Androgens are a group of hormones that act as the primary drivers of male sexual development and reproduction, but they play essential roles in everyone’s body, regardless of sex. These hormones—most notably testosterone—influence everything from muscle mass and bone density to hair growth, mood, and even red blood cell production. While often labeled “male hormones,” androgens are produced in both men and women, just in different amounts, and they are critical for health in all people.
What Exactly Are Androgens?
Androgens are steroid hormones produced mainly in the testes in men and in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. Testosterone is the most abundant and well-known androgen. Other important androgens include dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is more potent, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which acts as a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen.
These hormones don’t just appear in puberty. They are active during fetal development, helping to determine male reproductive anatomy. They surge again during puberty to drive the physical changes of adolescence, and they continue to regulate many bodily functions throughout adult life.
How Androgens Work in the Body
Androgens work by binding to androgen receptors on cells throughout the body. Once attached, they travel into the cell nucleus and signal genes to turn on or off. This is how they trigger changes in tissue growth, protein synthesis, and cell function.
Not all androgens act the same way. Testosterone can convert into DHT in certain tissues like the skin and prostate, where it has a stronger effect. It can also convert into estradiol, a form of estrogen, in fat tissue and the brain. This conversion is normal and necessary, but it explains why androgen levels affect more than just masculine traits.
What Do Androgens Do in Men?
In men, androgens are responsible for the development and maintenance of male characteristics. During puberty, rising testosterone levels lead to deepening of the voice, growth of facial and body hair, increased muscle mass, and growth of the testes and penis.
In adulthood, androgens continue to support:
- Sperm production
- Sex drive (libido)
- Bone density
- Muscle strength and mass
- Red blood cell production
- Fat distribution
Normal testosterone levels in adult men generally range from about 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), though this can vary by lab. Levels naturally decline with age, typically dropping about 1% per year after age 30. This gradual decline is normal, but a significant drop below the normal range can produce symptoms.
What Do Androgens Do in Women?
Androgens are also vital for women’s health, though they are present in much lower amounts. Women produce testosterone in the ovaries and adrenal glands, and these hormones contribute to:
- Libido
- Bone strength
- Muscle mass
- Mood regulation
- Overall energy levels
Normal testosterone levels in women are roughly 15 to 70 ng/dL. Even at these lower levels, androgens play a meaningful role in well-being. When women have too little androgen, which can happen after ovary removal or with certain adrenal conditions, they may experience low libido, fatigue, and reduced bone density.
What Happens When Androgen Levels Are Too High?
Excess androgens cause different problems depending on the person’s sex. In women, high androgen levels are often linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder. Symptoms can include:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Acne
- Excess facial and body hair (hirsutism)
- Thinning hair on the scalp
In men, abnormally high testosterone is less common. When it occurs, it is often due to anabolic steroid use or a tumor in the adrenal glands or testes. High levels can contribute to aggressive behavior, acne, and an increased risk of sleep apnea. The body also converts excess testosterone into estrogen, which can lead to breast tissue growth in men.
What Happens When Androgen Levels Are Too Low?
Low androgen levels produce the most noticeable symptoms in men. This condition is called hypogonadism when the testes stop producing adequate testosterone. Symptoms include:
- Reduced sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue and low energy
- Loss of muscle mass
- Increased body fat
- Depressed mood
- Reduced bone density
Low testosterone can result from aging, but it can also be caused by injury to the testes, certain medications, obesity, or chronic illness. In women, low androgen levels are less well defined as a clinical condition. Some research suggests that surgically induced menopause, where the ovaries are removed, can lead to androgen deficiency with symptoms like low libido and fatigue.
How Are Androgen Levels Tested?
Androgen levels are measured with a simple blood test. The most common test is for total testosterone, which measures all the testosterone in the blood, both bound and free. A free testosterone test measures only the active, unbound portion, which can be more clinically relevant.
Doctors typically order these tests when someone reports symptoms of low or high androgen levels. Because testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, with peaks in the morning, testing is usually done early in the day. A single low reading is rarely enough for a diagnosis. Doctors often repeat the test to confirm the result before recommending treatment.
Can Lifestyle Affect Androgen Levels?
Yes. Several lifestyle factors influence androgen production. Sleep is one of the most significant. Studies show that getting insufficient sleep reduces testosterone levels in men. One well-known study found that men who slept only five hours per night for one week had significantly lower testosterone levels compared to when they slept eight hours.
Diet and body weight also matter. Obesity is associated with lower testosterone levels in men, partly because fat tissue converts testosterone into estrogen. Regular exercise, particularly resistance training, can help maintain healthy androgen levels. Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can suppress testosterone production.
Alcohol use, especially heavy drinking, can also lower testosterone levels. Limiting alcohol, getting adequate sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress are all reasonable strategies for supporting normal androgen function.
When Is Testosterone Therapy Appropriate?
Testosterone replacement therapy is a legitimate medical treatment for men with clinically diagnosed hypogonadism. This means they have both low testosterone levels on blood tests and symptoms consistent with low testosterone. It is not appropriate for men with normal testosterone levels who simply want to feel stronger or more energetic.
Testosterone therapy is available as injections, gels, patches, and pellets. It can improve symptoms like low libido, fatigue, and reduced muscle mass. However, it carries risks, including an increased risk of blood clots, sleep apnea, and worsening of prostate conditions. Because of these risks, doctors evaluate each patient carefully before prescribing testosterone therapy.
In women, testosterone therapy is less commonly prescribed and is not approved by the FDA for general use. Some clinicians prescribe it off-label for women with low libido after menopause, but the evidence for long-term safety is limited. No clinical guidelines currently exist for routine testosterone use in women.
Androgens and Aging
Androgen levels naturally decline with age in both men and women. In men, this is sometimes called “andropause” or “late-onset hypogonadism,” though it is not a universal experience. Many older men maintain testosterone levels within the normal range, and the decline is gradual rather than sudden.
The symptoms of age-related testosterone decline can overlap with normal aging. Fatigue, reduced muscle mass, and lower libido can result from many causes besides low testosterone. This is why doctors do not rely on symptoms alone to diagnose low testosterone. They confirm it with blood tests and rule out other explanations.
What Are The Risks of Anabolic Steroid Use?
Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone used to build muscle. They are sometimes taken by athletes and bodybuilders in doses far above what the body naturally produces. This practice is dangerous.
Taking high-dose androgens suppresses the body’s own testosterone production. When someone stops using steroids, their natural testosterone may not recover quickly, leading to a crash in hormone levels. Long-term use can cause liver damage, heart problems, aggressive behavior, and severe acne. In men, it can lead to testicular shrinkage and infertility. In women, it can cause deepening of the voice, excessive body hair, and menstrual irregularities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main androgen in the body?
Testosterone is the main and most abundant androgen in the body. Other androgens include dihydrotestosterone and DHEA, but testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for male development and reproductive function.
Do women have androgens?
Yes, women produce androgens in their ovaries and adrenal glands, though in much lower amounts than men. These hormones are important for libido, bone health, and muscle mass in women.
What causes high androgen levels in women?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of high androgen levels in women. Other causes include adrenal gland disorders and certain tumors, though these are less common.
Can low testosterone be treated naturally?
Some lifestyle changes like improving sleep, losing weight, and exercising can help maintain healthy testosterone levels. However, if blood tests confirm clinically low testosterone with symptoms, medical treatment may be necessary and should be discussed with a doctor.
