Sex hormones are steroids (fat soluble compounds) that control sexual maturity and reproduction. Sex hormones are produced mainly by the endocrine glands. The endocrine glands in females are ovaries and those in males are testes. While both males and females have all types of hormones present in their bodies, females produce the majority of two types of hormones, estrogens and progesterone, while males produce mainly androgens such as testosterone. Most androgens produced by females are converted to estrogens and some androgens in males are also converted to estrogens. Sex hormones are synthesized from cholesterol (a fatty acid) and other compounds and secreted throughout a person's lifetime at different levels. Their production increases at puberty and normally decreases in old age. The steroid hormones that are also called as gonadal hormones. The two main classes of sex hormones are androgens and estrogens. The most important human derivatives are testosterone and estradiol. Other contexts will include progestogens as a third class of sex steroids, different from androgens and estrogens. Progesterone is the important and only naturally-occurring sex hormone. Androgens are considered as "male sex hormones" with masculinizing effects, while estrogens and progestogens are considered as "female sex hormones" albeit at different levels.
Review Article: Research & Reviews in BioSciences
Review Article: Research & Reviews in BioSciences
Original Article: Research & Reviews in BioSciences
Original Article: Research & Reviews in BioSciences
Original Article: Research & Reviews in BioSciences
Original Article: Research & Reviews in BioSciences
Original Article: Research & Reviews in BioSciences
Original Article: Research & Reviews in BioSciences
Original Article: Research & Reviews in BioSciences
Original Article: Research & Reviews in BioSciences