Sex steroid
Sex Steroids[edit | edit source]
Sex Steroids[edit | edit source]
Sex steroids, also known as sex hormones, are a class of steroid hormones that bind to and activate specific receptors such as androgen, progesterone, or estrogen receptors. These hormones play pivotal roles in the regulation of sexual and reproductive functions, as well as other physiological processes.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Sex steroids are crucial in the development and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive processes. They also influence a variety of other bodily functions, including blood salt balance, stress response, neuronal function, and various metabolic processes.
Types of Sex Steroids[edit | edit source]
Sex steroids can be broadly categorized into:
- Androgens: Including testosterone, primarily involved in male traits and reproductive activity
- Estrogens: Such as estradiol, crucial in female reproductive health and characteristics
- Progestogens: Including progesterone, important in regulating the menstrual cycle and pregnancy
Biological Functions[edit | edit source]
Development of Secondary Sexual Characteristics[edit | edit source]
Sex steroids are instrumental in the development of characteristics such as breast development in females and beard growth in males.
Reproductive Processes[edit | edit source]
These hormones regulate processes such as the menstrual cycle, sperm production, and pregnancy.
Other Physiological Roles[edit | edit source]
Sex steroids also contribute to bone health, muscle mass, blood salt balance, neuronal functions, and response to stress.
Signaling Pathways[edit | edit source]
Sex steroids activate various signaling pathways, influencing gene expression and cellular function in target tissues.
Sex Steroid Receptors[edit | edit source]
The effects of sex steroids are mediated through specific receptors:
- Androgen Receptors: Found in various tissues, mediating the effects of androgens
- Estrogen Receptors: Present in numerous organs, facilitating estrogenic actions
- Progesterone Receptors: Involved in the effects of progestogens
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Sex steroids are critical in medical fields such as:
- Endocrinology: Managing hormonal imbalances
- Reproductive Medicine: Treating fertility issues
- Oncology: Certain cancers are hormone-dependent, requiring hormone therapy
Therapeutic Use[edit | edit source]
Synthetic sex steroids are used in various therapies, including:
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Contraceptives
- Treatment of hormonal deficiencies
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Resources[edit source]
Latest articles - Sex steroid
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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Sex steroid for any updates.
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