Hormones in the male human body function as coordinators for many bodily processes, including the regulation of organ and cell function. Men primarily produce three types of hormones: follicle-stimulating hormones, luteinizing hormones and steroid hormones. These chemicals control everything from hair growth to sperm production to muscle development, and decrease in production as men age. Hormone replacement therapy for men has been developed and is available from qualified physicians.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormones
Follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) stimulate the gonads and have a direct impact on supporting the maturation of sperm. These hormones are not required to maintain life, but they are necessary for reproduction. FSH are gonadotropic hormones, which are associated with the endocrine system. A number of hormones inhibit and activate FSH production in a complex cycle.
Decreased production of FSH can result in fertility problems due to low sperm counts in men. Excess FSH has no biological effect, but can be the result of gonad failure or pituitary tumors.
Luteinizing Hormones
Luteinizing hormones (LH) stimulate the gonads to secrete sex steroids and are also known in men as interstitial cell stimulating hormone (ICSH). LH is created in the pituitary cells, the same ones that synthesize FSH. The National Cancer Institute website describes the role of LH as "to make testosterone."
As with FSH, decreased production of LH can result in fertility problems due to low sperm counts in men.
Steroid Hormones
According to Hudson's Guide, steroid hormones are synthesized mostly in the gonads and more minutely in the adrenal glands. Steroid hormones come in five varieties: androgens, estrogens, progestins, glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.
Androgens are male sex hormones, with testosterone being the most well known of them. Androgens impact masculine sexual characteristics, including the genitals and fertility. Men generally have low levels of estrogens, but as they age, estrogen levels rise. High estrogen levels in men can correspond to prostate cancer and heart disease. Progestins in men primarily function to create cortisol, testosterone, estrogen and other hormones. These three are considered the sex hormones.
Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids impact physiological systems, the best known of which are carbohydrate metabolism and immune function. These hormones are critical for fetal development, affecting lung maturation.
Mineralocorticoids
Mineralocorticoids regulate concentrations of minerals, particularly sodium and potassium, in extracellular fluids. A lack of mineralocorticoids is lethal as a result of electrolyte imbalances and the low blood pressure and cardiac failure that follow.
