Naturally occurring androgens stimulate and/or control the sex of males, including the male sex organs and other characteristics. Discovered in 1936 androgens are also called androgenic hormones or testoids. They are also the original anabolic steroids. Androgens are the precursor of the female hormone, the female sex hormones.
Testosterone is the main androgen. Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. It plays key roles in health and well-being including enhanced libido, energy, immune function and protection against osteoporosis. An healthy adult male produces eight to ten times more testosterone than an healthy adult female[1]. Testosterone was first identified in 1935. In the body it is derived from cholesterol.
Other androgens hormones are;
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Androstenedione (Andro) - It is produced by the testes, adrenal cortex, and ovaries. Man made androstenedione has been banned by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and other athletic organizations.
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Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) - It is produced in the adrenal cortex from cholesterol.
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Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
[1] Dabbs, 2000
