Hormones - SEX & GENDER Flashcards
three hormones we study
testosterone, oestrogen, oxytocin
when is testosterone produced
before birth
what can a fetus that is insensitive to sperm (intersex) cause
no formation of male genitalia
often raised as girls (no visible genitalia)
what is affected by (the mother’s) testosterone levels
brain development of child
what have studies shown that XX females are like
they’re ‘tomboyish’ and prefer masculine activities (Berenbaum and Bailey, 2003)
where is oestrogen present
in all cases for the fetus
what is the ‘default’ gender for the fetus
female
what is oestrogen level associated with
smaller brain size
what does oestrogen promote
secondary female sex characteristics in puebrty
what does oestrogen control
the menstrual cycle
when are oestrogen levels elevated
during pregnancy
where is oxytocin produced and why
in pituitary glands in response to skin-skin contact (e.g. breast feeding)
what does oxytocin promote
bonding behaviours
what is caused by oxytocin
milk production and enables post-orgasm bliss/contentment
what does oxytocin dampen in women
the fight-or-flight response - is related to “tend and befriend”