What is the Origin of Circulating Androgen Levels?

This term is fundamental to classical endocrinology, stemming from the biochemical identification and subsequent radioimmunoassay measurement of steroid hormones in serum or plasma. Androgens, derived primarily from the adrenal glands and gonads, are integral to development, metabolism, and vitality across the lifespan. The 'circulating' aspect distinguishes the measured blood concentration from the hormones acting locally in tissues.

What is the Mechanism of Circulating Androgen Levels?

Androgens are synthesized from cholesterol through a cascade of enzymatic steps and are released into the circulation, where they mostly bind to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) or albumin. Only the unbound, or 'free,' fraction is biologically active and can diffuse into target cells to modulate gene expression via intracellular androgen receptors. The total circulating level is maintained by a complex hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis feedback loop.

Circulating Androgen Levels ∞ Area

Circulating Androgen Levels

Meaning

The quantifiable concentration of androgenic hormones, such as testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), present in the bloodstream at a given time. These levels represent the total pool of hormones available for binding to transport proteins and ultimately engaging target tissues throughout the body. Accurate assessment of these circulating concentrations is essential for diagnosing endocrine imbalances in both male and female patients.