Final answer:
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone that facilitates greater muscle mass in men compared to women. Anabolic steroids are synthetic forms of testosterone used illegally to enhance muscle performance, but such performance-enhancing drugs are banned in competitive sports.
Step-by-step explanation:
The essential hormone in question is testosterone, which is predominantly found in males and plays a crucial role in building muscle mass. Testosterone is secreted by the testes in males and by the ovaries in females, although males produce it in much larger quantities. This hormone is responsible for stimulating an increase in muscle mass and strength, and also contributes to the growth and strengthening of bone.
Athletes seeking to enhance their performance sometimes turn to substances like anabolic steroids, synthetic variants of testosterone designed to increase muscle mass more effectively than naturally occurring testosterone. However, it's important to note the use of such performance-enhancing drugs is illegal for non-medical purposes and banned by various sports governing bodies due to potential health risks and unfair advantages.
Despite the muscle-building advantages conferred by higher testosterone levels, such practices raise serious ethical and health concerns, highlighting the significance of natural physiological differences and the implications of artificially altering them.