Hormones and Biochemistry
D
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain. It's often referred to as a "parent hormone" because it's a precursor to both male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. DHEA plays a crucial role in sexual development, function, and overall health.
Delayed Puberty
Delayed puberty refers to a condition where an individual experiences the onset of puberty later than the typical age range. In general, puberty is considered delayed if there are no signs of sexual development by age 14 in boys or age 13 in girls. This delay can affect the development of secondary sex characteristics, growth spurts, and reproductive maturation.
Dopamine
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, often referred to as the "feel-good" chemical, that plays a crucial role in the brain's reward system. In the context of sexual health and behavior, dopamine is released during sexual arousal and orgasm, contributing to feelings of pleasure, motivation, and satisfaction. This neurotransmitter is key in reinforcing sexual behaviors and forming sexual associations.
E
Estrogen
Estrogen is a group of sex hormones that play a key role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system. While estrogen is present in all humans to some degree, it is usually found in significantly higher levels in females, especially during reproductive years. The main forms of estrogen in the female body are estradiol, estriol, and estrone.
Estrus
Estrus, also known as "heat" in many mammals, is a recurring period of sexual receptivity and fertility in most female mammals. It's characterized by hormonal changes that prepare the body for potential conception. During estrus, females are typically most receptive to mating and have the highest chance of becoming pregnant.
P
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause in a woman's reproductive life. It typically begins in a woman's 40s but can start as early as the mid-30s or as late as the 50s. During this time, the body gradually produces less estrogen and progesterone, leading to various physical and emotional changes. Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to several years, ending when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, which marks the onset of menopause.
Pheromones
Pheromones are chemical substances produced and released by animals, including humans, that can trigger specific behavioral or physiological responses in other members of the same species. In the context of human sexuality, pheromones are often associated with sexual attraction and arousal, although their role in human sexual behavior is still a subject of ongoing scientific research and debate.
Precocious Puberty
Precocious puberty refers to the onset of puberty at an unusually early age, typically before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys. This condition is characterized by the early development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast growth in girls or testicular enlargement in boys, as well as accelerated growth and bone maturation.
Prolactin
Prolactin is a hormone primarily produced by the pituitary gland in both males and females. It plays a crucial role in sexual and reproductive health, as well as other bodily functions. In women, prolactin is best known for its role in stimulating milk production after childbirth, but it also affects sexual function and fertility in both sexes.
Puberty Blockers
Puberty blockers, also known as puberty inhibitors, are medications used to pause the physical changes associated with puberty. These drugs work by suppressing the release of sex hormones, effectively delaying the development of secondary sex characteristics. Puberty blockers are primarily used for transgender and gender non-conforming youth who experience gender dysphoria, allowing them more time to explore their gender identity without the stress of unwanted physical changes.
T
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment used to restore testosterone levels in individuals, typically men, who have low testosterone (hypogonadism). This therapy involves administering synthetic testosterone to bring hormone levels within a normal range. TRT can be administered through various methods, including gels, patches, injections, or pellets implanted under the skin.
Testosterone
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. It plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as the testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair. Testosterone is produced primarily in the testicles in males and in smaller amounts in the ovaries in females.
V
Vasomotor Symptoms
Vasomotor symptoms are physical reactions typically associated with menopause and perimenopause. They primarily include hot flashes and night sweats, which are sudden feelings of heat in the upper body, often accompanied by flushing, sweating, and sometimes chills. These symptoms are caused by hormonal changes that affect the body's temperature regulation system.
Vasopressin
Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is a hormone and neurotransmitter produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. In the context of sexual health and relationships, vasopressin plays a crucial role in social bonding, attachment, and sexual behavior, particularly in males.