Androgens/Anabolic Steroids

Androgens/Anabolic Steroids

Androgens/Anabolic Steroids (/ænˈdrɒdʒɪnz/ an-DROJ-inz, /ænəˈbɒlɪk stɛrɔɪdz/ an-ə-BOL-ik sterr-OYDZ) are a type of hormones that play a key role in male traits and reproductive activity. They are also known as steroid hormones.

Etymology

The term "androgen" is derived from the Greek words "andro" meaning man and "gene" meaning to produce. "Anabolic steroids" is derived from "anabolic" meaning to build up and "steroids" referring to the chemical structure.

Related Terms

• Testosterone: The primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid.
• Estrogen: The primary female sex hormone.
• Hormone: Chemical messengers that are transported by the bloodstream to stimulate particular cells or tissues into action.
• Steroid hormone: Steroids that act as hormones in the body. They are part of the larger class of lipids known as steroids.

See Also

• Endocrine system
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Sex hormone

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