What are the Androgens? The male sex hormones are collectively known as androgens. The most abundant of these hormones is testosterone and it is therefore considered as the main male sex hormone. However there are several other male hormones that are secreted by the testes (testicles). All androgens are steroids hormones. Male sex hormones are also present in females but in much smaller concentrations. These is due to androgens secreted by the adrenal glands in both genders and ovaries in females. Male sex hormones are responsible for the male sexual characteristics – a gruff voice, chest and facial hair and larger muscle mass. Types of Androgens There are several different types of androgens secreted by testes in males and adrenal glands in males and females. Testosterone is the most abundant of these steroid hormones but is not the most potent androgen. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the most active form of androgens and most if not all of testosterone is eventually converted into DHT. Androstenedione (andro) is produced by the testes, adrenal cortex and a small amount by the ovaries. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is another prominent androgen secreted by the adrenal cortex. Production of Male Sex Hormones Androgens are steroids hormones synthesized from … Continue reading Male Hormones (Androgens) Testosterone, DHT, Andro, DHEA