Question

What are sex hormones? Why are they named so? State their function.

Answer 1

Sex hormones:

1. Sex hormones regulate the formation and development of secondary sexual traits in an organism.
2. The female sex hormones are progesterone and estrogen.
3. The male sex hormone is testosterone.

They are so named because they regulate sexual activity and help us distinguish between boys and girls.

Functions of Testosterone:

Testosterone induces puberty-related physical changes, including increased bone density and muscle mass, face, pubic, and body hair growth, voice deepening, and sexual and reproductive development.

Functions of Estrogen and Progesterone:

1. Estrogen's primary role is to help with breast development throughout puberty, uterine lining growth during the menstrual cycle, and bone strength maintenance.
2. Progesterone aids in the regulation of menstrual cycles and the preparation of the body for pregnancy.