Secondary sex characteristics

Testosterone promotes muscle growth deepening of the voice the growth of body hair and other male secondary sex characteristics Testosterone is formed from cholesterol and IS the biosynthetic precursor of estradiol the principal female sex hormone or estrogen Estradiol is a key substance m the regulation of the menstrual cycle and the reproductive process It is the hormone most responsible for the development of female secondary sex characteristics... 

Estrogens coordinate the systemic response during the ovulatory cycle, including the growth and maintenance of the reproductive tract, pituitary, breasts, and other tissues. Estrogens are also responsible for maturation of the skeleton and development of female secondary sex characteristics when females enter puberty. The other important functions of estrogens include modulation of many metaboHc processes (76). 

Androgenic activity. Ability to promote the development of male secondary sex characteristics. 

Estrogenic activity. Ability to mimic the female hormone by promoting the development of female secondary sex characteristics and modulating the estrus cycle. 

Sex Hormones Testosterone and androsterone are the two most important male sex hormones, or androgens. Androgens are responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics during puberty and for promoting tissue and muscle growth. Both are synthesized in the testes from cholesterol. Androstenedione is another minor hormone that has received particular attention because of its use by prominent athletes. 

The gonadotropins (FSH and LH) influence the secretion of sex hormones, development of secondary sex characteristics, and the reproductive cycle in both men and... 

M ale and female hormones play a vital role because they aid in development and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics and are necessary for human reproduction. Although hormones are naturally produced by die body, administration of a male or female hormone may be indicated in the treatment of certain disorders, such as inoperable breast cancer, male hypogonadism, and male or female hormone deficiency. Hormones also are used as contraceptives and for treating the symptoms of menopause... 

The estrogens are secreted by the ovarian follicle and in smaller amounts by the adrenal cortex. Estrogens are important in the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system and the primary and secondary sex characteristics. At puberty, they promote growth and development of the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and breasts. They also affect the release of pituitary gonadotropins (see Chap. 50). 

Secondary sex characteristics in females Cellular uptake, utilization and storage of glucose, fatty acids and amino acids Increase blood glucose and fatty acids... 

In cases of secondary amenorrhea, symptoms may include hot flushes, night sweats, fatigue, and mood changes. In primary amenorrhea, incomplete development of secondary sex characteristics may occur. 

Abnormalities associated with survival, reproductive behavior, secondary sex characteristics, histopathology, and fecundity (i.e., number of spawns, number of eggs/spawn, fertility, and development of offspring)... 

The answer is D. The patient s ambiguous secondary sex characteristics and lack of menstrual activity suggest the possibility of an androgen resistance syndrome. The male karyotype and blood testosterone levels confirm this. This clinical condition might have arisen as a result of steroid 5oc-reductase deficiency or inherited defects in the androgen receptor (testicular feminization). 

The primary therapeutic use of androgens is as replacement therapy in testicular deficiency (Table 63.2), a condition in which induction and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics are desired. Although re-... 

Mechanism of Action An androgen that suppresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone, LH, and FSH. TherapeuticEffect Stimulates spermatogenesis, development of male secondary sex characteristics, and sexual maturation at puberty. Stimulates production of red blood cells (RBCs). 

Mechanism of Action A synthetic testosterone derivative with androgen activity that promotes growth and development of male sex organs and maintains secondary sex characteristics in androgen-deficient males, TIicrapcuticE/fcct Treats hypogonadism in males. 

Mechanism of Action A synthetic testosterone derivative that promotes growth and development of male sex organs, maintains secondary sex characteristics in androgen-deficient males. Therapeutic Effect Androgenic and anabolic actions. Pharmacokinetics Well absorbed from fhe gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Protein binding 94%-97%. Metabolized in liver. Primarily excreted in urine. Unknown if removed by hemodialysis. Half-life 5-13 hr. 

Sex hormones control tissue growth and reproduction. Male sex hormones are testosterone and Sa-dibydrotestosterone, also known as androgens, which are secreted by the testes. The primary male hormone, testosterone, is responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics during puberty. They also promote muscle growth. The two most important female sex hormones are oestradiol and oestrone, also known as oestrogem estrogens). They are responsible for the development of female secondary sex characteristics. 

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