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

Shifts in androgen levels can shrink your scalp follicles, leading to finer hair on your scalp and coarser hair on your face. —Brandi Jones, Health, 5 June 2026

Anti-androgens like spironolactone and finasteride. —Jana Pollack, Parents, 28 May 2026

Researchers say that framing better captures what patients actually experience, from insulin resistance and elevated androgens to irregular periods, acne, weight changes and infertility. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026

Although the condition has traditionally been viewed as gynecological or ovarian, newer research shows it is driven by broader endocrine and hormonal dysfunction involving insulin, androgens, neuroendocrine hormones and ovarian hormones. —Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026

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