*Sex Hormones: Organizational vs. Activational Effects

Organizational Effects of Sex Hormones

• Timing: Occurs during development (prenatal, puberty).

• Nature: Permanent, structural changes in brain and body.

• Examples: Prenatal testosterone leads to masculinization of genitals and brain; puberty drives development of secondary sex characteristics.

Activational Effects of Sex Hormones

• Timing: Occurs in adulthood when hormones are present.

• Nature: Temporary, reversible changes that activate sexual behavior or motivation.

Human vs. Non-Human Differences in Activational Effects

• Non-humans: Sexual behavior is strongly hormone-dependent.

• Humans: Hormones influence desire and behavior, but social, psychological, and cultural factors play a much bigger role.