• Question: what age do horemones start? :-)

    Asked by benjx09 to Amy, Craig, Laura, Partha, Saffron on 12 Jun 2015.
    • Photo: Amy Cameron

      Amy Cameron answered on 12 Jun 2015:

      Hormones are present from when we start developing in the womb as a baby. The first signal from a growing fetus is within days of conception when the embryo implants in the womb. A signal is sent (a hormone called hCG human chronic gonadotropin) to let the mother know the embryo has implanted. From then on more and more hormones start being released as the embryo develops into a fetus. Hormones are critical to many processes in the body so are needed straight away. Hope that answers your question.

    • Photo: Saffron Whitehead

      Saffron Whitehead answered on 12 Jun 2015:

      Amy is perfectly right. You might also be interested to know that the fetal testis (XY chromosomes) begins to produce testosterone (the male sex hormone) around 6-7 weeks after conception. This testosterone controls the development of all the male characteristics seen at birth. So hormones very early on are essential.

    • Photo: Laura Wales

      Laura Wales answered on 17 Jun 2015:

      I’m with Amy and Saffron on this one.

      Progestone also plays an big role in the development of the foetus and gradually getting the mum ready to give birth. There are loads of other hormones involved at such an early stage.

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