An androgen is a hormone that promotes development and maintenance of male sex characteristics. Endogenous examples include testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. The term identifies a class of biological signals, while each member has its own chemical structure and metabolic transformations.[ref][ref]
Classifying a hormone by an important function does not specify every location where it is made: testosterone is produced prominently by the testis and also in smaller amounts by the ovary.[ref]
Two conversions illustrate why the individual compound still matters. Reduction of testosterone produces the androgen dihydrotestosterone; aromatase instead can convert testosterone into the estrogen estradiol.[ref]
Improved FSH sensitisation and aromatase assay in human granulosa-lutein cells by A. Lambert and others. Abstract, substrate challenge and estradiol production
Following total steroid material would not distinguish those outcomes. A useful assay names the precursor, product and relevant response, rather than treating every related steroid as the same hormonal signal. Articles by others on the same topic
There are currently no matching articles.