Hormones often play specific roles in the human body. Each hormone targets a particular group of cells and triggers certain responses. Androgens and estrogens are mainly responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics in males and females, respectively. However, their functions are not limited to those of sexual development, they also contribute to other processes and development  in the body.

Androgen: Sexual Differentiation and Muscle Development
You already know that androgens are responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics in males. However, do you know that the androgens’ role in a male body starts as early as the fetal stage? They are among the hormones responsible for the sexual differentiation (masculinization) of a fetus including the formation of the male sexual organs.
Aside from those, androgens also regulate fats and muscles in males. They limit fat cells from storing lipids by blocking signal pathways, resulting to less fat accumulation. They promote development of skeletal muscle mass, which is why males have bigger muscles.
There are also studies which suggest that androgens can affect human aggression and mood regulation. However, this implication has not been completely proven yet.

Estrogen: Blood and Bone Maintenance
Do you know that both males and females have estrogens? However, estrogens are more active in females, especially during the reproductive ages. These hormones are highly important in the regulation of menstrual cycles and the development of the uterus and endometrium. In males, estrogens help in the maturation of the sperm.
Estrogens in females act contrary to androgens in males. They inhibit muscle mass growth and height increase. They may also affect mental health in women. There are indications in studies that fluctuations in estrogen levels can affect a woman’s mood.
Aside from those, estrogens affect many other processes in the body. They help in keeping the skin and gums healthy. They also promote bone formation and discourage bone resorption, that is why less estrogen activity can lead to osteoporosis. Estrogens also affect blood development, particularly of platelets and their coagulating ability. They also help in keeping the alveoli in the lungs healthy.

Because of their important roles in human body development, synthetic estrogen and androgen hormones are developed and taken by people with hormonal deficiencies and abnormalities. However, these hormones can cause drastic changes in a person’s body thus, utmost care and knowledge are needed before taking in such supplements.