Androgen Hormone: Pharmacology, Use and Misuse, Functions, Hormonal Levels

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:12 PM IST

A substance that may generate and sustain masculine traits in reproductive tissues—specifically the genital tract, secondary sexual traits, and fertility—as well as support the anabolic status of somatic tissues is known as an androgen, sometimes known as the male sex hormone.

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Functions Of Androgen Hormone

Androgens are important regulators of the hormonal cascade that triggers puberty and pubic and underarm hair growth. Additionally, it controls how various organs, including the bones and muscles, reproductive system, kidneys, and liver, operate. Androgens are essential for the synthesis of estrogen hormones in females and are crucial for controlling sexual desire, maintaining bone density, etc. In men, androgen hormones serve several crucial roles.

This Story also Contains

Functions Of Androgen Hormone
Hormonal Levels
Causes During Hormonal Changes
The Role Of Androgens
Role Of Androgens In Men
Role of Androgens In Women
promotes pubic and underarm hair development.
Types Of Androgens
Healthcare Providers Measure Androgen Levels
Androgen-Related Health Problems
Androgen Conditions Affect Males
Androgen Conditions Affect Females
Androgen Conditions Affect Children
Conclusion

They produce anabolic effects on protein synthesis and glucose metabolism.
These have a significant stimulatory impact on the spermatogenesis phenomenon.
They affect male sexual behavior by acting on the central nervous system.
Growth hormones are released during puberty.
These cause the development of muscles, axillary and facial hair, low vocal pitch, aggression, etc.
Examines the urethra, prostate gland, vas deferens, epididymis, and other male accessory sex organs for maturity, development, and functionality.

Hormonal Levels

The menstrual cycle causes a change in a woman's hormone levels. The fluctuations in hormone levels depend on an individual's age and sex. With age, hormone production levels drop.

According to medical records, hormone production rises throughout pregnancy and is even higher when a woman is carrying a male fetus

Causes During Hormonal Changes

The following factors can alter hormone levels:

HIV
Chemotherapy
Hypopituitarism
adrenal interactivity
extreme perimenopause
Menopause brought on by surgery
Ovarian insufficiency is primary
side effects of birth control pills and other estrogen-containing hormone therapies

The Role Of Androgens

Androgens benefit all genders in that they:

bone thickness.
growth of muscle.
Puberty.
formation of red blood cells.
sexual arousal and activity.

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Role Of Androgens In Men

In people who were born with a propensity for men, androgens support (AMAB)

low voice (vocal cord lengthening).
hair growth on the scalp, chest, underarms, and genitalia.
development of sperm.

Role of Androgens In Women

Other bodily molecules transform testosterone into estradiol, a type of estrogen, in people who were designated female at birth (AFAB). It's a hormone:

controls menstruation
helps in pregnancy and fertilization.
reduces bone loss (osteoporosis).
promotes pubic and underarm hair development.

Types Of Androgens

In both sexes, testosterone predominates as an androgen. among other androgens are:

Androstenedione.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (DHEA).
Sulfated DHEA (DHEA-S).
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (DHT).

Healthcare Providers Measure Androgen Levels

The free androgen index (FAI), a formula used by your healthcare professional, is used to calculate androgen levels. A blood test is the first step in FAI to assess:

100% testosterone

unbound testosterone

binding to sex hormones globulin (SHBG).

A protein called SHBG transports estrogen and androgens (such as testosterone and DHT) throughout the body. In order to calculate the FAI or the amount of androgen in the blood, your provider compares total testosterone to SHBG.

The amount of androgen might fluctuate during the day. They age naturally decreasing. Hormone levels can also be impacted by a woman's age, menstrual cycle stage, or menopause condition.

Androgen-Related Health Problems

People who are designated as female at birth more frequently experience high levels of androgen (hyperandrogenism) (AFAB). Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most typical cause of hyperandrogenism (PCOS). Rarely, hyperandrogenism is caused by ovarian or adrenal tumors.

Hypoandrogenism, or low amounts of androgen, can result in

osteoporosis and fractures of the bone.
Fatigue.
Low-key sex drive

Androgen Conditions Affect Males

Prostate cancer may grow faster when androgen is present. As part of their prostate cancer treatment, some people use hormone medicines to reduce the body's natural production of androgen.

Male hypogonadism, also known as low androgen or low testosterone, can result in erectile dysfunction, exhaustion, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. It can also make it difficult to concentrate and create poor exercise tolerance. Moreover, it may result in breast growth (gynecomastia).

Androgen Conditions Affect Females

People who have a polycystic ovarian syndrome or high levels of androgen may:

Acne.
Missed periods or irregular menstruation, or amenorrhea.
hair loss or excessive hair growth (hirsutism).
High cholesterol and blood pressure.
Infertility.
Obesity.
ovarian cancer.

Androgen Conditions Affect Children

As the fetus grows inside your uterus, androgen supports genitalia. Some newborns have sex differentiation issues. These conditions have an impact on a child's genital structure and reproductive organs.

A child may inherit a gene mutation (change) from a parent. A gene mutation may result in:

Androgen insufficiency syndrome: The body of a baby with AIS does not react to its androgen or testosterone. Despite the kid having male chromosomes, the penis may be underdeveloped or micropenis-size. The genitalia could be mixed sex or appear female.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): A kid with female chromosomes will have genitalia that resembles those of a man due to high testosterone levels.

Conclusion

While some regard androgens as predominantly male sex hormones, these hormones really aid in puberty and physical and sexual development in humans. Your energy level and sexual desire may be impacted by androgen levels that are either too low or too high. Your risk of issues like diabetes can also increase if your testosterone levels are unhealthy. Androgen levels can be determined via a blood test. Tumors and other conditions that impact androgen levels can be treated by your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do female androgen hormones do?

Androgens are hormones that help both men and women grow and reproduce. Although androgens are typically associated with men, the female body also naturally produces a tiny amount of androgens. Fatigue and a decrease in sexual interest can result from androgen insufficiency.

2. What makes females' levels of androgen so high?

Causes. About 40% to 50% of the body's testosterone is produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries in healthy women. Too much androgen production can be brought on by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian tumors. Corticosteroids are produced in excess due to a condition called Cushing disease, which affects the pituitary gland.

3. Is androgen beneficial to women?

Although less is known about how androgens affect other systems in women, it is thought that they have a significant biological role in women, particularly in the control of libido and sexual desire.

4. Effects of androgen levels on fertility?

Androgens are frequently linked to infertility and have historically been thought to be harmful to ovarian function.

5. What substances increase androgens?

Fatty seafood Vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are among the minerals that are abundant in fatty fish like salmon and sardines and are crucial for hormonal health.
greens with dark leaves.
Cocoa-related goods.
Avocados.
Eggs.
Cherries, pomegranates, and berries.
Shellfish.

6. What are some common medical uses for androgen therapy?

Androgen therapy is used to treat various conditions, including:

7. What is androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS)?

Androgen insensitivity syndrome is a genetic condition where individuals with XY chromosomes (typically male) are partially or completely insensitive to androgens due to defects in androgen receptors. This can result in varying degrees of feminization despite having male chromosomes, ranging from partial masculinization to complete female external genitalia.

8. How do androgens interact with the immune system?

Androgens generally have immunosuppressive effects:

9. What is androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), and how does it affect development?

Androgen insensitivity syndrome is a condition where the body is partially or completely unable to respond to androgens due to defects in androgen receptors. In complete AIS, individuals with XY chromosomes develop female external genitalia and secondary sexual characteristics, despite having testes that produce androgens. This occurs because the body can't respond to the androgens being produced, leading to a female phenotype.

10. How do environmental factors affect androgen levels?

Various environmental factors can influence androgen levels:

11. How do oral contraceptives affect androgen levels in women?

Oral contraceptives typically reduce androgen levels in women by:

12. How do androgens affect cardiovascular health?

Androgens have complex effects on cardiovascular health:

13. How do androgens interact with other hormone systems in the body?

Androgens interact with various hormone systems:

14. What is the relationship between androgens and sleep patterns?

Androgens and sleep have a bidirectional relationship:

15. What is the role of androgens in female athletic performance?

While often associated with male athletes, androgens also play a role in female athletic performance:

16. What is andropause, and how does it differ from menopause?

Andropause, sometimes called "male menopause," refers to the gradual decline in testosterone levels as men age. Unlike menopause in women, which involves a sharp drop in estrogen and cessation of menstruation, andropause is a more gradual process. It can lead to symptoms like decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass, and mood changes. However, not all men experience significant symptoms, and testosterone production doesn't completely stop.

17. What is the connection between androgens and prostate cancer?

Androgens, particularly DHT, stimulate the growth of prostate cells. While they don't directly cause prostate cancer, they can accelerate the growth of existing cancer cells. This is why androgen deprivation therapy is often used in treating prostate cancer. However, the relationship is complex, and very low testosterone levels may also be associated with aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

18. How do androgens influence mood and mental health?

Androgens can have significant effects on mood and mental health:

19. What is androgen deprivation therapy, and when is it used?

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a treatment that reduces androgen levels or blocks their action. It's primarily used in:

20. What is androgen abuse in sports, and how is it detected?

Androgen abuse in sports refers to the illegal use of androgens or androgen-like substances (anabolic steroids) to enhance athletic performance. It's detected through various methods:

21. How do androgens influence the cardiovascular system beyond cholesterol levels?

Androgens affect the cardiovascular system in several ways:

22. What is the concept of androgen sensitivity, and how does it vary among individuals?

Androgen sensitivity refers to how responsive an individual's tissues are to androgens. It can vary due to:

23. What is anabolic steroid misuse, and why is it dangerous?

Anabolic steroid misuse refers to the use of androgens or androgen-like substances to enhance athletic performance or physical appearance without medical necessity. It's dangerous because it can lead to numerous health problems, including liver damage, cardiovascular issues, mood swings, and hormonal imbalances. Long-term misuse can also result in infertility and increased risk of certain cancers.

24. How do androgens affect skin health beyond acne?

Androgens influence skin health in several ways:

25. What is meant by "free" versus "total" testosterone?

"Total testosterone" refers to all testosterone in the blood, including that bound to proteins like sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. "Free testosterone" refers only to unbound testosterone, which is biologically active and can enter cells. While total testosterone is easier to measure, free testosterone is often considered a better indicator of androgen activity in the body.

26. Where are androgens primarily produced in the body?

In males, androgens are primarily produced in the testes. In females, they are produced in smaller amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Both sexes also produce androgens in the adrenal cortex.

27. What is the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and how does it regulate androgen production?

The HPG axis is a complex feedback system involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads. The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones then stimulate the gonads to produce androgens. The androgens, in turn, provide negative feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary, regulating their own production.

28. How do androgen levels change throughout a person's lifetime?

Androgen levels, particularly testosterone, change significantly throughout life:

29. How do androgens affect muscle growth?

Androgens, particularly testosterone, promote muscle growth through several mechanisms:

30. What is the role of androgens in male sexual function beyond libido?

Androgens, particularly testosterone, play crucial roles in male sexual function:

31. What is the relationship between androgens and insulin sensitivity?

Androgens can influence insulin sensitivity:

32. How do androgens influence bone metabolism throughout life?

Androgens play a crucial role in bone metabolism:

33. How do androgens influence bone density?

Androgens play a crucial role in bone health by:

34. What is the role of androgens in female physiology?

While androgens are often considered "male" hormones, they play important roles in females too:

35. What is the role of androgens in female reproductive function?

In females, androgens play several roles in reproduction:

36. How do androgens influence fat distribution in the body?

Androgens play a significant role in body fat distribution:

37. How do androgens differ from estrogens?

While both are steroid hormones, androgens primarily promote male characteristics, whereas estrogens promote female characteristics. Androgens are typically higher in males, while estrogens are higher in females. However, both sexes produce both types of hormones, just in different amounts.

38. What are androgens and what is their primary function?

Androgens are a group of steroid hormones that play a crucial role in male sexual development and function. Their primary functions include promoting the development of male sex characteristics, supporting sperm production, and regulating muscle mass and bone density in both males and females.

39. How do androgens exert their effects on target cells?

Androgens, being lipid-soluble, can pass through cell membranes. They bind to androgen receptors in the cytoplasm or nucleus of target cells, forming a hormone-receptor complex. This complex then interacts with DNA to regulate gene expression and cellular function.

40. How do androgens influence brain function and behavior?

Androgens have various effects on the brain and behavior:

41. How do androgens influence appetite and metabolism?

Androgens can affect appetite and metabolism in several ways:

42. What is the concept of androgen priming, and why is it important?

Androgen priming refers to the exposure of tissues to androgens during critical developmental periods, which can influence their future responsiveness to hormones. This is important because:

43. What is the most well-known androgen?

Testosterone is the most well-known androgen. It is the primary male sex hormone and plays a crucial role in male development, sexual function, and overall health.

44. What is dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and how does it differ from testosterone?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent androgen derived from testosterone through the action of the enzyme 5α-reductase. DHT is more potent than testosterone in some tissues, particularly in the prostate and hair follicles. It plays a crucial role in male sexual development but is also associated with male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia in later life.

45. How do androgens affect the skin and hair?

Androgens influence the skin and hair in several ways:

46. How do androgens influence hair growth patterns?

Androgens have a significant impact on hair growth: