Sex steroids are a class of hormones that play a crucial role in the development and functioning of the reproductive system in humans and animals. Specifically, they are responsible for the sexual differentiation and maturation of primary and secondary sexual characteristics.
These hormones are primarily produced in the gonads, such as the testes in males and the ovaries in females. They include three main types of sex hormones: androgens, estrogens, and progesterone.
Androgens are predominantly male sex steroids, the most well-known being testosterone. They are responsible for the development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial and body hair growth, deeper voice, and muscle mass.
Estrogens are mainly female sex steroids, with the primary hormone being estradiol. They contribute to the development and maintenance of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development, widening of the hips, and regulation of the menstrual cycle.
Progesterone, although present in both males and females, plays a crucial role in the female reproductive system. It is involved in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, fertility, and pregnancy.
Sex steroids are not limited to their reproductive functions, as they also exert various effects on other body systems, such as bone health, cardiovascular function, and cognition.
These hormones can be influenced by various factors, including age, stress, nutrition, and certain medical conditions. They are often targeted by medical interventions for contraception, hormone replacement therapy, and treatment of hormone-dependent disorders, such as certain types of cancers.
