Female sex hormones , often known as sex steroids, are essential for sexual development, reproduction, and overall health. Sex hormone levels fluctuate over time, but the most noticeable variations occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. The two main female sex hormones are estrogen and progesterone . Although testosterone is considered a male hormone, females also produce and use a small amount. Testosterone is a male hormone ; however, females also produce it and need a small amount of this hormone . Estrogen: The primary female hormone is estrogen. A significant share of hormone estrogen comes from the ovaries, however small amounts of estrogen are also produced in the adrenal glands and fat cells. Sex hormones are responsible for both the male and female gonadal development as well as the regulation of the sexual cycle, sperm production, and the menstrual cycle.
