Adrenal androgen contribution denotes the production and secretion of weak androgen hormones, primarily Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester (DHEA-S), by the adrenal cortex. These hormones serve as essential precursors for more potent sex steroids like testosterone and estrogens in peripheral tissues. The level of this contribution is a significant clinical marker, reflecting a component of overall androgen status independent of gonadal function. Understanding this input is vital for assessing hormonal profiles in both men and women, especially concerning vitality and metabolic balance.
Origin
The term is rooted in the anatomical and endocrinological relationship between the adrenal glands and androgens, the class of hormones responsible for male characteristics. Specifically, the zona reticularis, the innermost layer of the adrenal cortex, is the primary site of synthesis for these precursor steroids. The contribution refers to the measurable output from this gland into the systemic circulation.
Mechanism
The synthesis of adrenal androgens is regulated by Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal cortex, though less directly than it regulates cortisol. DHEA is synthesized from cholesterol through a series of enzymatic steps involving cytochrome P450 enzymes. Once secreted, DHEA and DHEA-S circulate and can be converted into more active androgens or estrogens in peripheral tissues, such as skin and fat, acting as a crucial extragonadal source of sex hormones, particularly after menopause or in cases of gonadal insufficiency.
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