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Functional Androgen Resistance

Meaning

Functional androgen resistance describes a clinical state where specific target tissues exhibit a reduced or impaired biological response to circulating androgens, despite the presence of normal or even elevated serum hormone levels. Unlike classic Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, this condition is typically not caused by a structural genetic defect in the androgen receptor itself. Instead, it involves post-receptor signaling abnormalities or a functional downregulation of receptor expression in the target cell. This functional impairment can clinically manifest as symptoms of androgen deficiency despite adequate hormone concentrations.