Androgen production

Loss of axillary and pubic hair in women owing to decreased androgen production... 

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia A rare inherited condition resulting from a deficiency in cortisol and aldosterone synthesis with resulting excess androgen production. The clinical presentation depends on the variant of the condition, but it typically manifests as abnormalities in sexual development and/or adrenal insufficiency. 

The answer is a. (Hardman, pp 1482—1483. Katzung, pp 673-674.) Metyrapone inhibits 11-hydroxylation of steroid precursors, which prevents formation of cortisone and cortisol. These precursors are then diverted into aldosterone and androgen production pathways, which explains the adverse effects of hirsutism and edema... 

It seems obvious that if one wishes to deal intelligently with problems of sex (which involve real people) we should take account of these variations and not think in terms of a population the members of which are "normal" or about average in estrogen and androgen production. The intermediate-intermediate group may be larger than any other, but it constitutes only one group out of nine possibilities and may conceivably include only those who have no acute sex problems. 

Purified FSH is used to prepare follicles for in vitro fertilization because LH activity in menotropins may cause premature ovulation. Purified FSH is also used to treat infertility in women with polycystic ovarian disease in this disease LH and androgen production may already be elevated. 

Androgen production falls with age in men and may contribute to the decline in muscle mass, strength, and libido. Preliminary studies of androgen replacement in aging males with low androgen levels show an increase in lean body mass and hematocrit and a decrease in bone turnover. Longer studies will be required to assess the usefulness of this therapy. 

The THEiTHF + 5aTHF ratio is commonly greater than 15 in these disorders, the opposite to AME syndrome. While the ratio of saturated steroids demonstrates a high 11-oxo l 1/1-hydroxy ratio, this is not the case for steroids retaining a - -4-ene structure. The F E ratio is normal or elevated (i.e., > 1 Table 5.3.9). Steroid profile analysis also typically reveals an elevated excretion of DHEA and other androgen metabolites. Clearly the excessive ACTH production resultant from an apparent cortisol deficiency is responsible for the elevated adrenal androgen production, which in turn is responsible for female virilization and other manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome. 

Reduced sperm count and motility and inhibition of the secretory function of the testicles during glucocorticoid treatment have been reported and discussed in relation to the suppression of adrenal androgen production. These reports still await confirmation. 

Because ketoconazole has antiandrogenic properties, it is particularly suitable for women, in whom it has few effects on menstruation and does not cause hirsutism. In men, however, long-term inhibition of androgen production can be disruptive, especially if it leads to gynecomastia and hypogonadism. Combination with ami-noglutethimide and metyrapone has been advocated in order to avoid these effects (SEDA-17, 323). 

Many athletes who have used high aromatizing AAS have reported a delayed period of HPTA regeneration. As such post-cycle lean mass tissue retention suffers as a negative reaction to suppressed endogenous androgen production. If the boy s are shrunken so is the athlete they are attached to. 

As mentioned several times through out this book, AAS inhibit the normal function of the HPTA (HYPOTHALAMUS PITUITARY TESTES AXIS), reduce or stop natural androgen production, and decrease spermatogenesis. This results in shrunken testes (raisin-balls). This is further discusses under "HCG" and "CLOMID" to a greater degree. Loss of sex drive can develop in long term users. 

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