Androgen receptor antagonists are a class of medications that block the action of androgens, which are male hormones like testosterone. By inhibiting these hormones, these drugs can help treat conditions such as prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. They work by binding to androgen receptors, preventing androgens from exerting their effects on cells. These antagonists can be beneficial in managing hormone-sensitive diseases, as they reduce the growth signals that androgens provide. Common examples include flutamide and bicalutamide, which are often used in combination with other therapies to enhance treatment effectiveness and improve patient outcomes.