Androgens , Antiandrogens , and Anabolic Steroids

Androgens are steroid hormones that are secreted primarily by the testis, and testosterone is the principal androgen secreted. Its primary function is to regulate the differentiation and secretory function of male sex accessory organs. Androgens also possess protein anabolic activity that is manifested in skeletal muscle, bone, and kidneys. As a class, androgens are reasonably safe drugs, having limited and relatively predictable side effects.