title: Sex hormone production and action.
abstract: The mechanisms of the production of estrogens and androgens in women and men are reviewed. Extraglandular estrogen formation from circulating androgens is the principal source of estrogen in men and postmenopausal women. The amount of estrogen formed is dependent upon precursor availability and metabolic factors, such as obesity and hepatic disease. Both androgens and estrogens in the circulation of humans are bound to sex hormone binding globulin which limits their availability to target cell receptors.
mesh_terms: D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D000728:Androgens / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism; D011987:Receptors, Steroid / Q000378:metabolism; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000378:metabolism; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D004967:Estrogens; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D011987:Receptors, Steroid; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin