Estrogen is the hormone that starts puberty in girls, while testosterone is the hormone that signals the beginning of puberty in boys. You may hear estrogen called the female hormone, or you might hear that testosterone is the male hormone. The fact is that girls and boys produce both estrogen and testosterone – just in different amounts – girls produce more estrogen and boys produce more testosterone. Girls also produce another important reproductive hormone called progesterone. If you ever hear anyone talk about the sex hormones, they are talking about these hormones.
The most well-known hormones are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Hormones are produced by the endocrine system. However, the endocrine system produces many other hormones that help regulate blood sugar levels, metabolism, and reproduction.
Source:
Puberty Information for Boys and Girls, American Academy of Pediatrics / AAP, accessed 07/27/07.
