Androgen

Androgen might sound similar to testosterone, and that's because they're related! Androgen is like a broader umbrella term, while testosterone is the main star player under that umbrella.

• Other Names: You might not hear other names for androgen very often, but sometimes scientists refer to specific androgens by their chemical names.

What are androgens?

Androgens are a group of hormones that influence the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics in vertebrates.

• Think of them as a team of workers responsible for building and maintaining some of the physical signs of being male.

Here's the key difference:

• Testosterone: The main androgen, produced mostly in the testes (males) and ovaries (females) in small amounts. It's the most powerful and well-known androgen.
• Other Androgens: There are other, weaker androgens produced in the adrenal glands (glands on top of the kidneys) in both males and females. These other androgens play a supporting role.

What do androgens do?

• During puberty in males, androgens are responsible for:
  • Deepening voice
  • Facial and body hair growth
  • Increased muscle mass
  • Development of male genitalia
• In both males and females: Androgens play a role in:
  • Sex drive (libido)
  • Bone health
  • Red blood cell production

Etymology (Word Origins)

• "Androgen" comes from two Greek words:
  • "aner" (andros) - meaning "man" or "male"
  • "gennan" - meaning "to produce"

So, literally, "androgen" translates to "male-producing" hormone, although it has effects in both sexes.

Here are some additional points to remember:

• Testosterone is the strongest androgen, but other androgens work with it to influence development.
• Females also have androgens, although at much lower levels than males.
• Androgen levels naturally decrease with age for both men and women.