sex hormone

sex hormone

n.

Any of various hormones, such as estrogen and androgen, affecting the growth or function of the reproductive organs, the development of secondary sex characteristics, and the behavioral patterns of animals.

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sex hormone

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) an animal hormone affecting development and growth of reproductive organs and related parts

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sex hormone

Any of various steroid hormones that regulate the sexual development of an organism and are needed for reproduction. Testosterone and estrogen are sex hormones.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

sex hormone - any hormone affecting the development and growth of sex organs steroid hormone, steroid endocrine, hormone, internal secretion - the secretion of an endocrine gland that is transmitted by the blood to the tissue on which it has a specific effect progestin, progestogen - any of a group of steroid hormones that have the effect of progesterone androgen, androgenic hormone - male sex hormone that is produced in the testes and responsible for typical male sexual characteristics estrogen, oestrogen - a general term for female steroid sex hormones that are secreted by the ovary and responsible for typical female sexual characteristics adrenal cortical steroid, corticoid, corticosteroid - a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex or synthesized; administered as drugs they reduce swelling and decrease the body's immune response; "adrenal cortical steroids are used to treat many different conditions" anabolic steroid - any of a group of synthetic steroid hormones used to stimulate muscle and bone growth; more than 100 have been developed and each requires a prescription to be used legally in the United States; sometimes used illicitly by athletes to increase their strength