Sex hormones are chemicals responsible for reproduction and sexual desire.
Common female sex hormones includeestrogenandprogesterone, whiletestosteroneis abundant in most males.
Sex hormones are produced by theovaries, testes,endocrine system, andadrenal glands.
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Menstruation, age, and certain medical conditions can cause fluctuations in sex hormones.
Females and males can balance sex hormones through hormone deprivation or replacement therapy.
This article will review sex hormone production, function, and ways to achieve hormonal balance.
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Sex vs. ## Where Are Sex Hormones Produced?
Females and males have different sex hormones.
However, they do share some of the same ones but each with different functions.
Although the ovaries are responsible for most female sex hormones, other tissues can also produce them.
These include:
Males
Androgens are the main sex hormones produced by males.
Androgens are responsible for male characteristics and reproduction.
Growth and Development
Estrogen is responsible for the sexual and reproductive development of females.
Breast development, pubic and armpit hair, and the start of menstruation are all influenced by estrogen.
Arousal
Estrogen and testosterone are the main hormones affecting arousal and sexual desire.
High levels of progesterone, however, can cause a decrease in sexual desire.
Although testosterone may increaselibidoin some females, estrogen is the primary sex hormone linked to female sexual desire.
In males, testosterone levels correlate to male libido.
Age, obesity, andhypogonadismdecrease testosterone, thereby reducing sexual arousal.
Organ Health
Estrogen and testosterone are important in preserving muscle strength as you age.
Testosterone improvescachexia(complicated metabolic syndrome characterized by muscle mass loss) in cancer and other inflammatory-based conditions.
Immune System
One study showcased how sex hormones influence immune system cells.
However, more research is needed.
Estrogen and progesterone levels are low just before the start of menstruation but are higher around ovulation.
As females age, sex hormone levels drop, leading tomenopause.
In males, testosterone levels are highest in the morning and decrease throughout the day.
Testosterone decreases at 1% to 3% yearly between 35 and 40.
Sex Hormone Disorders
Sex hormone disorders can affect physical and mental quality of life.
In some instances, they can even be deadly.
Types of sex hormone disorders include:
Can You Balance Sex Hormones?
Understanding the cause of sex hormone imbalances is essential to creating a treatment plan.
If the sex hormone imbalance is due to a medical condition, then treating that condition should be considered.
Sex hormones are important in reproduction, fertility, sexual desire, and overall health.
Sex hormones fluctuate with the menstrual cycle and with age.
There are several ways you might balance sex hormones, including lifestyle changes and medications.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you believe you’re experiencing symptoms of a sex hormone imbalance.
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