transport to the target cells, recognition, making contact and transmitting information leading to cell changes, degradation.	Pregnancy is typically divided into three trimesters: the first trimester includes weeks 1 to 12, the second trimester- weeks 13 to 28, and the third trimester – weeks 29 to 40. It begins with the conception and ends with the birth of the baby.
Types	The hormones can be steroid, polypeptide, and amino acid hormones.	Pregnancy may be single or multiple, depending on the number of embryos, developing in the uterus.

Conclusion

In summary, hormones and pregnancy are two distinct yet interrelated concepts in reproductive health. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle, fertility, and pregnancy. Pregnancy is a complex physiological process that involves numerous hormonal changes to support the growth and development of the fetus.

Understanding the differences between hormones and pregnancy is essential for individuals who are trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or seeking reproductive health care.