Androgen prohormone
Androgen Prohormone
Androgen prohormones (pronounced: an-dro-jen pro-hor-mones) are a class of hormones that serve as precursors to androgens, the primary male sex hormones. They are produced in the adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes, and play a crucial role in the development of male sexual characteristics.
Etymology
The term "androgen" is derived from the Greek words "andro" meaning man and "genes" meaning born of, produced by. "Prohormone" is a term used in biochemistry to refer to the precursors of hormones, with "pro-" being a prefix in English meaning "before".
Function
Androgen prohormones are converted into active androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, in the body. These hormones are responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, including facial and body hair growth, deepening of the voice, and muscle development.
Related Terms
- Hormone: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.
- Androgen: Any natural or synthetic compound, usually a steroid hormone, that stimulates or controls the development and maintenance of male characteristics.
- Testosterone: The primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid, which plays key roles in the development of male reproductive tissues and the promotion of secondary sexual characteristics.
- Dihydrotestosterone: A hormone derived from testosterone that is even more potent in its androgenic effects.
- Adrenal glands: Small glands located on top of each kidney, which produce hormones including androgens.
- Ovaries: Female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones, including small amounts of androgens.
- Testes: Male reproductive organs that produce sperm and hormones, including androgens.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Androgen prohormone
- Wikipedia's article - Androgen prohormone
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski