I often see folks in my clinic, maybe a young woman concerned about irregular periods and new acne, or a man in his 50s noticing he’s just not feeling like himself anymore – less energy, maybe a dip in his usual spark. Sometimes, the conversation leads us to talk about androgens. These fascinating hormones are working hard behind the scenes in all of us, and when their levels get a bit out of whack, it can really make a difference to how we feel.
So, What Exactly Are Androgens?
Let’s break it down. Androgens are a group of sex hormones that are key players in starting puberty and keeping our reproductive health and body development on track. Here’s a common point of confusion: everyone has androgens! Yes, both men and women. Men naturally make more, and testosterone is the one you’ve probably heard of most.
In men, the testicles are the main production house. In women, it’s the ovaries. For everyone, the adrenal glands also produce some. Besides testosterone, other important androgens include androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
What Do Androgens Do For Us?
These hormones have a long to-do list. In all people, androgens help with:
- Keeping our bones strong (bone density)
- Building and maintaining muscle
- Getting puberty started
- The production of red blood cells
- Our sex drive and sexual function
In men, they also trigger a deeper voice, growth spurts, and the development of facial hair and sperm. In women, androgens are converted into estrogen, which is essential for regulating periods, breast development, and supporting pregnancy.
When Androgen Levels Go Awry
Our bodies are usually good at keeping hormone levels in balance. But sometimes, these levels can be too high or too low, which is when we start noticing that things feel a bit off.
| Population | Common Issues and Symptoms |
|---|---|
| In Men (Usually Low Androgens) |
Known as male hypogonadism. Symptoms include a noticeably lower sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and fatigue. Androgens can also fuel the growth of prostate cancer and contribute to male-pattern baldness. |
| In Women (Usually High Androgens) |
Known as hyperandrogenism, often caused by PCOS. Symptoms can include persistent acne, irregular or missed periods, excess hair growth (hirsutism), infertility, and female-pattern baldness. |
| In Children | Imbalances can lead to puberty starting too early (precocious puberty) or too late (delayed puberty), and can be involved in various disorders of sexual development. |
How Do We Check Your Androgen Levels?
If we suspect something is up with your androgens, we don’t just guess. It usually starts with a conversation, followed by a simple blood test. For women, we might look at the Free Androgen Index (FAI), which compares total testosterone to a protein called SHBG. For men, we typically order testosterone blood tests to directly measure the levels in your blood. These tests give us a clear picture of what’s going on so we can discuss what the results mean for you.
Take-Home Message
- Androgens are for everyone. These essential sex hormones impact puberty, muscle, bone, and sexual health in both men and women.
- Imbalances cause different issues. In men, problems are often linked to low levels (low libido, fatigue). In women, they’re often linked to high levels (PCOS, acne, irregular periods).
- Listen to your body. If you’re feeling “off,” experiencing new symptoms, or concerned about your hormonal health, it’s worth a conversation.
- Testing provides answers. Simple blood tests can help your doctor understand what’s happening with your hormone levels.
Hormones are complex, but understanding them is the first step to taking charge of your health. We’re always here to help if you have questions or concerns.