Androsterone

Androsterone is a steroid hormone found in mammals, including humans. It's a weak androgen, a male sex hormone, and a metabolite of testosterone and androstenedione. Produced primarily in the adrenal glands and gonads (testes in males, ovaries in females), androsterone plays a role in the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics, though to a lesser extent than testosterone. It can be converted into other hormones like dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent androgen. Levels fluctuate with age and gender, impacting various physiological processes, from muscle growth to hair growth. Urinary analysis often assesses its concentration to study hormone activity.

Androsterone meaning with examples

• Researchers analyzed the patient's urine, discovering elevated androsterone levels. This suggested increased androgen production, prompting further investigation into the cause of the hormonal imbalance. The elevated levels may be related to testicular tumours or certain adrenal gland disorders. They were trying to understand the origin of the increase in the androsterone levels.
• During puberty, increased androsterone production contributes to the development of secondary sexual characteristics, though its impact is less significant than that of testosterone. The increase is one of the triggers that pushes the body into an adult form. It helps regulate the body's adaptation to the new stage of life. This is more noticeable in males.
• Athletes sometimes misuse androsterone precursors due to their purported anabolic effects, although these effects are generally weak compared to more potent androgens. The supplements are easily attainable online and the effect on the performance has been studied widely. The use of supplements has increased in all sports including swimming.
• In elderly individuals, decreased androsterone levels can contribute to symptoms associated with androgen deficiency, though it does not affect women as significantly. It can impact muscle mass, bone density, and libido. The effect of aging on androsterone has not been widely studied or researched.
• Androsterone metabolites can be detected in various biological samples, which is used in anti-doping analyses to ensure fair competition in sports. Anti-doping agents often monitor for increases or abnormal levels. This helps to find the potential usage of banned performance-enhancing compounds.