Human Sexuality: Physical Anatomy and Development

Physical Anatomy and Development: Introduction

Hormones

During puberty, we all grow and develop at different rates than our friends. This is due to the hormones produced by the individual's body. Hormones are the messengers to the organs, telling them how to act. You have already learned about stress, and you have all experienced the hormone adrenaline produced by the body when you were stressed or fearful. Hormones also control the body's sexual functions.

What are the two most well known sex-related hormones?

Estrogen and Testosterone. Estrogen, produced in the ovaries, is the female hormone responsible for the woman's secondary sex characteristics, such as breasts and pubic hair. Testosterone, produced in the testes, is the male hormone responsible for characteristics such as muscle development, descended testicles, and pubic hair.

Hormones affect each stage of our lives. During adolescence, puberty is prompted by the increase of hormones in the body. When secondary sex characteristics develop, girls begin to menstruate and boys begin experiencing sexual arousal. Later in life, this balance is changed. The body's production of hormones declines. Women experience menopause and men experience a decrease in sexual functioning. Because of the complexity of the female reproductive system and functions, hormone changes are greater in women.