GLOSSARY

Androgens and Sebaceous Gland Function
Androgens influence sebaceous gland activity and skin lipid production.

Production, transport and local action. Androgen action depends on central gonadotropin drive, gonadal production, binding proteins and tissue-specific metabolism. Conversion to DHT or estradiol changes the local signal. Receptor expression and cofactors determine how exposure becomes a response in each organ.

A distinction that matters. Receptor sensitivity and local conversion help explain symptoms without necessarily indicating systemic androgen excess.

Interpreting androgen status. Symptoms, repeated appropriately timed measurements and relevant LH, FSH and SHBG results help distinguish endocrine patterns. A transient exercise-associated change does not predict hypertrophy. Exogenous androgen exposure can suppress endogenous regulation and fertility despite high circulating concentrations.