Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis - Essay Example

The first hormone described is the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). It is a hormone that is responsible for regulating or restraining the secretion of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) (Magiakou et al., 1997). Similarly, glucocorticoids play the role of restraining the production of pituitary luteinizing hormone.

The general effect of these hormones is that they contribute to the occurrence of “hypothalamic” amenorrhea of stress, which in most cases is subject to observe in the form of anxiety and depression in the feminine gender. The key female organs that normally respond to CRH are the reproductive tissues, comprising the ovary, the uterus, and finally the placenta. The effect of this hormone in these tissues is that it regulates the reproductive functions through the component that is inflammatory.

The hormonal signal aids in the regulation of the process and periods during which ovulation occurs. It also aids in regulating the luteolysis process, followed by performing regulatory functions on decidualization and implantation. The same hormonal signal may also aid in the regulation of early maternal tolerance. Finally, the placental corticotropin-releasing hormone is responsible for participating in the physiology of the pregnancy and to some extent initiating the labor process. Unregulated cortisol production and unregulated release of stress hormones inhabit the body’s main sex hormones, which is gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

The hormone will subsequently suppress the sperm count, suppressing ovulation and inhibiting the general sexual activity (Senders, 2009). To female reproduction, CRH and glucocorticoids participate in the physiology of the pregnancy. Circulating CRH causes physiological hypercortisolism that occurs in the final half stage of pregnancy. As part of the psychological effect, this hypercortisolism creates an adrenal suppression that is varying, thus explaining depression and the increased level of autoimmune phenomena that is common in pregnancy periods.