reproductive hormone
(REE-proh-DUK-tiv HOR-mone)
A type of hormone involved in puberty, fertility, and sexuality. Reproductive hormones are usually made in the ovaries (in females) and testes (in males). Female reproductive hormones include estrogen and progesterone. They help develop and maintain female sex characteristics and play an important role in fertility, pregnancy, and the menstrual cycle. Male reproductive hormones, such as testosterone, help develop and maintain male sex characteristics and help make sperm in the testes. Some reproductive hormones may also be made in the laboratory and used to treat certain medical conditions.