2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The androgen is a hormone that is secreted by the adrenal gland and stimulates the action of the male genitals, while supporting the development of secondary male sexual characteristics. The best known of androgens is testosterone.
Testosterone is extremely important for the development of secondary male sexual characteristics, such as the formation of the Adam's apple, increasing muscle mass, stimulating libido, hair growth and penis growth.
Types of androgens
In addition to the well-known testosterone, there are several types of androgens. The first is the steroid hormone dehydroepiandrostenolone, which is synthesized by the adrenal cortex. It is also the main substance that produces natural estrogens.
The next type is androtestosterone, which is derived from progesterone. Like testosterone, it has a masculinizing effect - it gives masculine characteristics, but with a much weaker effect. It is found in almost equal levels in men and women.
Androstenediol is a steroid metabolite that is a major participant in the secretion of androgens. Dehydrotestosterone is a metabolite of testosterone, but has a stronger effect than it. It is produced in the reproductive tissue and skin.
The latter type is androstenedione, which is produced in the testicles, ovaries and adrenal glands. Thanks to it, estrogen is produced.
Androgen functions
As it turned out, the main function of androgens is to control and stimulate the signs of masculinity. Androgen is present in all vertebrates. It binds to the relevant androgen receptors in the body in a complex biological way. Androgen was first discovered in 1936.
Androgen administration
Androgens are also known as anabolic agents. They are used in pharmacology as hormonal drugs, which are used mainly by athletes using them to improve strength, speed, flexibility and endurance.
High androgen levels
High levels of androgen affect both the mental and physical condition of a person. In terms of physical manifestations, there are acne on the face and back, oily skin, strong hair.
Psychological effects are associated with irritability, inability to self-control. Androgen levels affect behavior due to neuronal sensitivity. Exactly androgen helps regulate libido and aggression.
The use of certain steroids and medications can stimulate the production of too high levels of androgen, thus disrupting its normal levels.
In these cases, it is mandatory to take protectors, which aim to neutralize and support the process of androgen intake, in order to avoid unwanted side effects.
High androgen levels in women are manifested by endocrine disorders such as acne and hirsutism. Excessive androgen secretion reduces the action of estrogen, which causes suppression of ovarian function and amenorrhea.
These women suffer from obesity, excessive hair growth and even the presence of male scars. High levels of androgens can cause polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility.
Androgen deficiency
The main symptoms of deficiency of androgen in the body of men include low bone density or outright osteoporosis, decreased libido and problems with sexual function. Decreased energy may also be a symptom of such a deficit.
There are various reasons that can cause androgen deficiency. The most common of these are alcohol abuse, hemochromatosis, testicular infection, radiation exposure, and corticosteroids.
The problem is proven by a blood test, but testosterone levels vary throughout the day, which means that only one test could not detect the deficiency. The difficulty of detecting deficiency is also determined by the fact that many other health problems have the same symptoms.
According to research, only one in nine men take measures against low hormone levels, and the reason is that they do not even suspect the existence of the problem.
Androgen and prostate cancer
An important part of the treatment of prostate cancer is the suppression of the synthesis of male sex hormones, and the main goal is to limit the development of cancer cells. This is a treatment known as androgen withdrawal therapy.
Androgens have the ability to stimulate the growth of cancer cells, which is why treatment is aimed at reducing male sex hormones. This therapy does not cure the cancer itself, but is used to support the basic treatment.
Hormone androgen withdrawal therapy also has a number of side effects such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, anemia, osteoporosis, hot flashes and impotence, and growth of breast tissue.
The article is informative and does not replace a consultation with a doctor!
