Reproductive Hormones

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The gonadsThe gonads, the primary reproductive organs, are the testes in the male and the ovaries in the female. These reproductive organs are essential for sexual reproduction since they are responsible for... More are the main source of sex hormones. They produce hormones that are involved in reproduction and other functions of the body. The testes produce testosterone, the male sex hormone and the ovaries produce oestrogen and progesterone (female sex hormones). 

The gonadotropins [Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH)] that are produced in the pituitary gland make the sex hormones testosterone, estrogen and progesterone.

Sex hormones regulate reproductive functions and secondary sexual characteristics. At puberty, the production of these hormones increases greatly, which leads to rapid growth and sexual maturity.

The male sex hormone, testosterone stimulates changes associated with puberty, like