Fact Check: Some sex hormones are male or are female

Fact-Check Article: "Some sex hormones are male or are female"

What We Know

The claim that "some sex hormones are male or are female" is rooted in the understanding of sex hormones and their roles in human physiology. Traditionally, hormones like testosterone are classified as "male hormones" (androgens), while estrogens are referred to as "female hormones." According to a 2019 review by Hammes and Levin, androgens and estrogens are critical regulators of physiology in both males and females, although they are produced in different amounts and have different primary functions.

Estrogens, such as estradiol, are primarily produced in females by the ovaries, but they also play significant roles in male physiology, including bone health and reproductive functions. Conversely, testosterone, while predominantly associated with male physiology, is also produced in females, albeit in smaller quantities, and is essential for various physiological processes in both sexes (Lauretta et al., 2018).

The notion that these hormones are strictly male or female is an oversimplification. Both sexes produce and require both types of hormones for optimal health and functioning (Ask A Biologist; Wikipedia).

Analysis

The claim is partially true because it reflects a common understanding of sex hormones but fails to capture the complexity of their roles across genders. The distinction between "male" and "female" hormones is based on predominant production sites and associated physiological effects rather than exclusive functions.

For instance, while testosterone is often labeled a male hormone, it is also critical for female health, influencing muscle mass, bone density, and libido (Verywell Health). Similarly, estrogens are vital for male health, affecting bone density and cardiovascular health (F. Davis PT).

The sources used to evaluate this claim are generally reliable, as they include peer-reviewed articles and educational resources. However, it is important to note that some sources, like Wikipedia, may vary in reliability due to their open-edit nature. The peer-reviewed articles provide a more robust foundation for understanding the nuanced roles of these hormones in both sexes.

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim that "some sex hormones are male or are female" is Partially True. While it is accurate to say that certain hormones are predominantly associated with one sex, this classification does not account for the significant roles these hormones play in the physiology of both males and females. The evidence indicates that androgens and estrogens are essential for health in both sexes, challenging the binary classification of these hormones.

Sources

1. Impact of estrogens in males and androgens in females
2. Gender in Endocrine Diseases: Role of Sex Gonadal Hormones
3. Sex Hormones in Females and Males | Ask A Biologist
4. Sex hormone - Wikipedia
5. List of Sex Hormones in Females and Males
6. Male and Female Hormones | Pharmacology in Rehabilitation
7. An Overview Of Sex Hormones
8. Male & Female Sex Hormones - Definition & Functions - inviTRA