What does increasing androgen receptors do?
Its role is to regulates key anabolic (growth) functions: Boosting resting metabolic rate. Promoting muscle mass and strength. Increasing bone density and strength. Stimulating growth and maturation of bones.
What happens when androgens levels are high?
High Androgen Levels Excess amounts of androgens can pose a problem, resulting in such “virilizing effects” as acne, hirsutism (excess hair growth in “inappropriate” places, like the chin or upper lip) and thinning of hair on the head (balding).
What is the most common cause of androgen excess?
A specific underlying cause can be identified in most patients with androgen excess.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Approximately 80-90% of women with excess androgens have PCOS.
- Ovarian hyperthecosis.
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- Cushing syndrome.
- Androgen secreting tumors.
- Pregnancy.
What is androgen receptor upregulation?
Androgen receptors interact with other proteins in the nucleus, resulting in up- or down-regulation of specific gene transcription. Up-regulation or activation of transcription results in increased synthesis of messenger RNA, which, in turn, is translated by ribosomes to produce specific proteins.
What causes excess androgens in females?
Causes. In healthy women, the ovaries and adrenal glands produce about 40% to 50% of the body’s testosterone. Tumors of the ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can both cause too much androgen production. Cushing disease is a problem with the pituitary gland that leads to excess amounts of corticosteroids.
How do females get rid of excess androgens?
Another possible treatment is anti-androgen medication, which reduces the effects of excess androgens. 20 This may be used alone or in combination with birth control pills. They should not be used if you are trying to get pregnant. Spironolactone may be used to treat irregular hair growth, or hirsutism.
What causes excess androgen in females?
How is excess androgen treated?
Androgen Excess Treatment & Management
- Oral contraceptives.
- Antiandrogens.
- Aldosterone Antagonists, Selective.
- 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors.
- Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Antagonists.
- Corticosteroids.
- Insulin-sensitizing drugs.
- Topical skin products.