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What Are Sex Hormones?

Nicole Madison
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Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 18,997
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The hormones critical to sexual reproduction and development are often referred to as sex hormones. These hormones influence the physical expression of male or female characteristics, including the development of the breasts in females and increased body hair in males. They also help control reproductive processes, such as ovulation and the production of sperm. The human body produces these hormones naturally, but doctors also prescribe synthetic and natural forms of these hormones in medical treatments. For example, doctors often prescribe hormones such as estrogen and progesterone for birth control or the treatment of menopause symptoms.

Sex hormones have a significant effect on human reproduction and the development of characteristics specific to each sex. For example, when a woman begins to develop breasts, this is the result of this hormone influence. The same goes for when a male's voice deepens and he notices more hair growth on his face.

Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are among the most well-known and commonly discussed hormones that affect reproduction and development. Estrogen and progesterone are most frequently associated with females, while testosterone is usually discussed as it applies to men. These primary hormones are present in both male and females, however. Estrogen and progesterone are simply found in higher levels in the female body while testosterone is the dominant one in males.

While the work of sex hormones becomes most evident once a person reaches puberty, they actually are present at birth. The levels of these hormones in a person's body do change at various stages of life, however. For example, the levels of many types of hormones increase during puberty and stay elevated during the reproductive years. Around middle age, many people start to experience a decline in levels of some hormones, many of which will progressively decrease with continued aging.

The endocrine glands have most of the responsibility for producing and releasing sex hormones into the body. In females, these glands are referred to as the ovaries, and they not only produce hormones, but also eggs for release during ovulation. In males, the endocrine glands are referred to as the "testes," and have the responsibility for the production of hormones and sperm. When a person's endocrine glands fail to function as they should or fail to produce the right levels of hormones, the result can be infertility or sub-fertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, sexual dysfunction, and a range of unpleasant physical symptoms.

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Nicole Madison
By Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a The Health Board writer, where she focuses on topics like homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. Her passion for knowledge is evident in the well-researched and informative articles she authors. As a mother of four, Nicole balances work with quality family time activities such as reading, camping, and beach trips.
Discussion Comments
By candyquilt — On Mar 09, 2014

Something else that we need to mention is that the levels of sex hormones in men and women change naturally throughout the lifetime.

For example, estrogen in women before adolescence is low. It is naturally higher after menstruation begins all the way until menopause when the body stops producing estrogen altogether. Men go through a similar cycle in their lifetime where testosterone levels are high first and then gradually decrease after the age of forty. Although men don't stop producing testosterone altogether, the levels become very low after age seventy.

By bluedolphin — On Mar 08, 2014

@fBoyle-- Actually women have small amounts of testosterone as well. Even though there is a general assumption that men only have testosterone and women estrogen, it's not true. Both sexes have these hormones but to varying degrees. The natural amount of estrogen in men in comparison to testosterone is very low. And the natural amount of testosterone in women in comparison to estrogen is very low. This balance must be maintained in both men and women, otherwise many side effects will occur.

For example, if the testosterone-estrogen balance in a male is disrupted and if estrogen levels are higher than normal, this will affect many things. It may lead to mood changes, hair loss and even gynecomastia (abnormal breast growth). This does not mean however that the higher the testosterone in males, the better. As I said, there is a balance and the body functions as it should when this balance is maintained.

By fBoyle — On Mar 08, 2014

Why do men have estrogen but women do not have testosterone?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a The Health Board writer, where she focuses on topics like...
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