Question

What are sex hormones? What is their importance? What are the factors that influence them?

Answer 1

Sex hormones play a key role in reproduction and sexual development. These are mainly produced by the gonads and adrenal glands. The sex hormones are generally involved in:

• Reproduction and sexual development
• Puberty
• Inflammatory responses
• Promoting hair growth
• Regulating cholesterol levels
• Body fat distribution

The levels of sex hormones keep fluctuating the entire life. These fluctuations can lead to health issues such as hair loss, bone loss, infertility, etc.

There are several factors that affect the levels of these hormones. These include:

• Age
• Menstruation
• Menopause
• Menstruation
• Stress
• Medications