androgen

1. (biochemistry, steroids) Any natural or synthetic compound, usually a steroid hormone, that stimulates or controls the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics in vertebrates. A male sex hormone such as testosterone or anabolic steroids.Examples: "It is known as Hatschek's pit and has been found to react positively to antibodies against substance P, met-enkephalin, cholecystokinin (CCK), mammalian luteinizing hormone (LH), and the enzyme aromatase (P450ₐᵣₒ), which converts certain androgens into estrogens (see Chapter 3)."; "However, high levels of the nonaromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone and of sex-hormone binding globulin that inhibit fat accumulation in the abdomen might also contribute to reducing the waist."