The deficiency of insulin is absolute. The testes secrete testosterone, the hormone responsible for male characteristics. The anterior pituitary controls testosterone release. The ovaries secrete estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for female characteristics and the uterine cycle. Anabolic steroids are synthetic forms of testosterone that are taken in large doses to promote muscle development and athletic performance.
Anabolic steroids have many adverse side effects.
The thymus secretes thymosins, hormones that trigger the maturation of T lymphocytes. Thy thymus is largest in children and virtually disappears in old age. The pineal gland secretes melatonin, a hormone involved in the body's circadian rhythm. The heart produces atrial natriuretic hormone, which helps regulate sodium and water balance. They have diverse functions.