Sex steroid

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Sex Steroid

Sex Steroids (pronunciation: /sɛks ˈstɛrɔɪd/), also known as sex hormones, are a subset of steroids that play key roles in the development and regulation of sexual characteristics in both males and females.

Etymology

The term "steroid" is derived from "sterol", a compound found in many types of tissues, and the suffix "-oid", meaning "resembling". The prefix "sex" refers to the hormones' role in sexual development and function.

Types of Sex Steroids

Sex steroids can be classified into three main types:

  1. Androgens (e.g., testosterone): These are primarily male sex hormones, but they also exist in females to a lesser extent.
  2. Estrogens (e.g., estradiol): These are primarily female sex hormones, but they also exist in males to a lesser extent.
  3. Progestogens (e.g., progesterone): These hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Function

Sex steroids are produced in the gonads (ovaries in females, testes in males) and the adrenal glands. They regulate a variety of functions, including:

  • Development of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty
  • Regulation of the menstrual cycle in females
  • Sperm production in males
  • Maintenance of pregnancy

Related Terms

External links

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