Androgen (male sex hormones)
Androgens are steroid hormones, mainly testosterone, that govern male sexual development, support bone and muscle health, and have medical uses and social implications including therapies and doping.
An androgen is a type of steroid hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of male characteristics. In vertebrates, these hormones are produced primarily by the testes, and in smaller amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands. The best known androgen is testosterone, and the term "androgen" is often used interchangeably with "male sex hormone" (male sex hormone), though androgens are present in all sexes.
Characteristics and mechanism
Androgens act by binding to the androgen receptor, a protein that alters gene expression in target cells. Common naturally occurring androgens include testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and androstenedione. Some androgens are converted in tissues to more active forms (for example, testosterone is converted to DHT), which affects hair growth, prostate development, and vocal and musculoskeletal traits.
Role in development and health
During puberty, androgens drive the onset of male secondary sexual characteristics such as deeper voice, facial and body hair, and increased muscle mass. They also support sperm production and influence libido, mood, and energy. In adults, androgens contribute to bone density and body composition; low androgen levels are associated with fatigue, reduced muscle strength, and changes in sexual function.
Medical uses and issues
Androgens are used clinically in hormone replacement therapy for individuals with low endogenous levels and in certain gender-affirming treatments. Synthetic derivatives, often called anabolic-androgenic steroids, have medical applications but are also misused to enhance athletic performance. Misuse can cause cardiovascular, hepatic, endocrine, and psychiatric side effects.
Distinctions and notable facts
Not everyone responds to androgens in the same way: conditions such as complete or partial androgen insensitivity affect how tissues respond to these hormones, and enzyme differences (for example in 5-alpha reductase) change the balance of active metabolites. Androgens are central to research in endocrinology, reproductive medicine, and sports medicine, and they remain important both biologically and socially.
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Androgen (male sex hormones) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/4039