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

People with polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, are likely well acquainted with the challenges the endocrine disorder presents for fertility and the discomfort associated with irregular periods, painful ovarian cysts, weight gain, and difficulty conceiving as a result of elevated androgen levels. —Sam Manzella, Flow Space, 2 Sep. 2025

Hormonal imbalances related to androgens, estrogen, cortisol, thyroid hormones, or insulin are often responsible for female hair loss. —Carley Millhone, Health, 4 Aug. 2025

Those options typically target just one aspect of PCOS, such as reducing androgen levels with certain types of birth control. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 20 July 2025

Research shows the drug can significantly reduce androgen levels, get menstrual cycles back on track, and improve insulin sensitivity when used to treat PCOS specifically. —Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 16 June 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