diidrotestosterone

Dihydrotestosterone, often abbreviated as DHT, is a potent androgen hormone derived from testosterone. It plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics. DHT is synthesized from testosterone through an enzymatic reaction catalyzed by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This conversion occurs in various tissues, including the prostate gland, hair follicles, and skin. While testosterone is the primary androgen in circulation, DHT exhibits a higher binding affinity for androgen receptors, making it a significantly more powerful androgen in many target tissues. Its effects are particularly pronounced during fetal development, where it is essential for the differentiation of external genitalia. In puberty, DHT contributes to the growth of body hair, deepening of the voice, and development of the prostate. Interestingly, DHT is also implicated in androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male-pattern baldness, where it can cause hair follicles to shrink over time. The levels of DHT in the body are influenced by factors such as age and genetics. The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase exists in two main isoforms, type 1 and type 2, with type 2 being predominantly found in the prostate and hair follicles. Medications that inhibit 5-alpha-reductase are used to treat conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia and male-pattern baldness by reducing DHT levels.