zh-hans:从胆固醇合成雄性激素类的途径

雄激素（英语：androgen、英语：androgenic hormones或英语：testoids），也译为雄性激素、男性激素、男性荷尔蒙，是一种化学成合物的泛称。在于脊椎动物中，凡是能够与雄激素受器（androgen receptor）结合，造成男性性征的发展、维持的化学合成物，都可称为雄性激素。雄性激素通常属于类固醇激素，是天然合成的，但是现代化学家已经发展出人工合成的方法。值得注意的是成年男人无论施打多少剂量的雄激素都无法让生殖器再次发育成长，反而容易因剂量掌控不当衍生出更多的生殖疾病。

Androgen (from Greek andro meaning male), also called androgenic hormone or testoid, is any natural or synthetic compound, usually a steroid hormone, that stimulates or controls the development and maintenance of male characteristics in vertebrates by binding to androgen receptors. This includes the activity of the primary male sex organs and development of male secondary sex characteristics. Androgens were first discovered in 1936. Androgens are also the original anabolic steroids and the precursor of all estrogens. The primary and most well-known androgen is testosterone. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androstenedione are less known generally, but are of equal importance in male development. DHT in the embryo life causes differentiation of penis, scrotum and prostate. Later in life DHT contributes to male balding, prostate growth and sebaceous gland activity. Although androgens are described as male sex hormones, both males and females have them to varying degrees, as is also true of estrogens.