Question

The female sex hormone is:
A. Androgen
B. Insulin
C. Oestrogen
D. None of these

Answer 1

Hormones are substances that are secreted by ductless glands or endocrine glands directly into the bloodstream. Every individual secretes certain hormones specific to their sex, known as sex hormones. These hormones perform a variety of functions in our body.

Complete answer: Androgens are a class of steroid hormones found in both males and females. This hormone is synthesized in the testis of males, ovaries of females and adrenal gland of both sexes. During male foetus development, the Leydig cells start secretion of androgens as soon as they are formed, and are responsible for development of epididymis, vas deferens and seminal vesicles. During puberty in males, androgens account for the development of sperms and secondary sexual characters like deepening of voice, growth of muscles and Adam’s apple. In females, androgens influence the formation of oestrogens, growth of hair in pubic and underarm areas.
Insulin is a peptide hormone. It is secreted from the beta cells of the pancreas called Islet of Langerhans. Insulin plays a very important role in uptake of excess glucose from the bloodstream, and transport it into the liver and muscles. This sugar is then stored in the form of glycogen. Insulin helps our body to maintain a normal glucose level. Insulin deficiency can cause Diabetes, hypertension, Polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Oestrogen is a steroid hormone, responsible for the development of reproductive system and secondary sex characters in females. Oestrogens are secreted from the ovaries and adrenal gland in females. Minute quantities of the hormone are also secreted from male testes. There are three main types of oestrogens, namely, estrone, estradiol, and estriol. Important functions of the hormones include development of breasts, uterine endometrium, vaginal thickening and lubrication, bone formation, muscle mass synthesis in females. In males, oestrogen helps in spermatogenesis. Oestrogen imbalance can cause menstrual irregularities, mood swings, fatigue, weight gain in females.

Hence, option (C) is correct.

Note: Hormones are chemicals secreted from endocrine glands. They act as messengers in the body. The blood then carries the hormones to their target organs which in turn are activated and secrete their own secretion. Hormones can be steroid or protein in nature. The target organs of each hormone are generally located at distant places with respect to their source. The major sex hormones of females are oestrogen and progesterone, and that in males is testosterone. These hormones help to develop the reproductive systems and secondary sex characters in the respective sexes.