Androgens are a type of hormone produced by several areas of the body. Women produce androgens in the ovaries, fat cells and adrenal glands. Men produce androgens in the testes, fat cells and adrenal glands. The androgens produced by the adrenal glands are known as adrenal androgens. They play a key part in regulating the reproductive and other systems throughout life.
Androgens, according to the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), occur with their anabolic counterparts naturally in the body, with higher concentrations in males. They also are responsible for the effects of steroids. The side effects of androgens vary, and are consistent whether the androgenic hormone is being used legitimately for medical treatment, or illegally for various reasons. Exploring the side effects of androgens is vital in understanding these powerful chemicals.