Skip to main content

Androgen-Gut Axis

Meaning

The Androgen-Gut Axis describes the complex bidirectional signaling pathway between androgen hormones and the gastrointestinal tract, specifically involving the gut microbiota. Androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, exert direct and indirect regulatory effects on the gut barrier function, immune responses, and motility. Conversely, the composition and metabolic activity of the gut microbiome influence androgen metabolism, bioavailability, and receptor expression throughout the body. Clinically, a disruption in this axis can contribute to various systemic conditions, including metabolic dysfunction and hormone-sensitive disorders.