**2.8 Typical approach to understanding the normative effects of androgens**

Actions of T metabolites may account for some of T's functional effects. T, the primary androgen secreted from the testes, travels in circulation to the brain (as well as many other target organs) and then can be metabolized by enzymes to other neuroactive metabolites. T can be aromatized into estradiol (E2) and 5α-reduced to DHT (**Figure 6**). DHT is metabolized to 5α-androstane,3α,17β-diol (3α-diol). A consideration in understanding the effects of androgens is novel sources of androgens beyond metabolism. The traditional idea is that neuroactive metabolites such as 3α-diol are formed following secretion of T from the testes, which is then converted by 5α-reductase and 3α-HSD in androgen sensitive targets, such as the brain.
