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Related Concept Videos

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation01:26

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...
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Signs of Puberty

Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
The Mammary Glands01:12

The Mammary Glands

The female breast is a hemispheric projection of variable size positioned anterior to the pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles. A fascia layer composed of dense, irregular connective tissue connects it to these muscles.
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Gonadal and Placental Hormones01:24

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The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
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Intracellular Hormone Receptors01:08

Intracellular Hormone Receptors

Lipid-soluble hormones diffuse across the plasma and nuclear membrane of target cells to bind to their specific intracellular receptors. These receptors act as transcription factors that regulate gene expression and protein synthesis in the target cell
Testes: Histology01:27

Testes: Histology

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

An Ex vivo Model to Study Hormone Action in the Human Breast
12:31

An Ex vivo Model to Study Hormone Action in the Human Breast

Published on: January 8, 2015

Testosterone and the breast.

Chrisandra L Shufelt1, Glenn D Braunstein

  • 1Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.

Menopause International
|August 21, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Testosterone (T) therapy for women does not increase breast cancer risk. Evidence from in vitro studies, animal models, and human populations suggests androgens may inhibit cancer growth, not stimulate it.

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Published on: May 18, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Women's Health

Background:

  • Testosterone (T) is used for female sexual dysfunction, but its role in female physiology and safety regarding breast cancer risk is debated.
  • Concerns exist about androgens stimulating breast tissue via local estrogen production or direct androgen receptor stimulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between testosterone use in females and the risk of developing breast carcinoma.
  • To review existing evidence on androgen effects on breast tissue and cancer development.

Main Methods:

  • Review of in vitro studies on androgen effects on breast cells.
  • Analysis of animal models investigating androgen impact on breast cancer growth.
  • Examination of epidemiological data from human populations with varying androgen levels (PCOS, transgender individuals) and androgen therapy recipients.

Main Results:

  • In vitro and animal studies indicate androgens exhibit apoptotic and antiproliferative effects, inhibiting breast cancer growth.
  • Epidemiological data show no clear consensus, but hyperandrogenism (PCOS) and exogenous T (transgender individuals) are not linked to increased breast cancer risk.
  • High-dose androgen therapy has shown efficacy in treating advanced breast cancer.

Conclusions:

  • The majority of evidence suggests that testosterone use in females is not associated with an increased risk of breast carcinoma.
  • Androgens may possess protective or inhibitory effects against breast cancer development.