Pharmacodynamics<unk> is a high affinity ligand for and agonist of the nuclear androgen receptor (AR). In addition,<unk> binds to and activates membrane androgen receptors (mARs) such as GPRC6A and ZIP9.<unk> is also potentiated via transformation by 5α-reductase into the more potent androgen DHT in so-called androgenic tissues such as the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, skin, and hair follicles. In contrast to the case of<unk>  such potentiation occurs to a reduced extent or not at all with most synthetic AAS (as well as with DHT), and this is primarily responsible for the dissociation of anabolic and androgenic effects with these agents. In addition to DHT,<unk> is converted at a rate of approximately 0.3% into the estrogen estradiol via aromatase. This occurs in many tissues, especially adipose tissue, the liver, and the brain, but primarily in adipose tissue.<unk>  after conversion into DHT, is also metabolized into 3α-androstanediol, a neurosteroid and potent positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor, and 3β-androstanediol, a potent and preferential agonist of the ERβ. These metabolites, along with estradiol, may be involved in a number of the effects of<unk> in the brain, including its antidepressant, anxiolytic, stress-relieving, rewarding, and pro-sexual effects. Effects in the body and brain The ARs are expressed widely throughout the body, including in the penis, testicles, epididymides, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, fat, skin, bone, bone marrow, muscle, larynx, heart, liver, kidneys, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and elsewhere throughout the brain. Through activation of the ARs (as well as the mARs),<unk> has many effects, including the following: * Promotes growth, function, and maintenance of the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and penis during puberty and thereafter * Promotes growth and maintenance of muscles, particularly of the upper body * Causes subcutaneous fat to be deposited in a masculine pattern and decreases overall body fat * Suppresses breast development induced by estrogens, but can also still produce gynecomastia via excessive conversion into estradiol if levels are too high * Maintains skin health, integrity, appearance, and hydration and slows the rate of aging of the skin, but can also cause oily skin, acne, and seborrhea * Promotes the growth of facial and body hair, but can also cause scalp hair loss and hirsutism * Contributes to bone growth and causes broadening of the shoulders at puberty * Modulates liver protein synthesis, such as the production of sex hormone-binding globulin and many other proteins * Increases production of erythropoietin in the kidneys and thereby stimulates red blood cell production in bone marrow and elevates hematocrit * Exerts negative feedback on the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis by suppressing the secretion of the gonadotropins follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland, thereby inhibiting gonadal sex hormone production as well as spermatogenesis and fertility * Regulates the vasomotor system and body temperature via the hypothalamus, thereby preventing hot flashes * Modulates brain function, with effects on mood, emotionality, aggression, and sexuality, as well as cognition and memory * Increases sex drive and erectile capacity and causes spontaneous erections and nocturnal emissions * Increases the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer and accelerates the progression of prostate cancer * Decreases breast proliferation and the risk of breast cancer Pharmacokinetics<unk> can be taken by a variety of different routes of administration. These include oral, buccal, sublingual, intranasal, transdermal (gels, creams, patches), rectal suppositories), by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection (in oil or aqueous), and as a subcutaneous implant. The pharmacokinetics of<unk>  including its bioavailability, circulating<unk> levels, metabolism, biological half-life, and other parameters, differ by route of administration.
Testosterone 
Counterregulatory hormone
Menotropin
Luteinizing hormone
Orexin
Adrenocortical hormone
Androgen
Adrenalone