A class of medications known as antiandrogens is intended to prevent the body from reacting to androgens, or male hormones. They are frequently used to treat diseases like androgenetic alopecia, acne, hirsutism, prostate cancer, and transgender hormone therapy. Antiandrogens can help control the symptoms of certain disorders and offer therapeutic advantages by blocking the action of androgens. Prostate cancer is treated using antiandrogens, one of their main applications. The action of androgens, particularly testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is known to be a major driver of prostate cancer. Antiandrogens function by inhibiting the action of these hormones on prostate cells or by stopping the synthesis of these hormones. Patients may see better results as a result of this slowing the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. Antiandrogens can be used to stop hair growth in cases of hirsutism, which is excessive hair growth in women that is frequently brought on by high androgen levels. These drugs can help patients live better by reducing the growth of unsightly body and face hair by blocking androgen action. Antiandrogen therapy is also beneficial for acne, especially hormonal or severe acne. Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands, which can result in clogged pores and excessive oil production. Antiandrogens can be used to lower oil production, which will result in less acne and clearer skin. Antiandrogens may also be used for androgenetic alopecia, often known as male and female pattern baldness. Here, androgens can cause hair loss by gradually causing hair follicles to shrink. Antiandrogens have the ability to slow down this process, protecting existing hair and even stimulating the growth of new hair. Antiandrogens are frequently used in conjunction with estrogen in transgender hormone therapy to assist feminize the body in transgender women. Antiandrogens can decrease traits associated with being a man, like developing muscle mass, deepening voice, and body hair growth, by inhibiting the effects of testosterone. An essential part of providing transgender women with care that is gender affirming is combination therapy. Antiandrogens have the potential to cause negative consequences even if they can be useful in treating some illnesses. These could include weariness, mood swings, breast tenderness or enlargement, lowered libido, and erectile dysfunction. Before beginning antiandrogen therapy, patients should have a discussion with their healthcare physician about the possible dangers and benefits.
