Androgen Therapy is a clinical intervention involving the administration of exogenous androgens, such as testosterone or its derivatives, to individuals with documented hormonal deficiencies or specific clinical conditions. The primary goal is to restore physiological androgen levels to improve secondary sexual characteristics, increase muscle mass, enhance bone density, and support overall psychological well-being. This treatment requires precise, individualized dosing and ongoing clinical monitoring to ensure both efficacy and the mitigation of potential side effects.
Origin
The therapeutic use of androgens began with the isolation and synthesis of testosterone in the 1930s, marking a significant advance in the field of endocrinology. The term combines ‘androgen,’ derived from the Greek andrós (man) and gennan (to produce), referring to male-producing hormones, with ‘therapy,’ indicating medical treatment. Modern clinical practice has expanded its application to treat both male hypogonadism and female androgen insufficiency.
Mechanism
Administered androgens bind to and activate androgen receptors located within target cells throughout the body, including muscle, bone, and brain tissue, acting as potent transcription factors. This receptor activation triggers gene transcription, leading to protein synthesis that mediates the hormone’s anabolic and virilizing effects. The therapeutic effect is achieved by bypassing a dysfunctional endogenous production pathway, such as in primary or secondary hypogonadism, to maintain optimal hormonal signaling for tissue maintenance and repair.
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