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Adrenal Androgen

Meaning

Adrenal androgens are a category of steroid hormones synthesized primarily within the adrenal cortex, exerting masculinizing biological effects and serving as precursors to more potent sex steroids like testosterone. These hormones are essential for the development of secondary sexual characteristics, contributing significantly to libido, muscle mass maintenance, and overall energy levels in both male and female physiology. The most clinically relevant adrenal androgens are dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated form, DHEA-S.