Humans have various hormones in their bodies. Each hormone has its own function. Androgen, as a hormone that both women and men have, plays an important role in the process of entering puberty. Find out more about the benefits, side effects of excess and deficiency of this hormone, as well as how to balance it in the following article.
Androgens play an important role in carrying out sexual and reproductive functions in men.
What is the Androgen Hormone?
Androgens are a group of sex hormones. One of the most common androgen hormones is testosterone. The function of androgens in general is to help a person enter puberty and develop physical maturity. Although all genders can have androgen hormones, they are mainly owned by men.
Androgens play an important role in carrying out sexual and reproductive functions in men. They are also responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial and body hair growth, voice changes, and bone developmentmuscle, and metabolism.
Also Read: 6 Characteristics of Unhealthy Sperm You Must Know: Tips for Improving Sperm Quality!
Benefits of Androgen Hormones in Men
Androgen hormones have several roles in the male body such as:
Providing a deep voice: One of the signs of puberty in men is a change in voice. This change can occur due to the role of the androgen hormone. Hair growth: This hormone plays a role in hair growth in several areas such as the face, scalp, chest, armpits and genital area. Sperm development: As a hormone that plays a role in the process of developing the reproductive system, androgens functions in forming sperm cells and for maintaining sexual interest and behavior.
Benefits of Androgen Hormones in Women
Different from men, androgen hormones have their own role in the growth and development process of women, some of which are:
Arrange menstrual period: Menstruation is an important thing in a woman’s body and is part of the reproductive process. Androgens play a role in regulating menstrual periods. Prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures: This hormone prevents bone problems such as osteoporosis or fractures. Stimulates hair growth: As with men, this hormone also plays a role in hair growth in the armpit and genital areas.
What if you have excess or deficiency of androgen hormones?
There are several impacts that can be felt if someone has an excess or deficiency of androgen hormones. This impact can differ between men and women.
1. Impact on Men
In men, excess androgen hormones can trigger prostate cancer. People with high androgens are advised to take special hormone medications to reduce natural androgen production in their bodies. This drug is also included in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Meanwhile, a lack of this hormone can cause several problems such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, difficulty focusing and concentrating, getting tired easily when exercising, erectile dysfunction, as well as having a low sex drive. Other physical impacts, such as breast development (gynecomastia) and loss of body hair.
Also read: Teratozoospermia is a sperm disorder: Get to know the treatment
2. Impact on Women
Excessive amounts of androgens in women can cause several problems, one of which is acne and excessive hair growth. Other impacts such as irregular or non-existent menstrual periods, fertility problems, blood sugar disorders, weight problems, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
So what if a woman lacks androgens? As a result, they will tire easily, sweat, increase the risk of bone disorders such as osteoporosis and fractures, mood disorders, low libido (interest in sex), and fatigue.
Low androgen levels can affect women at any age, especially during the transition to menopause. The impact is most felt after women experiencing menopausearound the age of 50.
Excess androgens in women cause several problems, such as acne.
How to Balance Androgen Hormones
Excessive or deficient hormones can cause negative effects in both genders. To overcome this, there are several ways you can balance these hormones:
1. Testosterone Therapy for Women
Testosterone therapy can be done for post-menopausal women who want to improve their sexual desire and want to return to an intimate relationship with their partner. However, there is no real evidence regarding the impact of testosterone therapy on improving symptoms of androgen hormone deficiency, such as better mood changes.
Therefore, it is important for patients to consult with various parties. In order to get recommendations for the best treatment for this hormonal problem. Consultation also functions so that patients do not experience other side effects such as deepening of the voice or enlargement of the clitoris, due to high androgens.
Also read: How to distinguish between fertile and non-fertile sperm
2. Testosterone Treatment for Men
If men are androgen deficient, they will also be given some treatments such as testosterone replacement therapy. This testosterone is usually given in the form of a skin gel cream or in the form of an injection. Therapy can be given once a week for several months to stimulate testosterone and sperm production.
Testosterone treatment is less recommended for men planning to have children, as the treatment acts as contraception which is powerful by suppressing pituitary hormones that encourage sperm production. If a man is androgen deficient and wants to have children, see a fertility specialist to find a more suitable solution.
For older men, prostate cancer screening will usually be done before starting treatment. Elevated testosterone levels can cause unrecognized prostate cancer to grow. Although in general, this therapy is said to be safe and does not cause an increased risk of new prostate cancer growth.
Androgen hormones are hormones that play an important role in the puberty process and physical development in women and men. When hormones feel too low or high, this can affect their sex drive and physical appearance. Get tested immediately if you feel symptoms related to a lack or excess of this hormone. See you again in another review.
Has been reviewed by Dr. Steffe Lie
Source:
2023-09-11 01:30:10
#Role #Androgen #Hormones #Sexual #Function
