Human sexuality and sex steroids

Abstract

Studies on human sexuality are considered to be extremely difficult. Moreover, their results appear often unclear and contradictory. Sexuality is perceived as the identity, feelings and behavior associated with sex. Different assumptions concerning its mechanisms are made by researchers in the field of neuroendocrinology, endocrinology and psychology, and their tests' results help to describe human sexuality. Since the second half of the 20th century efforts of describing sexuality have been made, but they are still imperfect. There are no current research methods which allow for separation of sexual functions or sex-related behavior in a human, and for their description. It should be remembered, however, that the very awareness of taking part in such examination can have meaningful impact on the tests' results. What is more, the patient's emotional state can also alter the results. In this paper, current results on sexual steroids' place in forming human sexuality and its role in an adult human being life are presented. The cognition of the complete role of testosterone, estradiol and progesterone in forming human sexuality is considered to be the challenge for researchers in the following years.