concept

dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

Also known as: dihydrotestosterone, DHT, Dihydrotestosterone

Facts (13)

Sources

Reproductive Hormones endocrine.org Endocrine Society Jan 24, 2022 7 facts

claimDihydrotestosterone is created when testosterone is converted into a new form.

claimInsufficient exposure to dihydrotestosterone in the womb can cause a male infant to be born with ambiguous genitalia that may resemble female genitalia.

claimDihydrotestosterone initiates puberty in boys, causing genital development, pubic and body hair growth, and prostate growth, and may contribute to the expression of sexual desires and behavior alongside testosterone.

claimHigh levels of dihydrotestosterone in women, stemming from excess testosterone production, can cause excess body and facial hair, adult acne, and menstruation issues.

claimDihydrotestosterone is a hormone with powerful androgenic properties that plays a role in puberty and the development of adult male characteristics.

measurementApproximately 10% of testosterone in the bodies of adult men and women is converted into dihydrotestosterone, with higher conversion rates occurring during puberty.

claimIn girls, dihydrotestosterone may play a role in determining the start of puberty and can lead to pubic hair growth after puberty.

Physiology, Male Reproductive System - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf ncbi.nlm.nih.gov National Library of Medicine 5 facts

claimThe enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, produced by the prostate, converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

claimDihydrotestosterone (DHT) is responsible for male hair patterns (facial, axillary, and pubic hair), male pattern balding, increased sebaceous gland secretion, and acne.

claimDihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone bind to the same intracellular androgen receptors, but DHT has a higher affinity for these receptors.

claimDihydrotestosterone (DHT) stimulates the development of the prostate, scrotum, and penis.

claimIn the periphery, testosterone can be converted into dihydrotestosterone via the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, or into estradiol via the enzyme aromatase.

The Normal Menstrual Cycle and the Control of Ovulation - NCBI - NIH ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Feingold KR, Adler RA, Ahmed SF · National Center for Biotechnology Information Aug 5, 2018 1 fact

claimThe enzyme 5α-reductase converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which cannot be aromatized.