Hormonal Influences on Male Sex Behavior
In females, transient elevations of estrogen and/or progesterone during the estrous cycle play an important role in activating female sex behavior.
In males, testosterone (and/or its metabolites) also play an important role in activating male sex behavior.
- Testosterone secretion increases at puberty: development of secondary sex characteristics, increased muscle mass, production of sperm, and development of an interest in sexual activity.
- However, testosterone levels do not show similar cyclical changes in levels reminiscent of the female estrus cycle.