Androgen

Androgens are a group of hormones that are primarily responsible for regulating the growth and development of the male reproductive system. The main androgen is testosterone, a hormone produced by the testes that plays a critical role in male reproductive abilities. While testosterone and other androgens are often viewed specifically as male hormones, they are present in women as well. Regardless of one's biological sex, androgens are necessary for proper reproductive development. The importance of androgens is not limited to reproduction, however. Androgens additionally play an active role in metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and body composition. They may also have an influence on bone density, brain function, mood, and libido. In women, androgens are believed to have an effect on the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, and may help ensure that it is ready to support a potential pregnancy. Abnormally high or low androgen levels can be problematic for men and women alike.

Background

Hormones are molecules that are created in and released by glands in the endocrine system. These molecules send messages to various parts of the body that help to regulate key life processes like hunger, libido, and blood pressure. While hormones travel throughout the body, they only interact with cells that are specifically made to receive the messages they carry. The places where these cells exist are called hormone receptor sites. The arrival of a given hormone at the appropriate receptor site triggers a reaction that controls some aspect of bodily function. For example, the pancreas produces a hormone known as insulin when food is being consumed. Upon reaching the correct receptor sites, insulin helps regulate blood sugar.

A variety of hormones are produced by different endocrine glands. The hypothalamus produces hormones that regulate body temperature, hunger, mood, sleep, and libido. The parathyroid produces hormones that regulate calcium. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate heart function and the use of calories. The adrenal glands produce stress hormones. The pineal gland produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body clock. The ovaries and testes produce hormones that are involved in reproduction. The pituitary gland produces growth hormone and controls other parts of the endocrine system. Some of the major hormones include adrenaline, cortisol, and serotonin. Adrenaline regulates energy, cortisol regulates stress, and serotonin regulates mood.

Hormone imbalances are a common occurrence that can interfere with normal body function. Such imbalances are often tied to health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and other problems related to endocrine glands. Various problems can arise when the body produces too little or too much of a certain hormone or group of hormones. Some of these potential problems include weight gain or loss, sexual dysfunction, and weakened bones. A hormone imbalance can be a serious condition and require medical attention. Those who exhibit signs of a hormone imbalance should seek help from their family doctor or another qualified healthcare provider. Patients diagnosed with a hormone imbalance may need to see an endocrinologist. Endocrinologists are hormone specialists who can help patients get their hormones into the proper balance.

Overview

Androgens are a group of human hormones that are primarily associated with the creation of male sexual characteristics. Despite being so closely tied to the male reproductive system, androgens are present in the female body as well. For women, these hormones play a key role in the regulation of libido, bone density, and muscle mass. In men and women alike, androgens are made of cholesterol molecules. Although these molecules, which enter the body through the consumption of fatty foods, can have dangerous, artery-clogging effects on the cardiovascular system, they are critical to production of hormones in the various glands of the endocrine system. Androgens in particular are produced by the testes and the adrenal gland.

There are five major androgens, including testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione (A4), and androstenediol (A5). Testosterone is the most important androgen in men. It contributes to libido, erectile function, sperm production, the maintenance of bone density and muscle mass, red blood cell production, facial and body hair growth, and mood regulation. Men are estimated to have at least 20 times more testosterone in their systems than women. DHT plays a critical role in the development of the penis, scrotum, and prostate in male babies. It is also closely tied to the changes young men experience during puberty, as well as conditions like male pattern baldness and prostate enlargement that commonly affect older men. DHEA is a precursor to testosterone and, as a result, most of its androgen effects happen only after it has been turned into A4 or A5 and, ultimately, testosterone. It also has effects on the central nervous system, including protective and anti-inflammatory properties on the brain. A4 is produced from DHEA in the adrenal glands and testes and eventually turned into testosterone. It is believed that A4 encourages aggression and competition in boys and is frequently taken as a muscle-building supplement. A5 is also produced from DHEA and turned into testosterone. It is known to boost blood cells levels and has been suggested as a means of protecting against radiation.

The testes and adrenal glands can sometimes under-produce or overproduce androgens. Under-production of androgens can lead to a condition known as androgen deficiency. Officially, androgen deficiency occurs when androgen levels fall below normal age-specific levels. Some of the symptoms of androgen deficiency include sweating, insomnia, nervousness, irritability, tiredness, loss of motivation, short-term memory problems, lowered self-esteem, depression, decreased energy levels, loss of muscle strength, decline or loss of libido, poor erections, reduced semen volume, diminished muscle mass, hair loss, and abdominal obesity. Often tied to underlying conditions like Klinefelter syndrome or varicocele, androgen deficiency can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy. Patients who have unusually elevated androgen levels or who simply wish to reduce the effect of male hormones may be prescribed anti-androgens, which are drugs that block the effects of androgens. Anti-androgens are often taken by men with prostate cancer and women who want to reduce unwanted body hair. Many transgender and non-binary people also take anti-androgens to help suppress physical traits typically viewed as masculine.

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