The gonads are the primary reproductive glands: the testes in men and ovaries in women. They produce sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone) and gametes (sperm, eggs).
Key Hormones
- •Testosterone — produced mainly by testes (men) and adrenal cortex (both); supports muscle, bone, libido, confidence
- •Estrogen — produced mainly by ovaries (women) and adrenal cortex; supports bone, mood, metabolism
- •Progesterone — produced by ovaries; supports pregnancy, calm
Pituitary-Gonadal Axis
The hypothalamus and pituitary regulate gonadal function through gonadotropins (LH, FSH). Part 5 engages this axis for "moderate testosterone stimulation" — the hormonal basis of calm dominance.
Scientific Basis
Built on: Polyvagal Theory (Porges); Psychoneuroimmunology (Ader & Cohen); neuroplasticity research.