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Androgen Definition

Chemistry Glossary Terms

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com

Testosterone is an example of an androgen.

Testosterone is an example of an androgen.

Anne Helmenstine
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Definition: androgen is the name given to any natural or synthetic compound that stimulates or controls male sex characteristics. Androgens typically are steroid hormones. Androgens are precursor molecules to estrogens, the female sex hormones.

Examples: testosterone, dihydroxytestosterone

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