Sex steroid

From ArticleWorld

Sex hormones, also called sex steroids, comprise a class of biological molecules that are made in the body and have a direct cellular impact on the sex organs or on the sexual functioning of an animal or individual.

Sex hormones are, for the most part, made in the body and are naturally-occurring, although synthetic hormones exist and have been made primarily by the pharmaceutical industry for the purposes of mimicking natural hormones and treating specific therapeutic conditions.

Origin

Most sex hormones are made in the gonads (the testes or ovaries), although the adrenal glands and the pituitary gland produce them as well. Other body tissues, such as fatty tissue and the liver) have the ability to convert one kind of sex hormone to another.

Gender Differences

There is a considerable difference between males and females in both the types and amounts of sex hormones in their bodies. Men have predominantly androgenic (male) hormones such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Small amounts of female sex hormones are circulating in men as well. Androgenic hormones are responsible for creating and maintaining those features and sexual functions we commonly see as being male. These hormones also allow for proper functioning of the male reproductive system, such as obtaining an erection and maintaining normal prostate function.

Females produce primarily estrogenic hormones such as estradiol, estriol and estrone as well as progesterone. Small amounts of male hormones exist in women, too. Female sex hormones are necessary for the formation of breasts and for the development of the female sexual anatomy. Estrogens and progesterone tend to cycle in amount over the course of a woman’s menstrual cycle and promote ovulation and a healthy pregnancy.

Synthetic Sex Hormones

Synthetic sex hormones are used to treat deficiencies of specific natural hormones and in birth control pills, contraceptive patches and birth control injections. Anabolic steroids are used primarily by men. They mimic testosterone and are used to increase muscle mass in body building and other strength-related sports.