Anti-androgen is a term that is commonly used in the field of medicine and biology. It is a compound that is used to block the effects of androgens, which are male sex hormones. This article will provide a definition and meaning of anti-androgen, its origin, and associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
An anti-androgen is a medication or compound that inhibits the effects of androgens, which are male sex hormones. These hormones are responsible for the development and maintenance of male characteristics, such as facial hair, deep voice, and muscle mass. Anti-androgens are used to treat conditions such as prostate cancer, hirsutism, and acne.
Origin
The term anti-androgen is derived from the Greek words “anti,” meaning against, and “andros,” meaning male. The first anti-androgen was discovered in 1960, and since then, many different types of anti-androgens have been developed.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, anti-androgen is defined as “a substance that inhibits the biological effects of androgens.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a drug that blocks the action of male hormones.”
Associations
Anti-androgens are commonly used in the treatment of prostate cancer, which is a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland in men. They are also used to treat hirsutism, which is a condition that causes excessive hair growth in women, and acne.
Synonyms
Some of the synonyms of anti-androgen include androgen receptor blockers, androgen antagonists, and anti-testosterone agents.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of anti-androgen, but some of the opposite terms could be androgenic or testosterone.
The same root words
Some of the words that have the same root as anti-androgen include androgen, androgyny, and andrology.
Example Sentences
- The doctor prescribed an anti-androgen medication to treat my hirsutism.
- Anti-androgens are commonly used in the treatment of prostate cancer.
- The patient experienced a decrease in acne after taking an anti-androgen medication.