Hormones are produced by the glands, and they impact a number of bodily functions. And while men and women share many of the same hormones that perform the same functions, there are other hormones that are present in greater volume in either men or women. In many instances, these hormones help create the physiological differences and distinctions in sexual activity between men and women.
Male Sex Hormones
In men, the hormones that play the greatest role in sexual development and processes are known as androgens. These are also present in women, but they play a greater role in men. The main androgens are testosterone and androstenedione, but DHT, DHEA and DHEA-S are other important androgens.
Testosterone is produced by the male body even before birth, as it plays a role in the formation of the male sex organs. Throughout a man’s life, it is the driving force behind life changes such as puberty, including the growth of body hair and the sex organs. It also contributes to a man’s muscle development, sex drive and emotions. Just like estrogen in women, testosterone levels can begin to fall as a man grows older, but it’s uncommon for men to experience a significant drop like women do with menopause. Very low or high testosterone are typically seen as medical problems that can be treated by a health care provider.
Treatment
Interestingly, these hormones, though present in smaller amounts, also play a role in women’s bodies. If women have too high of levels of certain androgens, however, this can lead to undesirable symptoms and may need to be treated medically. In some cases, male hormones are also used as a medical treatment for certain conditions. For example, they may be used to treat breast cancer in women or to boost low testosterone levels in men.
SOURCES: National Cancer Institute; Healthy Women; Your Sex Health; American Cancer Society.
Long-term opioid use may cause hormone deficiencies.
Men with high levels of testosterone at increased risk of heart trouble.
Hormone-suppressing regimen may raise odds for heart failure, but it brings benefits, too, researchers say
Hormone-based meds linked to higher blood sugar and 'bad' cholesterol levels in small study
Study findings could explain why airway condition is more common in women
British researchers zero in on genetic links between early puberty and increased cancer risk
Study found link between ads airing, men being tested for low levels of hormone, getting treatments
Study authors unsure if virus can harm human fertility
While trials show it boosts bone density and lowers anemia risk, heart risks also seen
Risk peaks in the first 6 months of hormone treatment, but overall odds are low, study finds
Injections as effective as other contraceptives, but side effects prompted early halt of trial
Many American men take them, but heart and psychological issues can occur, agency says
Study found chances doubled, but did not prove androgen deprivation caused damage to brain
For this type of patient, cardiac risks linked to the treatment may outweigh any benefit, study suggests
In small study, half-hour of bright light each morning boosted testosterone levels, sexual satisfaction
Gel hormone treatment led to improved libido and sexual function, study finds
Study found a 23 percent increased risk compared to men who received other treatments, but overall risk relatively low
... But no benefits seen in areas of vitality or physical function, trials show
High levels of testosterone, estrogen in middle age linked to raised odds of benign tumors in uterus
But experts caution that study doesn't prove cause-and-effect relationship between the two
Women see greater increase in levels of this 'male' hormone in competitive situations
Case report details how ovarian hyperthecosis leads to balding, excess body hair
Agency orders makers of popular testosterone supplements to conduct clinical trials
They may not harm the heart, but most men didn't see boost in sex lives either, study found
Finding was based on data from more than 30,000 American men, 40 and older
Study found high levels of testosterone, cortisol linked to traders making riskier financial decisions
Study found combination with hormone therapy extended life by almost a year
Study found five-year death risk was 50 percent lower in combo-treatment group
Men with a particular gene mutation suffered most, study finds