Androgens

Biochemistry and Physiological Roles

Androgens are a group of steroidal hormones characterized by their ability to stimulate and regulate the development and maintenance of male characteristics in vertebrates by binding to androgen receptors. This class of hormones plays an essential role in both males and females, albeit with varied concentrations and physiological effects.

Biochemical Classification

Chemically, androgens are a subset of the C19 steroid hormones and can be further categorized into three primary forms:

1. Testosterone: Synthesized in the Leydig cells of the testes in males, the ovaries in females, and the adrenal glands in both sexes. It's the principal male sex hormone.
2. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): A derivative of testosterone, it's formed in peripheral tissues, especially in the skin, prostate, and hair follicles, through the action of the enzyme 5α-reductase. DHT is a potent androgen, with a binding affinity to androgen receptors much higher than testosterone.
3. Androstenedione: Produced in the adrenal cortex and gonads, it serves as a precursor to both male and female sex hormones.

Physiological Roles

Androgens serve multifarious functions in the human body, including:

Development of Male Reproductive System

• In Utero: Androgens drive the differentiation of the male internal and external genitalia.
• Puberty: They are crucial for the maturation of the male reproductive organs, including the growth of the testes and the prostate.

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Androgens stimulate the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as:

• Increased muscle mass and strength.
• Deepening of the voice.
• Growth and distribution of body and facial hair.
• Bone maturation and maintenance of bone density.

Anabolic Effects

Androgens play a role in increasing protein synthesis in skeletal muscles, promoting muscle growth and overall body metabolism.

Neurological Effects

They influence mood, aggression, and sexual behavior by acting on androgen receptors in the brain.

Skin and Hair

In particular, DHT plays a role in male pattern baldness and the growth of body and facial hair.

Erythropoiesis

Androgens stimulate the production of red blood cells by promoting the synthesis of erythropoietin in the kidneys.

While typically associated with male physiology, androgens are crucial regulators of a range of biological processes in both sexes. Their dysregulation can lead to various conditions, from androgenic alopecia to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A deep understanding of their biochemistry and physiological actions provides insights into many aspects of human health and disease.

For an in-depth understanding of DHT in our body

The following research paper adroitly explains the role of DHT and how it affects hair and other Physiological functions in the body. Definitely worth a read to bring your understanding of what DHT does in the system.

A key learning from this paper is that DHT is far more potent, had higher binding affinity to the androgen receptor and a dissociation period which can be up to 5 times longer than other androgens. Practically, what this implies is that using Minoxidil 1x per day is a losing battle. When the scalp has minoxidil applied, the androgen receptors are blocked from receiving DHT. However, when there is no minoxidil, then the androgen receptors take up the DHT. Once the DHT is attached, it takes a long time to dissociate. This would imply that going through periods of time without minoxidil enables the DHT to attach and even after applying minoxidil, your receptors are then already binded to the DHT, hence you are making the minoxidil ineffective because it is fighting a losing battle where receptors are already 'infected' at the point you apply the minoxidil and new DHT reinforcements are attaching to androgen receptors that are freed up as soon as your minoxidil protection wears off.

The clinical studies show that minoxidil morning and night is dramatically more effective than once per day. This could be one reason why that is the case.

• Biochemistry, Dihydrotestosterone

Academic Research

• A Management Protocol for Gonad Preservation in Patients with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome
• Androgens’ effects on cerebrovascular function in health and disease
• Dihydrotestosterone: Biochemistry, Physiology, and Clinical Implications of Elevated Blood Levels