Androgen might sound similar to testosteroneTestosterone is like a key hormone in your body, especially for guys. It acts a bit like a powerhouse, influencing many things as you grow and develop. • Other Names: You might not hear other names for testosterone very often, but… Read More, 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 namesImagine you’re in a giant store with shelves full of ingredients, but the labels aren’t written in English! That’s kind of what it’s like for scientists and doctors dealing with all the different chemicals in the world. • Other Names: You… Read More.

What are androgens?

Androgens are a group of hormonesImagine your body is a giant kingdom with many different jobs to be done. Hormones are like the royal messengers, carrying messages from one part of the body to another to keep everything running smoothly. • Other Names: You might not… Read More that influence the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics in vertebratesVertebrates are a huge group of animals with one key feature in common: a backbone! This backbone, also called a spinal column or vertebral column, is like a bony support system running along their back. Here are some examples of… Read More.

• 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 (libidoLibido, simply put, is your sex drive or desire for sexual activity. It is a basic human urge that is subject to many influences. Here are some examples of how to use “libido”: • “After a long day at work,… Read More)
  • Bone health
  • Red blood cellRed blood cells (RBCs), a vital component of the complete blood count (CBC), are the life-sustaining workhorses of our circulatory system. Like an intricate network of delivery trucks, these tiny, disc-shaped cells tirelessly transport oxygen from the lungs to every… Read More production

EtymologyEtymology is the study of the origin and history of words. It’s like detective work, tracing how words have changed over time and moved between languages. Think of it like this: • Words have a long history, just like old… Read More (Word OriginsWhat is an origin? An origin is the starting point, the place or source where something begins. It’s like the very first chapter in the story of that thing. Examples: • The origin of a river: Where the river first… Read More)

• “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.