Final answer:
Sex hormones are steroid hormones responsible for sexual development and reproductive roles in the human body, with the primary types being androgens in males and estrogens and progestins in females. They have therapeutic uses and are pivotal during puberty for the development of secondary sex characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sex hormones are a class of steroid hormones that are mainly involved in the control of sexual development and reproduction. They include androgens, such as testosterone and androsterone, which are primarily produced in males and are responsible for male characteristics and spermatogenesis. Females predominantly produce estrogens, like estradiol and estrone, and progestins, such as progesterone, which regulate female secondary sexual characteristics and the menstrual cycle. These hormones are secreted by the gonads (testes in males, ovaries in females), the adrenal glands, and, in the case of pregnancy, the placenta.
These sex hormones also play therapeutic roles. For example, estrogens might be given to a woman after ovary removal or used as a treatment for prostate cancer, as they can block the effects of testosterone. Synthetic forms of sex hormones, such as those found in oral contraceptives, prevent ovulation and therefore pregnancy. Additionally, sex hormones play a significant role in puberty, leading to the maturation of the reproductive system and the development of secondary sex characteristics.