Male sex hormone is?

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (Shift -2)

Explanation

Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone, belonging to the androgen group of steroid hormones.
It is primarily synthesized and secreted by the interstitial cells of Leydig, which are located in the testes.
Its main functions include the development of male reproductive organs (primary characteristics) and the emergence of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty, such as increased muscle mass, bone density, and growth of body hair.

Option A: Oestrogen is the primary female sex hormone, responsible for female sexual development and regulation of the menstrual cycle.
Option B: Progesterone is a female sex hormone primarily involved in preparing the uterus for pregnancy and maintaining it.
Option C: Prolactin is a hormone whose main function is to stimulate milk production (lactation) in the mammary glands after childbirth.

Visual 1: Diagram - The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular (HPT) axis, showing how GnRH from the hypothalamus stimulates LH from the pituitary, which in turn stimulates testosterone production from the testes, including the negative feedback loop.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Primary Male Sex Hormone as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses frequently care for patients with conditions related to testosterone imbalance, such as hypogonadism (low testosterone), which can cause fatigue, low libido, and muscle loss.
Patient education is crucial regarding the significant health risks associated with the misuse of synthetic androgens (anabolic steroids) for enhancing athletic performance, which can lead to cardiovascular problems and other adverse effects.
What if? A male patient presents with gynecomastia (breast enlargement) and infertility. The nurse should anticipate that the healthcare provider might order tests for both testosterone and estrogen levels, as an imbalance (e.g., high estrogen relative to testosterone) can cause these symptoms.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of basic reproductive physiology.
First, identify the key phrase in the question stem: 'Male sex hormone'.
Next, evaluate each option based on your understanding of the endocrine system.
Recall that Oestrogen and Progesterone are the primary female hormones, and Prolactin's main role is in lactation.
This process of elimination leaves Testosterone as the only plausible answer, which is correctly identified as the primary male androgen.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Primary Male Sex Hormone
Stem keywords: Male sex hormone
Lead-in keywords: is
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.

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