Puberty

Adrenal androgen production triggers the beginning of puberty in both men and women. As the adrenal glands produce more androgen hormone, the body begins to grow pubic and under-arm hair. In boys, the higher levels of adrenal glands will stimulate the production of testosterone and muscle growth. Synthetic adrenal androgen hormones can help stimulate the developments that occur at puberty if an individual's body fails to produce enough to bring on puberty at the appropriate age. A boy who has low adrenal androgens will likely have lower testosterone levels, which could affect his ability to father children later in life,according to Lorenz Hofbauer of the European Journal of Endocrinology.

Organ Functions

The level of adrenal androgen hormone helps to regulate several organs. The production of the adrenal androgen hormone directly affects the kidney, liver, and reproductive tract. Androgen is active in the synthesis of estrogen in women and is noted to help regulate female body functions throughout life. The link of androgens to the prevention of bone loss is especially important to women.

Abnormal Levels

When adrenal androgen levels become too high, it can cause the growth of excess hair in undesirable locations. In women excess androgen can cause hair to grow on the upper lip or chin. Both men and women may experience acne and thinning hair when adrenal androgens become too great. If elevated adrenal androgens are left untreated, other issues could develop such as a resistance to insulin, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Women with abnormal adrenal androgen levels may experience irregular menstrual cycles or even infertility.