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What hormone is responsible for stimulating the sebaceous glands?

  1. Estrogen

  2. Androgen

  3. Progesterone

  4. Cortisol

The correct answer is: Androgen

The hormone responsible for stimulating the sebaceous glands is androgen. Androgens are a group of hormones that play a key role in male traits and reproductive activity but are present in both males and females. In the context of skin health, androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce sebum, which is essential for maintaining skin hydration and protecting the skin's barrier. Sebaceous glands are primarily influenced by androgens, especially during puberty when hormonal changes lead to increased sebum production, which can contribute to conditions like acne. While estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol have roles in the body, they do not directly stimulate sebaceous gland activity to the same extent as androgens. Estrogen is more commonly associated with skin elasticity and moisture retention, progesterone is related to the menstrual cycle and has effects on skin conditions, and cortisol is a stress hormone that can influence overall skin health but is not a primary stimulant of sebaceous glands.