<unk>  is the primary sex hormone and anabolic steroid in males. In humans,<unk>  plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as<unk> stes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair. In addition,<unk>  in both sexes is involved in health and well-being, including moods, behaviour, and in the prevention of osteoporosis. Insufficient levels of<unk>  in men may lead to abnormalities including frailty and bone loss.<unk>  is a steroid from the androstane class containing a ketone and a hydroxyl group at positions three and seventeen respectively. It is biosynthesized in several steps from cholesterol and is converted in the liver to inactive metabolites. It exerts its action through binding to and activation of the androgen receptor. In humans and most other vertebrates,<unk>  is secreted primarily by the<unk> sticles of males and, to a lesser extent, the ovaries of females. On average, in adult males, levels of<unk>  are about seven to eight times as great as in adult females. As the metabolism of<unk>  in males is more pronounced, the daily production is about 20 times greater in men. Females are also more sensitive to the hormone. In addition to its role as a natural hormone,<unk>  is used as a medication in the treatment of hypogonadism in men and breast cancer in women. Since<unk>  levels decrease as men age,<unk>  is sometimes used in older men to counteract this deficiency. It is also used illicitly to enhance physique and performance, for instance in athletes. The World Anti-Doping Agency is listing it as S1 Anabolic agent substance "prohibited at all times".
Testosterone
Counterregulatory hormone
Menotropin
Luteinizing hormone
Orexin
Adrenocortical hormone
Androgen
Adrenalone