Androgen hormone is known among the public as the male hormone. Contrary to popular belief, this information is not entirely true.
Androgen hormone is a hormone found in both male and female individuals. Androgen hormone, which is among the steroid hormones, is produced in the testicles in men.
In women, it is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. The reason why this hormone is known as the male hormone among the public is that androgen hormone is produced more in men.
- Contents
- What is Androgen Hormone? What are its functions?
- High Androgen Hormone Levels in Men
- High Androgen Hormone Levels in Women
- Why Does Androgen Hormone Increase?
- How to Reduce Androgen Hormone in Men and Women?
- Low Androgen Hormone in Men
- Low Androgen Hormone in Women
- What Causes Low Androgen Hormone Levels?
- Is There a Treatment for Low Androgen Hormone?
- How are Low and High Androgen Hormone Levels Diagnosed?
- What is Androgen Insensitivity?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Androgen Hormone
What is Androgen Hormone? What are its functions?
Androgen hormone is a group of steroid hormones produced in the human body.
Androgen hormone is related to sexuality. Sperm production occurs thanks to androgen hormone. Androgen hormones also play an active role in reproductive health.
Androgen hormone also plays a role in determining mood. Androgen hormones are also known as hormones that provide muscle and bone development.
Androgen hormone is found at different levels in men and women. Hair growth in men also depends on the androgen hormone. The answers to the question of what the androgen hormone does in men are as follows;
- It provides deepening of voice.
- It helps increase bone density.
- It supports the increase of muscle mass.
- It helps in the development process of the sexual organ.
- It is an important hormone for the functions of the sexual organ.
- It provides the formation of libido.
- Sperm production occurs thanks to the androgen hormone.
- Beard and moustache growth is related to the androgen hormone.
- It enables body hair to grow.
The question of what the androgen hormone does in women can be answered as follows;
- It increases sexual desire.
- It helps determine the mood.
- Determines the energy level.
- It supports the increase of muscle mass.
- It protects bone health.
High Androgen Hormone Levels in Men
High androgen hormone levels are generally known to be a condition that can be seen in women. Although rare, it is known that this hormone level increases in men as well.
With the increase of this hormone in men, symptoms of high androgen hormone occur. The most common of these symptoms is known as acne problem.
Acne begins to form on the face and different parts of the body .
Another symptom that may occur with the increase in androgen hormone in men is sleep apnea. It is also likely to cause prostate enlargement. Apart from these, the problems that may occur due to high androgen levels are known as follows;
- Hairloss
- Sexual dysfunction
- Oily skin
- Breast tissue growth
High Androgen Hormone Levels in Women
Androgen hormone excess is a common condition in women. When androgen hormone levels increase, women experience excessive hair growth. It is also known that an increase in acne formation is observed.
When the androgen hormone increases in women, the problem of baldness, which is more common in men, may also occur.
Apart from these, there is also the possibility of seeing different symptoms. Symptoms of excess androgen hormone in women include the following;
- Infertility
- Clitoral enlargement
- Menstrual irregularity
- Deepening of the voice
- Reduction in breast tissue
- Oiliness of the skin
Why Does Androgen Hormone Increase?
High androgen hormone levels can occur due to different reasons. It is generally known that this hormone level increases in both genders due to polycystic ovary syndrome.
In men, there is also a possibility that androgen levels may increase due to a testosterone tumor or Cushing’s syndrome.
In women, hormonal disorders such as adrenal hyperplasia may occur. In such cases, androgen levels increase.
How to Reduce Androgen Hormone in Men and Women?
Reducing androgen hormone levels is possible with treatment methods.
For this, the reason for the increase in androgen hormone must be determined. Treatment methods vary depending on the underlying cause of the hormone increase.
Treatment methods for excess androgen hormone are generally the same for women and men. However, women may use birth control pills differently.
If there is an increase in hormones due to a tumor , treatment is carried out by removing the tumor.
Low Androgen Hormone in Men
Androgen hormone is usually at high levels in men. A decrease in this hormone level is also known as testosterone deficiency.
As the level of androgen hormone decreases, some symptoms also occur. The symptoms of low androgen hormone in men include the following;
- Low libido
- Erection problems
- Infertility
- Problems focusing
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Feeling of hot flushes
- Depression
- Decrease in muscle mass
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Decreased bone density
Low Androgen Hormone in Women
Androgen hormone is at very low levels in women. However, there is a possibility that this hormone may fall below normal levels.
In such cases, some symptoms occur in women. The symptoms of low androgen hormone in women are known as follows;
- Weakness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low libido
- Fatigue
- Vaginal dryness
- Irregular menstrual cycle
What Causes Low Androgen Hormone Levels?
One of the main reasons for the decrease in androgen hormone is the age factor.
With increasing age, the androgen hormone begins to decrease in both genders. There is also a possibility that the androgen hormone may decrease due to obesity .
Other factors that may cause a decrease in androgen hormone levels can be listed as follows;
- Diabetes (sugar) disease
- Blood pressure diseases
- Heart diseases
- Some chronic diseases
Is There a Treatment for Low Androgen Hormone?
Yes, androgen hormone deficiency can be treated. Treatment methods for androgen hormone deficiency may vary depending on the person’s age and gender. Before starting treatment, the cause of the hormone deficiency must be diagnosed.
Once the problems that caused the decrease are eliminated, the hormone level begins to rise again.
Possible treatment methods include lifestyle changes.
First of all, it is recommended that the person changes his/her lifestyle. It is possible to increase the androgen hormone by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet.
Staying away from stress or being able to manage stress is also a very important point. By establishing a sleep routine, androgen hormone can increase.
In cases where lifestyle changes are not sufficient, drug treatment is started. In women, birth control methods can also be used.
It is also possible to benefit from hormonal treatment methods during this process. The treatment method to be applied is determined by the doctors.
How are Low and High Androgen Hormone Levels Diagnosed?
Low or high androgen hormone levels can be diagnosed with blood tests. It is recommended to donate blood on two different days. In this way, it is observed whether the hormone level changes instantly.
Blood donation is done in the morning. The person’s symptoms and blood test results are used to diagnose the level of androgen hormone.
What is Androgen Insensitivity?
Androgen insensitivity is also known as androgen insensitivity syndrome. It is called ADS for short. The body shows resistance to androgen hormones, especially testosterone. This condition is generally known as a condition seen in men. The characteristics of the male sex cannot fully develop.
It is a condition that is especially noticed during adolescence. The external appearance of male individuals is seen to have a structure similar to the external appearance of women.
This condition occurs due to androgen insensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Androgen Hormone
Is Low Androgen Hormone Levels Common?
It is not possible to give a clear answer to the question of whether low androgen hormone is common. This situation is related to age range. The prevalence rate in healthy and young individuals is known to be approximately 1 – 2%. The prevalence rate in people in their 70s is approximately 5%. The prevalence rate varies according to age groups.
What Chronic Diseases Affect Androgen Hormones?
Chronic heart diseases can generally affect androgen hormones. Apart from this, changes in androgen hormone levels may occur due to chronic kidney diseases.
