Dihydrotestosterone

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen formed from testosterone by 5α-reductase. It activates androgen receptors and helps regulate external genital development, prostate growth, hair patterns, and other androgen-dependent traits.

Testosterone: A steroid hormone that acts as an androgen and serves as a precursor to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. 5α-reductase converts testosterone into DHT in androgen-responsive tissues.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that can obstruct urine flow. DHT signaling contributes to prostate growth and is a treatment target.
Androgen: A hormone or signaling molecule that activates androgen receptors and promotes androgen-dependent traits. DHT is one of the most potent naturally occurring androgens.
Sexual differentiation: The development of reproductive structures and traits that differ between typical male and female pathways. DHT promotes development of male external genitalia from the fetal genital tubercle.
5α-reductase: An enzyme family that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone by reducing its A-ring. Its activity determines where and how much DHT is produced.
Androgenetic alopecia: A patterned form of hair loss influenced by genetic susceptibility and androgen signaling. DHT miniaturizes susceptible scalp hair follicles.
Steroid: A class of molecules built around a characteristic four-ring carbon structure. DHT's steroid structure lets it interact with intracellular hormone receptors.
5-alpha-reductase deficiency: An inherited condition in which reduced 5α-reductase activity impairs conversion of testosterone to DHT. It reveals DHT's specific role in fetal external genital development.
Androgen receptor: A nuclear receptor activated by androgens that regulates gene expression. DHT produces many of its effects by binding this receptor.
Finasteride: A medication that inhibits type II 5α-reductase and lowers DHT production. It treats prostate enlargement and male-pattern hair loss by reducing DHT.

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