You've probably heard of hormones, right? They're like little chemical messengers that control every function in our bodies. So, today we're going to talk about another very important group of hormones. Androgens . This name may be a little new to you, but they're essential for all of our physical health, especially sexual development and the healthy functioning of the reproductive system .
What exactly are androgens? Where are they produced?
Simply put, androgens are a group of sex hormones. They are the ones that cause the changes in our bodies that we experience as we age, or as we enter puberty. They are also important for maintaining our reproductive health and overall body development.
Think of it this way: Androgens are the silent servants of our bodies, working behind the scenes. They help keep everything running smoothly, from sexual development to physical strength. Don't be surprised, because androgen levels can fluctuate throughout the day. And, at different times in our lives, such as puberty or menopause, these hormone levels can change dramatically.
Who is this androgen `( Androgens ) are made?
Actually, androgens are produced in everyone's body. However, they are naturally produced in higher amounts in men's bodies. Testosterone, as we all know, is the main and most common androgen.
The main places where these occur are:
- In the male reproductive system From the testicles .
- From the ovaries in the female reproductive system.
- In addition, small amounts of these androgens are also produced by the adrenal glands, two small glands located above our kidneys.
What are the main types of androgens?
As we mentioned earlier, testosterone is the leader in this group. However, there are several other important androgens. Most of these help to make other important hormones. For example:
- Androstenedione
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
- DHEA sulfate `(DHEA sulfate - DHEAS)`
All three contribute to the production of testosterone and the female hormone estrogen.
Another important androgen is dihydrotestosterone (DHT) . As you get older, about 10% of your testosterone is converted to DHT each day.
In addition to these, there are several other androgens and related chemicals . The way our bodies use these hormones is very complex, like a talented orchestra working together.
What service do androgens provide to our body?
Androgens are not just hormones. They contribute to many important functions in the body of everyone, regardless of gender. Check out this list:
- Bone density: These help keep our bones strong.
- Muscle development: These are essential for building muscle mass and strength.
- Puberty: The main reason for the physical changes that occur during adolescence.
- Red blood cell production (Erythropoiesis): It also contributes to the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to the body.
- Sexual desire and function: These are very important for a healthy sex life.
Now let's look separately at what specifically changes these androgens do for men and women.
How are androgens important for men?
Androgens, especially testosterone, are responsible for many of the changes you see when a boy reaches puberty.
- Deep voice (vocal cord lengthening): This is why the vocal cords lengthen, changing the voice to a masculine tone.
- Getting taller: Helps to accelerate body growth and become taller.
- Hair growth: Hair begins to grow on the face, scalp, chest, armpits, and genital areas.
- Sperm development: Sperm, which are essential for reproduction, begin to be produced.
These changes mainly begin during puberty. However, the role of testosterone changes at different stages of life. As you become an adult, testosterone levels naturally begin to gradually decrease as you age.
How are androgens important for women?
In the female body, androgens (especially testosterone) are converted through other chemical processes into a type of estrogen called estradiol . This estradiol is very important for women's health.
- Secondary sexual characteristics: This hormone causes female characteristics such as breast development and widening of the hips during puberty.
- Regulates menstruation: Helps maintain the menstrual cycle properly.
- Aids conception and pregnancy: These are important for conceiving a child and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
- Minimizes bone loss (osteoporosis): Keeps bones strong and protects other bones from deterioration as we age.
The level of estradiol in your body also changes at different stages of your life. During postmenopause, your body doesn't make as much estradiol.
What health problems are caused by changes in androgen levels?
Like everything else, androgen levels need to be in balance in the body. Too much or too little of these can lead to various health problems.
Problems faced by men
Men are primarily affected by low levels of androgens, especially testosterone. Doctors call this male hypogonadism . This condition causes:
- Low sex drive
- Symptoms such as erectile dysfunction may occur.
In some men, these androgens help prostate cancer grow. In such cases, there are medications that can reduce the body's production of androgens. This treatment is called Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) .
Androgens (especially DHT) are also linked to the pattern of hair loss in men, a condition called androgenic alopecia .
Problems faced by women
In women, the main cause is increased levels of androgens, a condition called hyperandrogenism . The most common cause of this is a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) . Rarely, tumors in the adrenal glands or ovaries can also cause this type of androgen increase.
People with PCOS, or those with elevated levels of androgens, may experience symptoms such as:
- Acne
- Cessation or irregularity of monthly periods (Amenorrhea)
- Unwanted hair growth in some parts of the body (e.g. face, chest) (Hirsutism)
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Infertility
- Obesity
Androgens (especially DHT) can affect hair loss patterns in both men and women.
Problems faced by children
Due to differences in the levels of androgens in children, puberty can be delayed (delayed puberty) or early (precocious puberty). Each of these can have different causes.
Androgens also affect the levels of androgens, which are not really a single disease, but a group of about 60 different conditions that exhibit some degree of both male and female characteristics.
How do doctors measure androgen levels?
If a doctor suspects that you have a problem with your androgen levels, there are tests to confirm it.
The Free Androgen Index (FAI) is a commonly used measure of androgen levels in women. It is calculated by taking a blood sample and measuring the following:
- Total testosterone
- Free testosterone
- Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)
This SHBG is a protein. It is what carries androgens (testosterone and DHT) and estrogen in the blood. So, your doctor will compare your total testosterone level with your SHBG level to see how many androgens are in your blood.
For men, a testosterone blood test is usually done to check for low testosterone levels.
Remember, only a doctor can accurately interpret the results of these tests. Therefore, if you have any symptoms, be sure to seek medical advice.
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Now you probably have some idea about androgens. You probably understand how important these are to all of us for our reproductive health and overall health.
- Androgens are a type of hormone present in everyone's body, especially those that help with sexual development and function.
- Testosterone is the main androgen.
- These affect both men and women in different ways.
- Low or high levels of androgens can cause various health problems. For example, low testosterone in men and PCOS in women.
- If you have any symptoms related to your androgen levels (e.g., excessive hair growth, menstrual irregularities, decreased sexual desire), don't hesitate to see a doctor for advice. Then, the necessary tests can be done and the exact cause of your symptoms can be determined.
Maintaining the proper balance of these hormones is essential for a healthy life. So, take care of your body and don't forget to get checked out if you feel any changes or discomfort!
` androgens, testosterone, hormones, sexual health, reproductive health, PCOS
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න