Sex Differences

Immature gonads either become

ovaries or testes

SRY gene

begins testes development via androgens and anti-Mullerian hormone

Müllerian system

develops into fimbriae, fallopian tubes, uterus, inner vagina

Wolffian system

develops into vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate

Organizational vs Activational effects of sex hormones

organizational:

• permanent and during prenatal period

activational:

• not permanent (effects dependent on the continued presence of the hormone)

• start at puberty and continue into adulthood

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

makes follicle and egg grow in females and spermatogenesis in males

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

induces ovulation in females and stimulates testes to make testosterone

Menstrual cycle

follicular phase (menstruation included in this) → ovulation → luteal phase

• estradiol slowly increasing during follicular phase and into ovulation

• luteinizing hormone peaks during ovulation

• progesterone at highest amounts during luteal phase

• ovulation occurs when oocyte is released from follicle

• endometrial lining is shed during menstruation then builds up

Hypothalamus → pituitary gland in menstrual cycle

hypothalamus:

• releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

pituitary gland:

• releases FSH and LH

Estrogen is associated with

binge drinking

*higher progesterone levels decrease drinking

Telescoping

• the distance (or time) from first use to problem use or entry into treatment is SHORTER for females than for males

• typically women have later age of initiation of drinking but sooner dependence