BIOCHEMISTRY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site androgen Testosterone. Picture credit: Wikipedia Any of a group of male sex hormones that stimulate development of the testes and male secondary sexual characteristics, such as growth of facial hair. The primary and best-known androgen is testosterone. Androgens are produced principally by the testes when stimulated by luteinizing hormone but they are also secreted in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands and (in women ) the ovaries. Androgen is the generic term for any natural or synthetic compound, usually a steroid hormone, that stimulates or controls the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics in vertebrates by binding to androgen receptors. Androgens, which were first discovered in 1936, are also called androgenic hormones or testoids. They are the original anabolic steroids. They are also the precursor of all estrogens, the female sex hormones. Androgen ablation, also called androgen suppression or androgen deprivation, is treatment to suppress or block the production or action of male hormones. This is done by having the testicles removed, by taking female sex hormones, or by taking drugs called antiandrogens. Androgen-independent describes the ability of tumor cells to grow in the absence of androgens. Many early prostate cancers require androgens for growth, but advanced prostate cancers are often androgen-independent. An antiandrogen is a substance that prevents cells from making or using androgens. Antiandrogens may stop some cancer cells from growing. Some antiandrogens are used to treat prostate cancer, and others are being studied for this use. An antiandrogen is a type of hormone antagonist. Related category    • BIOCHEMISTRY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP