It's difficult to give an exact number of hormones produced during pregnancy, as the list is extensive and not all hormones are exclusive to pregnancy. However, we can identify key protein hormones specifically important during this period.
Key Protein Hormones During Pregnancy
The provided reference lists several protein hormones that play crucial roles during pregnancy. These hormones are produced by the placenta and other maternal tissues.
Here's a table summarizing these key protein hormones:
| Hormone | Abbreviation | Origin | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Placental Lactogen | hPL | Placenta | Modifies the mother's metabolism to facilitate fetal nutrition; prepares mammary glands for lactation. |
| Human Chorionic Gonadotropin | hCG | Placenta | Maintains the corpus luteum in early pregnancy to produce progesterone, which is essential to maintaining the pregnancy. |
| Adrenocorticotropic Hormone | ACTH | Pituitary Gland and Placenta | Regulates cortisol production in the mother. |
| Growth Hormone Variant | hGH-V | Placenta | Promotes fetal growth and development and modulates the mother's metabolism. |
| Parathyroid Hormone-related Protein | PTH-rP | Placenta | Regulates calcium levels for both mother and fetus. |
| Calcitonin | Thyroid gland and placenta | Regulates calcium levels and bone metabolism. | |
| Relaxin | Corpus luteum (early) & placenta (later) | Relaxes pelvic ligaments and softens the cervix to facilitate childbirth. | |
| Inhibins | Ovaries and placenta | Involved in the regulation of the reproductive system and suppression of FSH secretion. | |
| Activins | Ovaries and placenta | Involved in the regulation of the reproductive system and promotion of FSH secretion. | |
| Atrial Natriuretic Peptide | Heart | Regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. | |
| Hypothalamic-like Releasing and Inhibiting Hormones | Hypothalamus and Placenta | These hormones have diverse roles in regulating the secretion of other hormones. |
While the above table lists 11 distinct protein hormones directly mentioned in the reference that are active during pregnancy, this isn't an exhaustive list, as the reference notes "..." indicating other hormones exist. Additionally, other steroid hormones (such as estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol) and peptide hormones are also involved.
Therefore, the specific number is not definitively stated as the list is extensive and the reference only provides a partial view of the protein hormones. It's also important to understand that hormone levels change significantly at different points during pregnancy, and that other hormones not mentioned in the reference also contribute.
