The reproductive glands - the testes of the male and the ovaries of the female
Testes
Produce sperm and testosterone, the male sex hormone
Ovaries
Produce estrogen and progesterone, hormones that stimulate maturation of the female sex organs
Estrogen
Responsible for most of the changes in the female body
Progesterone
Associated mainly with body changes that favor the implantation of the fertilized ovum, continuation of pregnancy, and preparation of the breasts for lactation
Estrogens
Natural estrogenic hormones released from the ovaries - estradiol, estrone, and estriol
Uses of estrogen products
Relief of hot flash symptoms of menopause
Contraception
Hormone replacement therapy after an oophorectomy
Prevention of osteoporosis
Treatment of severe acne in females
Palliative treatment of advanced prostatic cancer and certain types of breast cancer
If estrogen therapy is indicated to postmenopausal women, it should be accompanied by progestin therapy to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer
Progestins
Progesterone and its derivatives that inhibit the secretion of pituitary gonadotropins, preventing maturation of ovarian follicles and thus inhibiting ovulation
Uses of progestins
Treat secondary amenorrhea, breakthrough uterine bleeding, and endometriosis
Used in combination with estrogens as contraceptives
Androgens
The dominant male sex hormone is testosterone, produced by the testicles. Responsible for normal growth and development of male sex organs and secondary sex characteristics.
Uses of androgens
Treat hypogonadism and androgen deficiency
Palliation of breast cancer in postmenopausal women
Treat wasting syndrome associated with acquired immunodeficiency