Androgen Status refers to the overall physiological state of an individual concerning the production, circulation, and biological activity of androgenic hormones, such as testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This status is clinically assessed by measuring the concentrations of these hormones and their metabolites in serum, alongside evaluating their downstream effects on target tissues. A complete assessment considers both total and free hormone levels, providing a comprehensive picture of the body’s androgenic environment.
Origin
The concept originates from clinical endocrinology, where “androgen” denotes a class of steroid hormones crucial for male characteristics and metabolic functions in both sexes, and “status” implies the current state or condition. Understanding the status is fundamental to diagnosing and managing conditions related to androgen excess or deficiency, which impact metabolism, bone density, muscle mass, and libido.
Mechanism
Androgen status is maintained by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which regulates the synthesis and secretion of androgens primarily from the testes, ovaries, and adrenal glands. The biological impact of this status depends on the concentration of free, unbound hormones available to interact with androgen receptors in cells. Transport proteins like sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) critically modulate the bioavailability and thus the functional status of circulating androgens.
Individualized hormonal data, representing your biological capacity, is legally protected and cannot be coercively mandated for employer wellness program participation.
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