Sex hormones, also known as sex steroids, gonadocorticoids and gonadal steroids, are that interact with vertebrate steroid hormone receptors. The sex hormones include the , , and . Their effects are mediated by slow genomic mechanisms through as well as by fast nongenomic mechanisms through membrane-associated receptors and signaling cascades. Certain polypeptide hormones including the luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone – each associated with the gonadotropin axis – are usually not regarded as sex hormones, although they play major sex-related roles.
Production
Natural sex hormones are made by the
(
ovary or
),
by
, or by conversion from other sex steroids in other tissue such as liver or fat.
Image:Steroidogenesis.svg
Image:Biosinthesis of steroid hormones (simplified version).jpg
Image:Biosinthesis of steroid hormones (extended version).jpg
Types
In many contexts, the two main classes of sex hormones are androgens and estrogens, of which the most important human derivatives are
testosterone and
estradiol, respectively. Other contexts will include
as a third class of sex steroids, distinct from androgens and estrogens.
Progesterone is the most important and only naturally occurring human progestogen. In general, androgens are considered "male sex hormones", since they have masculinizing effects, while estrogens and progestogens are considered "female sex hormones" although all types are present in each sex at different levels.
Sex hormones include:
Synthetic sex steroids
There are also many synthetic sex steroids.
Synthetic androgens are often referred to as
. Synthetic estrogens and progestins are used in methods of hormonal contraception.
Ethinylestradiol is an example of a semi-synthetic estrogen. Specific compounds that have partial agonist activity for steroid receptors may require treatment by a steroid in one cell type, and, therefore, act like natural steroid hormones. These compounds are used in certain medical conditions. Some systemic effects of a particular steroid in the entire organism are only desirable within certain limits.
See also
-
List of investigational sex-hormonal agents
-
Effects of hormones on sexual motivation
-
Sex hormone therapy
External links