Know the effect of hormones on Desire and Arousal

It is during puberty (between 11 and 14 years) that changes in body hormones system occur. The hypothalamus begins to secrete chemicals called gonadotropins. These stimulate the pitutary gland that lies below the hypothalamus. The pitutary secrets sex hormones, gonadotropins, into the blood stream. They circulate through the body and reach the gonads that generate egg for sperm cells. In women the hypothalamus releases its gonadotropins on a monthly cycle. Thus cycle occur approximately once in 28 days. This stimulates the pituitary to secret two gonadotropins. One is follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This stimulates the ovaries to generate follicles that allow fertile eggs to develop. Once a follicle is generated it begins to secret the female hormone estrogen which is released into the bloodstream. This further affects the body’s sexual development and activates sexual motivation in the brain. The second gonadotropin, luteinizing hormone (LH) is released from the pituitary slightly later than follicle-stimulating hormone. LH causes ovulation that is the release of a mature fertile egg cell from the follicle. When the follicle releases its egg, it also secretes second female hormone progesterone that prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.

In men the gonadotropins are released in a constant fashion rather than on a monthly cycle. As a result, the male pituitary constantly releases its gonadotropin called interstitial cell stimulating hormone (ICSH) into the bloodstream. This in turn leads to the production of a mature sperm cells by the testes. It also boosts the secretion of androgen specially testosterone. Testosterone and other androgen stimulate the development of male physical characteristics and also act on the brain to activate sexual desire.

Effects of hormone on Desire and Arousal.

While in most species sexual arousal is closely tied to variations hormones play less of a role. One way of studying the contributions of hormone on sexual arousal is to study the effects of removing the gonads, called gonadectomy. In animal’s castration leads to a reduction or disappearance in sexual activity. But in men some lose interest in sex while others lead a normal sex life.

Another way of measuring the contribution of hormones to sexual desire and arousal in men is focusing on hormonal fluctuation and sexual interest. It is found that the major determinants of sexual desire in men are emotional factors.

In women sexual desire is even less dependent on hormone. This is in contrast with non-primate species in whom sexual behavior is highly dependent on sexual hormones. But among women, menopause in most does not result in diminished sexual desire. Instead, some women show increased interest. This may be because they are no longer concerned about becoming pregnant. In the human, female sexual desire and arousal seems to be affected much more by social and emotional factors.