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Chapter 65. Androgens. Androgens. Produced by the testes, ovaries, and adrenal cortex Major endogenous androgen is testosterone Noted most for their ability to promote expression of male sex characteristics Significant physiologic and pharmacologic effects unrelated to sex. Androgens.
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Chapter 65 Androgens
Androgens • Produced by the testes, ovaries, and adrenal cortex • Major endogenous androgen is testosterone • Noted most for their ability to promote expression of male sex characteristics • Significant physiologic and pharmacologic effects unrelated to sex
Androgens • Primary clinical application is management of androgen deficiency in males • Principal adverse effects are virilization and hepatotoxicity
Testosterone • Biosynthesis and secretion • Males: testosterone • Females: preandrogens • Effects on sex characteristics in males • Pubertal transformation • Spermatogenesis
Testosterone • Effects on sex characteristics in females • Clitoral growth • Anabolic effects • Skeletal muscle • Erythropoietic effects • Synthesis of erythropoietin • Men have greater hematocrit than women
Clinical Pharmacology of the Androgens • Two basic categories • Testosterone and testosterone esters • 17-Alpha-alkylated compounds
Clinical Pharmacology of the Androgens • Therapeutic uses • Male hypogonadism • Replacement therapy • Delayed puberty • Breast cancer • Replacement therapy in menopausal women • Wasting in patients with AIDS • Anemias
Clinical Pharmacology of the Androgens • Adverse effects • Virilization • Premature epiphyseal closure • Hepatotoxicity • Effects on cholesterol levels • Use in pregnancy • Prostate cancer • Edema • Gynecomastia • Abuse potential (athletic performance)
Clinical Pharmacology of the Androgens • Androgen preparations for male patients • Hypogonadism • Oral androgens • Intramuscular testosterone ester • Transdermal testosterone patches • Transdermal testosterone gels • Implantable testosterone pellets • Testosterone buccal tablets
Androgen (Anabolic Steroid) Abuse by Athletes • Many athletes use to enhance athletic performance • Significant risks • Hypertension, suppression of release of LH and FSH, testicular shrinkage, sterility, gynecomastia, acne, reduction in HDL and increase in LDL • Hepatotoxicity with 17-alpha-alkylated compounds • Renal damage • Psychologic effects • Mentally healthy: minimal impact • Psychologically unbalanced: could intensify aggression