
Gonadal Hormones
Gonadal hormones are chemical messengers produced by the ovaries and testes, the reproductive organs. They include estrogen and progesterone in females, which regulate menstrual cycles and support pregnancy, and testosterone in males, which influences muscle development, mood, and sperm production. These hormones help control sexual development, reproductive functions, and secondary sexual characteristics such as hair growth and voice changes. They also have roles in other body systems, affecting bone health and cardiovascular function. Overall, gonadal hormones are essential for normal reproductive health and contribute to various physical and behavioral traits.