androgen

noun

an·​dro·​gen ˈan-drə-jən 

: a male sex hormone (such as testosterone)

androgenic

ˌan-drə-ˈje-nik 

adjective

Examples of androgen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some men carry genetic variations in the androgen receptor gene that make their hair follicles extra sensitive to DHT. —Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2025

It is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, and polycystic ovaries, which are enlarged ovaries containing numerous small cysts. —Memorialcare Medical Group, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025

Protein disulfide isomerases regulate androgen receptor stability and promote prostate cancer cell growth and survival. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025

These benefits may be beneficial for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition linked to high androgens (male hormones), acne, excess hair, and irregular periods. —Brandi Jones, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

andro- + -gen, after estrogen

Note: The term was apparently introduced in a short article "The Nomenclature of 'Male Hormones'" by the American Medical Society's Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry, published in the Journal of the American Medical Society, vol. 107, no. 3 (July 18, 1936), p. 212.

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing androgen

• androgen deprivation therapy
• androgen insensitivity syndrome
• anti-androgen

Kids Definition

androgen

noun

an·​dro·​gen ˈan-drə-jən 

: a male sex hormone (as testosterone)

Medical Definition

androgen

noun

an·​dro·​gen ˈan-drə-jən 

: a male sex hormone (as testosterone)

androgenic

ˌan-drə-ˈjen-ik 

adjective