Male Reproductive Hormones Flashcards
What are the functions of the testis?
Sperm production
Main site of Testosterone Production after puberty
Pathway of sperm
What are androgens?
Steroid Hormones producing Masculine Characteristics
E.g. Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Where are androgens produced?
Hypothalamus
Pituitary Gland
Testes
Adrenal Gland
The Adrenal Gland is the main site of Androgen synthesis in females
Functions of Androgens
Fetal Development
Puberty
Increases Sexual Desire (in Males and Females)
Reduces premature Uterine Contraction during Pregnancy
Characteristics of DHT
Short half-life so its effects are local
Development
What is the role of DHT in development?
Differentiation of the Penis, Scrotum and Prostate
Development
What is the role of Testosterone in development?
Differentiation of the Epididymis, Ductus Deferens and Seminal Vesicles
Spermatogensis occurs in …
Sertoli Cells
Testosterone production occurs in …
Leydig Cells
Puberty
Effects of Androgens on the Skin
Growth of Facial and Body Hair
Increase Sebaceous Gland Activity
Puberty
Effects on Musculoskeletal System
Development of Skeletal Muscles
Deepening of voice in larynx
Puberty
Effects on Brain
Increased sex drive
Propensity for aggresive behaviour
Puberty
Rising Androgens majorly effect the development of ____ and ____
__Male Reproductive System__
__Secondary Male Characteristics__
Adulthood
Effects of Androgens during adulthood
Maintain effects from puberty
Loss of hair
RBC Production
Adulthood
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increases …
Pubic and Axillary Hair Growth
Body Odour
Sebaceous Gland Activity
Adulthood
Function of Androstenedione
Interpretation of Social Cues
Enhance tendency for Aggressive Behavior
Adulthood
Function of Androstenediol
Stimulates Immune System
When may androgens be prescribed?
Inducing Male Puberty
Improve Libido
Increase Masculinization
Aid in muscle gain
What are the adverse effects of prescribing pharmacologic androgens for men?
Mood Changes
Polycythemia
Kidney, Liver and Heart Disease
Decreased Sperm Count
Infertility
Baldness
Testicular Atrophy
Breast Development
Increased Prostatic Cancer Risk
Adverse effects of pharmacologic androgens for women
Body and Facial Hair Development
Male-Pattern Baldness
Menstrual Changes
Deep voice
Synthetic androgens suppress LH reducing endogenous androgen levels
Which enzyme converts Testosterone to DHT?
5α-reductase in testes
Androgen synthesis pathway
Adrenal Androgen effects
Does not cause significant masculine effects before puberty
Conditions affecting Adrenal Androgen synthesis
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
What is Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia?
Causes abnormally high Androgen levels leading to Masculinization in Females
How is testosterone regulated?
How are Androgens transported through the bloodstream?
Bind to plasma-binding proteins
Process of Androgen Action
