Sex Hormones and their Effects on the Body (Research Paper Sample)

Author’s Name Tutor’s Name Course Code Date of Submission Sex Hormones and their Effects on the Body Testosterone Testosterone is the hormone responsible for many physical features specific to adult males. The hormone plays a significant role in reproduction as well as in the maintenance of muscle and bone strength (Eisenegger, Johannes and Ernst 263). It is produced by the gonads. In men, testosterone is produced in the testes by the leydig cells, while in women, it is produced by the ovaries. However, the adrenal glands produce small quantities of testosterone in both sexes. Testosterone is an androgen, implying that it stimulates the development of various male characteristics. Testosterone is present in greater levels in the males than the females. It initiates the development of male external and internal organs during foetal development (Eisenegger, Johannes and Ernst 264). Furthermore, it is key to the production of sperms in adult male life. Additionally, testosterone signals the body to manufacture new blood cells besides ensuring that bones and muscles remain strong during and after puberty. This hormone also boosts libido in both women and men. Testosterone is associated with several changes in boys during adolescence. These changes include the growth of pubic hair, increase in height, enlargement of the testes, penis, and prostate gland, as well as changes in aggressive and sexual behavior (Eisenegger, Johannes and Ernst 266). Additionally, testosterone controls the secretion of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. To influence these changes, testosterone is usually converted into a different androgen known as dihydrotestosterone. Most of the testosterone manufactured in the ovary is often converted into the basic female sex hormone called oestradiol. The regulation of production of testosterone is strongly controlled to maintain its normal levels in the blood, though its levels are normally highest during morning hours after which they fall (Eisenegger, Johannes and Ernst 268). The pituitary glands and the hypothalamus are key in regulating the amount of testosterone made in by the testes. Estrogen Estrogen is produced in the ovaries with some smaller amounts produced by the adrenal cortex, the testes, and the fetoplacental unit. It is considered a female hormone, the same way testosterone is regarded as a male hormone (Pettersson, and Jan-Åke Gustafsson 166). However, like testosterone, estrogen hormone is present in both sexes. The ovaries are the major location for production of estrogen. The hormone is secreted from the ovarian follicles and by the corpus luteum, immediately an egg is released from the follicle (Pettersson, and Jan-Åke Gustafsson 167). During adolescence, the female ovaries start releasing estrogen in harmonization with monthly menstrual cycle. Estrogen plays a central role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics in females. These sexual characteristics include breasts, the reproduction system, endometrium, armpit and pubic hair, and regulation of menstrual cycle (Pettersson, and Jan-Åke Gustafsson 169). During the menstrual cycle,...