sex hormone

American  

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of a class of steroid hormones that regulate the growth and function of the reproductive organs or stimulate the development of the secondary sexual characteristics.

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sex hormone British  

noun

1. an animal hormone affecting development and growth of reproductive organs and related parts

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sex hormone Scientific  

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

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Etymology

Origin of sex hormone

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

But experts say this is nothing to worry about, as our immune system affects the sex hormones in our body.

From BBC

This discovery suggested they might instead be used to treat a range of other health conditions impacted by sex hormones, such as breast and prostate cancer and endometriosis.

From Scientific American

These changes, which are set in motion by the same sex hormones that prompt the external physical developments of puberty, make children more capable of higher-level thinking and reasoning.

From New York Times

Puberty blockers—a class of drugs called GnRH agonists that dampen the effects of sex hormones—have been used safely for decades to delay puberty in children who start it too early.

From Scientific American

They work on the brain to stop the rise in sex hormones - oestrogen and testosterone - that accompany puberty.

From BBC