College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Which hormone is considered the primary systemic androgen?

1. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

2. Testosterone

3. Estrogen

4. Progesterone

The correct answer is: Testosterone

Testosterone is recognized as the primary systemic androgen due to its significant role in the development and maintenance of male characteristics and reproductive functions. It is produced primarily in the testes in men, with smaller amounts made in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. Testosterone influences muscle mass, bone density, body hair distribution, and libido, serving a crucial function in both male and female physiology, although it is often more prominently associated with male traits. While dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an active androgen formed from testosterone and plays important roles, testosterone itself is the precursor and the hormone predominantly circulating in the bloodstream. Estrogen and progesterone are primarily known as female sex hormones, with important functions in the menstrual cycle and reproductive processes, but they do not classify as androgens. Thus, in the context of systemic androgen activity, testosterone is the key hormone to consider.