We all know that women and men have two special types of hormones which control all the functions of their body, testosterone and androgen. Anti-androgen medications block androgen hormones such as testosterone. So people can use them to slow down prostate cancer and reduce the masculinizing effects of certain hormones.
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Androgens are hormones that control the development of sexual characteristics. Generally, people born with male sex characteristics have higher androgen levels and people born with female sex characteristics have lower androgen levels. Instead, women have higher levels of estrogen.
Anti-androgen medications work to block the effects of hormones such as testosterone. Anti-androgen drugs do this by binding to proteins called androgen receptors. They bind to these receptors so that androgens cannot bind to them.
There are many types of anti-androgens. Which are available in the form of medicines and can also be taken in the form of surgery. You can usually take these with other medications or during certain surgical procedures.
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Anti-androgens have many uses, from preventing prostate cancer to reducing unwanted hair. Antiandrogens primarily block the ability of testosterone and DHT to bind to androgen receptors. Androgens promote the growth of prostate cancer cells, and approximately 80 to 90% of prostate cancers at initial diagnosis require androgens for growth. Treatment for this type of cancer usually involves blocking the effects of testosterone. These medications reduce androgen levels directly by inhibiting the enzymes needed for androgen production. Other medications may block testosterone production in the testicles or adrenal glands.
Read more - (Female hormones and their role in women's health)
Some women produce less androgen and some produce more. For example, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often have high levels of androgens. This can cause excessive hair growth on the body, acne and ovulation related problems. Anti-androgens may help reduce these symptoms in women with PCOS.
High levels of androgen in women also cause other diseases like-
ovarian tumor
adrenal gland tumor
Anti-androgens can help prevent these conditions and prevent problems caused by high androgen levels in women. These complications include:
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For transgender and non-binary people, anti-androgens may help block some of the masculinizing effects of testosterone. They may reduce some typical male symptoms, such as:
facial hair growth
erection
Anti-androgens may be most effective for transgender women. Along with promoting breasts, estrogen also reduces testosterone levels. Taking anti-androgens along with estrogen may help reduce masculine qualities and promote feminine qualities.
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Androgen hormones sometimes stimulate prostate cancer cell growth. Anti-androgens can be used to reduce androgen levels, or to prevent androgens from reaching cancer cells, to help slow the cancer. It can also reduce the size of the existing tumor.
In the early stages, prostate cancer cells depend on androgens for their growth. Anti-androgens work to prevent androgens from binding to androgen receptors in prostate cancer cells.
However, anti-androgens do not stop the production of androgens. Often doctors use other treatments, such as surgical or chemical surgery, to prevent this, such as -
complete androgen blockade
total androgen blockade
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There are many anti-androgens available in the market, each of which has a different function.
1. Flutamide
Flutamide is a type of anti-androgen that is used with other medications to treat prostate cancer. Flutamide binds to androgen receptors in prostate cancer cells, preventing androgens from binding to the receptors. It is helpful in reducing androgens and prostate cancer cell growth.
2. Spironolactone
Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a type of anti-androgen that doctors use to treat hormonal acne and to reduce excessive body hair.
3. Cyproterone
Cyproterone anti-androgens are used with other medications to treat women with PCOS. It reduces acne and oil production by reducing testosterone levels. Doctors may also use it to reduce masculine characteristics in transgender women. However, it also has some side effects.
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Adult
In both men and women, androgen levels may be high. Antiandrogens may be used for prostate cancer, prostatic hyperplasia, or pattern hair loss in men or polycystic ovary syndrome, hirsutism, or ovarian tumors in women.
Older adults can use antiandrogens if recommended by their doctor. But they may need to be monitored if they have liver, kidney or heart problems. Nonsteroidal antiandrogens may be considered for seniors with prostate cancer as a form of hormone therapy.
Sometimes boys start developing hairline, beard and other features like men before time. Antiandrogens can help delay the onset of secondary sexual characteristics such as facial and body hair until the appropriate age. Antiandrogens may also be prescribed to prevent puberty in transgender girls until they are old enough to receive hormone therapy.
Read more - (Growth Hormone Insensitivity)
Anti-androgens can cause a variety of side effects, such as -
liver enzyme excess
loss of facial and body hair
Fetal development problems during pregnancy
erectile dysfunction
hot flashes
menstrual irregularities
Antiandrogens are generally safe when used appropriately. Nonsteroidal antiandrogens are preferred over other antiandrogens because of their very good effects and better safety and tolerability. The side effects of antiandrogens depend on the type and dosage of the drug prescribed, and side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Still, talk to your doctor about any medical conditions you have before starting antiandrogens. Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, lung disease, or diabetes before taking antiandrogens. Your doctor should know about any medicines you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. Tell your doctor if you are taking any hormonal contraceptives before starting antiandrogen treatment. Alcohol consumption can cause liver damage and antiandrogens may increase the risk of liver toxicity. It will be better if you do not use alcohol while taking antiandrogens.
Anti-androgens have many uses for men, women, and people with gender transitions. However, anti-androgens can cause some serious side effects. Talk to a doctor to consider the pros and cons of taking anti-androgens.