In the human body, numerous hormones ensure that vital processes take place. Among these are the sex hormones. While women have mainly estrogens and progestins, androgens are the sex hormones of men. The function of hormones can be limited by certain disorders.
What are sex hormones?
Sex hormones affect various mechanisms in the body. In this context, the presence of too much testosterone can cause discomfort in women, just as a lack of estrogen causes diseases in men. Sex hormones have a particular effect on physical development. In women, for example, they cause fat to accumulate on the hips and breasts, resulting in typical female curves. In addition, they play a role in sexuality and thus also in the production of offspring. Particularly in women, hormone fluctuations can be very strong in the course of life. These are particularly noticeable during pregnancy and menopause. Sex hormones are already active during the expression of sex in embryonic development. In men, however, the strongest testosterone production is not reached until about the age of 20.
Anatomy and structure
Female sex hormones are largely produced in the ovaries. The adrenal cortex and placenta also handle the production of hormones, but to a much lesser percentage. Estrogens and progestins are particularly important in women. Behind these are other hormones. The estrogen class also includes estradiol, estrone and estriol. Estradiol is the most important estrogen. Within the progestogens, progesterone is of particular importance. This is also produced in the ovaries. The main production is located in the so-called corpus luteum. The most important sex hormone in men is testosterone. Testosterone is also found in the female body, but in much smaller doses. In men, androgens are produced in the testes in particular. As in women, the adrenal cortex also takes over a small part of the production.
Function and tasks
The functions of sex hormones are varied. For example, estrogen is important in the growth and development of the genitals. In particular, estradiol affects the development of the uterus, ovaries, and vagina. It prepares the female body for a possible pregnancy. The development of the sexual organs does not begin until the onset of puberty. At the same time, estrogens ensure the development of female secondary sexual characteristics. Length growth occurs during puberty. Estrogens terminate the growth of bones, which gives them another important function. The group of estrogens is thus particularly important for fertility, menstrual cycle and offspring. It affects the attractiveness of women through the formation of sexual organs. At the same time, estrogens also have psychological effects. For example, they increase sexual desire after sexual maturity has been reached. Estrogens thus indirectly influence reproduction and species maintenance. Progesterone lays the foundations for pregnancy: it makes all the preparations for an egg to implant in the lining of the uterus. The hormone is essential for pregnancy to occur. After ovulation, an increased level of progesterone can be measured. At the same time, the body temperature rises minimally. The mammary glands become denser due to progesterone. In this way, the body should be prepared for milk production. In men, androgens ensure that the penis, scrotum as well as prostate gland are formed in the womb. After entering puberty, boys notice a growth in the length of their sexual organs due to testosterone. The sperm mature and are able to fertilize an egg and thus produce offspring. At the same time, the formation of a male appearance can be traced back to testosterone. Thus, sex hormones are important for sex-typical physical development and production of offspring.
Diseases
An estimated 5 to 10 percent of all women have an uneven distribution of their sex hormones. If the body produces too much testosterone, this can affect all processes.In PCO syndrome, women develop hair growth classified as male, irregular or absent menstruation, hair loss and other symptoms. The condition is usually accompanied by infertility and is responsible for an increased risk of secondary diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems. PCO cannot be cured, but it can be treated. Research has now shown that estrogen can promote the growth of breast cancer. The initial suspicion resulted from population studies with a high volume. In the meantime, scientists have discovered that breast cancer cells often have receptors to which estrogens can bind. In this way, certain signals are sent that lead to increased growth of the cancer cells. An imbalance of hormones also causes symptoms in men. For example, there may be a testosterone deficiency. A low testosterone level often leads to reduced estrogen production. If there is too little estrogen, other complaints manifest themselves. Men report chronic fatigue, muscle pain, a decrease in performance, hot flashes, decrease in beard growth and psychological components such as depression and irritability. The reduction of testosterone and estrogen often triggers a libido perceived as greatly diminished with advancing age. Testosterone deficiency is usually the result of physical aging. Furthermore, individual life circumstances such as obesity, unhealthy diet, alcohol and permanent stress can promote the development of a deficiency. If necessary, a deficiency can be treated, for example, by injections.