What is the difference between male and female hormones?

Although estrogens are thought of as female sex hormones and androgens are considered male hormones, both men and women make hormones in both groups, with different ratios depending on gender. For example, women make less than 10 percent of the amount of testosterone that men make. Testosterone is important in women for muscle and bone strength, and also for maintaining a healthy sex drive. Estrogen may play an important role in preventing heart disease in men. Younger men generally have higher levels of testosterone and lower levels of estrogen. With aging, estrogen levels often increase and testosterone levels decrease. This can lead to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, prostate enlargement, and prostate cancer in older men.