Antiandrogens:
These are also known as androgen antagonists and testosterone blockers. These are a class of endocrine medications that are given to patients with androgen-dependent conditions. These drugs counteract the effects of excess amounts of androgen produced (dihydrotestosterone and testosterone) in the body due to various conditions in both females and males. Typically females produce excess androgens due to conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperandrogenism, and menstrual disorders. Males produce excess androgen due to conditions like prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, androgenic alopecia, paraphilias, hypersexuality, and boys with precocious puberty. Some of the Antiandrogens act by lowering the production of the androgens in the body while others work by blocking the receptors of these androgens thereby limiting the usability of the produced androgens. The types of Antiandrogens include androgen receptor antagonists, antigonadotropins, androgen synthesis inhibitors, and steroidal antiandrogen cyproterone acetate.
Side effects of antiandrogens:
Males:
• De-masculinization.
• Gynecomastia.
• Reduction of body hair.
• Reduction of muscle mass.
• Change in fat mass distribution.
• Reduction in penis length.
• Change in testicle size.
• Infertility.
• Hot flashes.
• Sexual Dysfunction.
Women:
• Nausea.
• Headache.
• Excessive urination.
• Heart arrhythmias.
• Edema.
• Skin spots.
• Lightheadedness.
• Indigestion.
• Hepatotoxicity.
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