cortisol is secreted by the adrenal gland

Anabolic effects include growth of muscle mass and strength, increased bone density and strength, and stimulation of linear growth and bone maturation.

Testosterone can be described as having virilising and anabolic effects (though these categorical descriptions are somewhat arbitrary, as there is a great deal of mutual overlap between them). reported that endogenous and exogenous testosterone play a permissive role in adaptation to exercise training in younger and older men. In general, androgens such as testosterone promote protein synthesis and thus growth of tissues with androgen receptors. The World Anti-Doping Agency is listing it as S1 Anabolic agent substance 'prohibited at all times'. It is also used illicitly to enhance physique and performance, for instance in athletes. Since testosterone levels decrease as men age, testosterone is sometimes used in older men to counteract this deficiency. In addition to its role as a natural hormone, testosterone is used as a medication in the treatment of hypogonadism in men and breast cancer in women. Females are also more sensitive to the hormone. As the metabolism of testosterone in males is more pronounced, the daily production is about 20 times greater in men. On average, in adult males, levels of testosterone are about seven to eight times as great as in adult females. In humans and most other vertebrates, testosterone is secreted primarily by the testicles of males and, to a lesser extent, the ovaries of females. It exerts its action through binding to and activation of the androgen receptor.

It is biosynthesized in several steps from cholesterol and is converted in the liver to inactive metabolites. Testosterone is a steroid from the androstane class containing a ketone and a hydroxyl group at positions three and seventeen respectively. Insufficient levels of testosterone in men may lead to abnormalities including frailty, accumulation of adipose fat tissue within the body, anxiety and depression, sexual performance issues, and bone loss. In addition, testosterone in both sexes is involved in health and well-being, where it has a significant effect on overall mood, cognition, social and sexual behaviour, metabolism and energy output, the cardiovascular system, and in the prevention of osteoporosis. In humans, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair. Testosterone is the primary sex hormone and anabolic steroid in males.

Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal gland