Question

Write short notes on the function of androgens.

Answer 1

Hint: Hormones are the chemical messengers secreted in the blood by endocrine glands that target specific tissues and organs of the body to exert their functions. They help in body metabolism, growth and development, sexual and reproductive growth, cognitive functions, maintenance of body temperature and homeostasis, etc.

Complete answer:
Androgens are hormones that regulate the development of secondary sexual characters like facial hair, hoarse voice, etc. in males. They are also involved in the development of primary sex organs.

Androgens are synthesized in testes, ovary and the adrenal glands. So they are synthesized in the body of both males and females. But normal females have lower levels of androgens and they function in sexual arousal and libido. They also help in the relaxation of the myometrium, and the prevention of premature uterine contractions during pregnancy. But increased androgen production in women may disrupt their menstrual cycle and eventually cause amenorrhea. It is also associated with the polycystic ovary syndrome in females.

In males, androgens regulate the development, maturation and functions of the epididymis, prostate glands and other accessory organs. It influences the male’s sexual behavior and also stimulates spermatogenesis and formation of the mature sperms.

Androgens also promote the enlargement of skeletal muscle cells thus males have higher muscle mass than females. It also inhibits the ability of some fat cells to store lipids and reduce fat deposition.

Note: The metabolism of androgen occurs mainly in the liver. The secretion of androgen in the body is controlled from the pituitary through the luteinizing hormone.