Question

What are male and female sex hormones? Describe their structures and functions.

Answer 1

Androgens (mainly testosterone) are male sex hormones and estrogen and progesterone are female sex hormones. All these hormones are steroid chemically. Steroids are lipids which are formed from cholesterol.

• The function of testosterone:- Androgens regulate the development, maturation and functions of the male accessory sex organs like epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, urethra etc. These hormones stimulate muscular growth, the growth of facial and axillary hair, aggressiveness, low pitch of voice etc. Androgens play a major stimulatory role in the process of spermatogenesis (formation of spermatozoa). Androgens act on the central neural system and influence the male sexual behaviour (libido). These hormones produce anabolic (synthetic) effects on protein and carbohydrate metabolism.

• The function of estrogen:- Stimulation of growth and activities of female secondary sex organs, development of growing ovarian follicles, the appearance of female secondary sex characters (e.g., high pitch of voice, etc.), mammary gland development. Estrogens also regulate female sexual behaviour.
  
• The function of progesterone:- Progesterone supports the pregnancy. Progesterone also acts on the mammary glands and stimulates the formation of alveoli (sac-like structures which store milk) and milk secretion.