Estrogens and progestins are secreted cyclically during menstruation. Progestins, the most important of which is progesterone, are the other type of female sex hormone and are named for their role in maintaining pregnancy (pro-gestation). The ovarian production of estrogen stops plummets during menopause. In some other mammals these hormones have been shown to precipitate estrus (heat). This hormone has a similar function similarly to androgens in men, the estrogens promote the development and maintenance of the primary and secondary female sexual characteristics they also stimulate linear growth and skeletal maturation. Estrogens are secreted mainly by the ovaries and in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands and (in men) by the testes. On the other hand, there are basically two female sex hormones which are estrogen and progestins. Overdosing has been linked to serious side effects, including infertility and coronary heart disease. In order to enhance the anabolic activity of androgens without increasing their masculinizing ability, anabolic steroids were developed to combat diseases marked by wasting, these synthetic hormones have been abused by individuals desiring to increase their muscle mass, such as athletes seeking to gain a competitive advantage. Androgens are anabolic, and used in stimulating the production of skeletal muscles and bone as well as red blood cells. Androgens are primarily responsible for the proper development and maintenance of male reproductive function and stimulation of the secondary sex characteristics. These hormones are produced primarily by the testes and in discrete amounts by the adrenal cortex. The male sex hormones are usually referred to as androgens and the principal androgen is known as testosterone. These are group of hormone that produced in the testes in males and ovaries in the female. Steroid hormones are classified according to the organs that synthesize them therefore this hormone are classified as sex hormones, adrenal cortex hormones and placenta hormones. They are further described in Table 13.3. This category of hormones are divided to six classes, they are hormones steroid amines peptide protein glycoprotein and eicosanoid.