Relaxin facts for kids
Relaxin is a special kind of protein called a peptide hormone. Hormones are like tiny messengers in your body. They travel through your blood and tell different parts of your body what to do. Relaxin plays important roles in both males and females. It helps with many body processes, especially those related to reproduction.
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What Relaxin Does
Relaxin in Girls and Women
In females, the body produces relaxin. Its levels go up about two weeks after ovulation. Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary. If the egg is not fertilized, relaxin levels then go down.
During the first three months of pregnancy, relaxin levels rise a lot. This hormone helps adjust the blood flow in the body during pregnancy. It also helps relax certain body parts. For example, it relaxes the ligaments in the pelvis. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones. Relaxin also softens the pubic symphysis. This is the joint where the two halves of your pelvis meet at the front. This softening helps prepare the body for childbirth.
Relaxin in Boys and Men
Relaxin also has a job in males. It helps sperm move better. This is important for sperm to be able to fertilize an egg.
Relaxin in Other Animals
In animals, relaxin helps widen the pubic bone. This makes labor easier. It also softens the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. This is called cervical ripening. Relaxin also helps relax the muscles of the uterus.
For a long time, scientists thought relaxin was only important for pregnancy. But now we know it does much more! Relaxin affects how your body handles collagen. Collagen is a protein that builds up many parts of your body, like skin and bones. Relaxin can slow down the making of collagen and speed up its breakdown.
See also
In Spanish: Relaxina para niños
