Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is the function of androgens in the human body?

1. Regulate blood pressure

2. Support hair growth

3. Enhance the immune response

4. Assist in digestion

The correct answer is: Support hair growth

Androgens are a group of hormones that play a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of male characteristics, but they are also present in females in lower levels. One of the key functions of androgens is to support hair growth, particularly facial and body hair during puberty and in the development of male secondary sexual characteristics. This process involves the stimulation of androgen receptors in hair follicles, leading to increased hair production and thickness. In addition to hair growth, androgens influence various bodily functions, including libido, bone density, and muscle strength, but their most recognized role is in the hair growth process. Therefore, the understanding of androgens is crucial for estheticians, especially when addressing client concerns related to hair growth or hair loss, as well as when recommending treatments or products that may affect or are affected by hormone levels. The other options pertain to different biological functions not directly linked to androgen activity, which is why they do not align with the primary role of androgens in the body.