The function of the endocrine glands is to produce ‘hormones’ which are important in controlling growth and development from childhood to old age, regulating water and mineral balance, producing and using energy related to metabolism, as well as the reproductive system.
All of these are about managing and controlling the body to function normally and naturally. Each hormone has a specific role, thus affecting the body differently. One of these roles involves sex and reproduction.
Female and male sex hormones originate from different endocrine glands
Sex hormones are hormones that affect the changes in sexual characteristics during adolescence, including physical, mental, and behavioral aspects. It can be seen that females and males differ clearly in each aspect as follows:
Female Sex Hormones
These hormones are produced by the ovaries and are divided into
1. Estrogen (Estrogen) which stimulates the growth of the female reproductive system during adolescence (Female Secondary Sex Characteristics), causing physical changes such as:
- Widened hips, enlarged breasts and genitalia
- Presence of underarm and pubic hair
- Enlarged uterus
- Softer, higher-pitched voice
- Closure of long bones, which stops height growth
2. Progesterone (Progesterone) which is related to pregnancy
- Thickens the uterine lining to prepare for implantation of the fertilized egg
- Prevents uterine contractions during pregnancy
- Works with estrogen to stimulate the growth of milk ducts and alveoli, enlarging the breasts to prepare for breastfeeding after delivery
- If fertilization does not occur after ovulation, implantation will not happen. Estrogen and progesterone levels rapidly decrease, causing the uterine lining to shed as menstruation
Male Sex Hormones
These hormones are produced by the testes, namely
Testosterone (Testosterone) which stimulates the growth of male characteristics during adolescence (Male Secondary Sex Characteristics), causing physical changes such as:
- Enlargement and lengthening of the penis
- Growth of hair in the armpits, genital area, arms, legs, shins, beard, and mustache
- Enlarged Adam’s apple and deeper, hoarser voice
- Broader shoulders and chest, narrower hips, increased muscle mass
- Increased sexual desire
- Increased sweating and body odor
- Increased oil production in the skin, oily skin, acne
