ANDROGENIC, SYNANDROGENIC, AND ANTIANDROGENIC ACTIONS OF PROGESTINS*

Abstract

In addition to their action on the uterus and vagina, progestins exert diverse metabolic effects on a variety of tissues. These actions include androgenic, synandrogenic, and antiandrogenic effects on androgen-responsive tissues of rats and mice. The androgenic and antiandrogenic effects of progestins have been demonstrated in multiple tissues. These actions appear to be mediated via the androgen receptor. A synandrogenic effect of progestins has also been detected in some tissues. However, there are few data to indicate how this response is mediated. Progestins may also alter androgen action indirectly through changes in steroid synthesis and metabolism. The overall biologic effect of a steroid may thus be determined by the sum of its actions on a variety of tissues.