Which hormone primarily regulates the development of male sexual characteristics?

Testosterone is the hormone primarily responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics. It is produced mainly in the testes and plays a crucial role during the developmental stages of the male body, particularly during puberty. The presence of testosterone leads to the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle mass, deepening of the voice, and growth of facial and body hair. Additionally, testosterone is involved in the production of sperm and supports overall male reproductive health.

While androgens as a broader category include testosterone, it is specifically testosterone that has the most significant impact on the development of male sexual characteristics. Estrogen, on the other hand, is primarily involved in female reproductive health, and progesterone is more associated with the menstrual cycle and pregnancy in females. Thus, testosterone is the definitive hormone linked to male sexual development.