Estrogen is a hormone that regulates the immune system, generally having an immunoenhancing effect.
While multiple hormones influence the immune system, estrogen plays a significant role in modulating immune responses. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Estrogen's Immunoenhancing Effects: Studies suggest that estrogen enhances the immune system by several mechanisms, including:
- Modulating B cell function: Estrogen influences B cell activity.
- Promoting Th2 response: Estrogen leads to a shift towards a Th2-dominant immune response.
- Impairing negative selection of auto-reactive B cells: Estrogen may affect the elimination of self-reactive B cells, potentially increasing the risk of autoimmunity.
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Testosterone's Immunosuppressive Effects: In contrast to estrogen, testosterone generally has an immunosuppressive effect.
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Other Hormones Involved: It's important to note that the immune system is a complex network influenced by many factors, including other hormones like:
- Cortisol: A stress hormone known for its immunosuppressive properties.
- Prolactin: Can have both immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory effects.
- Growth Hormone: Plays a role in immune cell development and function.
While many hormones can influence the immune system, the reference highlights estrogen as a hormone that actively regulates it, often with immunoenhancing effects.
