Human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG, is a hormone that has been shown to help increase testosterone levels in males, support female ovulation and help undescended testicles in young males descend.

Cortisol is a hormone used in stabilizing metabolic processes in your body. It is secreted by your adrenal glands in response to heightened stress levels. However, there are several food sources that can potentially increase natural cortisol levels.

There are several hormones that are considered "female" hormones, though some of them are naturally produced in a man's body as well. What gives them the characteristic of being a female hormone is the role they play in a woman's fertility, and the fact that they are more predominant in women than in men.

The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland found in the neck, produces hormones that affect nearly all other cells and tissues in your body, making thyroid hormone vital for maintaining normal function. To produce thyroid hormone, the gland requires iodine, a relatively rare element that forms only 0.

Underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is a condition that commonly affects women in their 40s and 50s. Hypothyroidism can reduce your metabolism, making weight management and weight loss difficult without a healthy dietary lifestyle.

Though rarely used in men, female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can be taken by males for medical conditions such as testicular cancer, prostate enlargement and aromatase deficiency. Female hormone treatment in men carries a number of risks, because it suppresses the production of testosterone.

Testosterone is a male sex hormone. This hormone is what makes males appear male. The responsibilities of testosterone include producing sperm, growing facial and body hair, building muscle and maintaining a man’s libido.

Pituitary tumors are usually noncancerous abnormal growths that put pressure on the pituitary gland, causing an imbalance in its production of hormones.

The thyroid is a gland found on the front of the neck. It is responsible for secreting hormones that help to regulate body temperature, use energy and keep the organs functioning properly. The thyroid secretes several types of hormones.

A testosterone level below 200 is called hypogonadism, and can lead to several medical conditions, including fatigue, low sex drive and reduced muscle mass. Risk for developing hypogonadism increases with excess weight gain, trauma and severe illness.

Vitamin A isn't just consumed orally in vitamin pills. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is one of many ingredients found in various topical skin care products. It's widely used because it has many applications and uses for the general improvement of your skin's health.

Insulin, a potent hormone released by the pancreas, keeps blood sugar levels in a healthy range. People with type 1 diabetes do not make enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. In type 2 diabetes, however, insulin levels can actually spike in an effort to overcome the body's resistance to its effects.