Sex hormones
As sex hormones are hormones called, the share of the gonad , expression of sexual characteristics have control and sexual function. Sex hormones are classified as such due to their mode of action and do not represent a uniform class of substances; they include, for example, steroid hormones (or their steroid receptors ) as well as certain proteins . In a broader sense, this also includes those superordinate hormones that control hormonal processes via the hypothalamus- pituitary system.
Even if the following differentiates according to gender, it must be noted that there are no gender-specific hormones. Rather, the difference between the sexes is that the amount of sex hormones produced and free, as well as the body's reactivity to the sex hormones, varies greatly.
Woman's sex hormones
First and foremost, estrogens and gestagens should be mentioned.
Hypothalamus:
- of GnRH neurons distributed gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)
Pituitary:
Ovaries (ovaries):
- Estrogens
- Progestins (luteal hormones)
Placenta (placenta):
- hCG (pregnancy hormone)
Man's sex hormones
Androgens play the most important role here, testosterone being one of the most important representatives .
Hypothalamus:
- of GnRH neurons distributed gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)
Pituitary:
Testicles:
Artificial sex hormones
On the one hand, synthetic sex hormones are descendants of natural estrogens and gestagens and are used for the purpose of contraception ; on the other hand, they can be derivatives of androgens, in which case anabolism is the goal.
See also
literature
- Bernhard Kleine, Winfried G. Rossmanith: Hormones and hormone system - textbook of endocrinology . 3rd, completely revised and expanded edition. Springer, Berlin / Heidelberg 2014, ISBN 978-3-642-37092-2 , urn : nbn: de: 1111-201312074184 .