Male Hormones

Male hormones, also called androgens or testoids, are steroid hormones that stimulate or control the development and maintenance of male characteristics in vertebrates by binding to androgen receptors. They are responsible for the behavior of the accessory male sex organs and development of male secondary sex characteristics.

Types of Male Hormones

Among the many types of male hormones found in the human body, testosterone hormones are the most potent. It is the primary determinant of the gender of developing fetuses and it plays a major role in the development of the male genital. Testosterone is also the reason for the “deeper voice” of males. It also stimulates muscle mass and facial hair growth. Testosterone increases the metabolic functions in men, which contribute to faster healing and lower total body fat.

Other types of male hormones are as follows:

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an endogenous (naturally occurring in the human body) steroid hormone that is needed to produce other types of hormones including estrogen and testosterone. It is produced in the adrenal cortex from cholesterol and is commonly called dehydroandrosterone.

Androstenedione is the common precursor of male and female sex hormones. It is an androgenic steroid produced by the testes, adrenal cortex and ovaries.

Androstenedione have been shown to increase serum testosterone levels, which helps maintain balance the mental faculties of men.

Androstenediol has been shown to increase androgen prohormone, testosterone, and estradiol. It functions to stimulate the immune system.

Androsterone is a chemical by-product created during the breakdown of androgens. It can also be derived from progesterones. Androsterones have also minor masculinising effects on the body but not with the same intensity of testosterone.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a metabolite of testosterone that binds strongly with androgen receptors. It is responsible for the formation of male sex-specific characteristics such as the male genitalia and prostate.

Production of Male Hormones

The production of male hormones is due to the interstitial cells of the Leydig found in the testes. The actual secretion of these androgens, however, is controlled by the luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland.

Male Hormones and Sexual Development

The role of male hormones in the human body varies in different phases of a person’s life. These hormones are critical for the development of male traits during pre-birth and puberty but only work for the maintenance of reproductive function in mature adults.

Before Birth

A fetus develops into a male or female between the 12 and 17th week of pregnancy. It is during this period that the female or male sex organ is developed. During this period, the levels of the male hormone, testosterone is ten times higher in male fetuses than in female fetuses. From the transpiration of this period, the level of testosterone in males reduces and remains equal to that of the female until the onset of puberty.

During Puberty

During puberty the level of testosterone (male hormone) is slightly higher in boys than in girls. At the same time, the level of estrogen (female hormone) is much higher in girls than in boys. These differences in the hormonal balance contribute to the development of the secondary sexual characteristics.

Secondary characteristics in males are stimulated by testosterone. During puberty, the growth of the testicles, the appearance of pubic hair at the base of the penis, and an enlargement of the penis occur. These changes indicate that the male hormones are functioning properly and the body is smoothly reaching the age of maturity.

Adulthood

Male sex hormones play a great role in the physical changes in adults too. For men, a decrease in the level of testosterone can lead to breast enlargement, loss of muscle size and strength and bone thinning or osteoporosis.

Circulating levels of male hormones can also influence human behavior. Androgen levels have been implicated in the regulation of human aggression and libido. Excessive testosterone in the system is usually the cause of aggressiveness and increased sexual activity.

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