testosterone
Hormone secreted chiefly by the testes, but also by the ovaries and the cortex of the adrenal glands. It promotes the development of secondary sexual characteristics in males at puberty. It is also needed for the development of the male sex organs and for male fertility. The hormone is partly responsible for the difference in behaviour that may be seen between males and females. In animals with a breeding season, the onset of breeding behaviour is accompanied by a rise in the level of testosterone in the blood.
Synthetic or animal testosterone is used to treat inadequate development of male characteristics or (illegally) to aid athletes' muscular development. Like other sex hormones, testosterone is a steroid.
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