Dehydrotestosterone (DHT)

The role of dehydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body

Dehydrotestosterone (DHT) is an active metabolite of testosteroneproduced by the enzyme 5– alpha reductase. . It binds to androgen receptors 3-10 times more strongly than testosterone, and plays a key role in:

1. Sexual development in men:

• Formation of external genitalia in the fetus.
• Growth of the prostate, seminal vesicles.
• Development of secondary sexual characteristics (hair, voice).

1. For women:

• Regulation of pubic and armpit hair growth.
• Affects the work of the sebaceous glands (in excess – acne, hirsutism).

1. Hair and skin:

• Control of beard and moustache growth in men.
• In excess – androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).

1. The prostate:

• Stimulates the growth of the gland (with hyperplasia-DHT accelerates the process).

---

DHT tests

The level of DHT is measured in the blood (less often-in tissues).

Note:

• In men, DHT peaks in their 20s and 30s, then decreases.
• In women, the level depends on the phase of the cycle (higher in the luteal phase).

---

Symptoms of DHT deficiency

A rare condition, most often associated with a genetic defect in 5-alpha reductase.

For men:

• Underdevelopment of the genitals (micropenis, hypospadias).
• Weak growth of beard and moustache.
• Lack of androgenetic alopecia (do not go bald).
• Infertility (rare).

For women:

• Scanty pubic/underarmhair.
• Dry skin (due to reduced sebaceous gland activity).

Reasons:

• Congenital 5-alpha reductase deficiency.
• Taking 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride).

---

Symptoms of excess DHT

For men:

• Androgenetic alopecia (receding hairline, baldness of the crown).
• Prostate hyperplasia (frequent urination).
• Aggressiveness, increased libido (rarely).

For women:

• Hirsutism (hair growth on the face, chest).
• Acne, oily skin.
• Androgenetic alopecia (thinning of hair on the temples).
• Cycle disorders, infertility (with PCOS).

Reasons:

• Hyperandrogenism (PCOS, ovarian/adrenal tumors).
• Taking anabolic steroids.
• Idiopathic hypersensitivity of the receptors (even with normal DHT).

---

How to normalize DHT levels?

If there is an excess:

1. 5-alpha reductase blockers:

• Finasteride (Propecia) – reduces DHT by 60-70%.
• Dutasteride (Avodart) – blocks both types of enzymesEnzymes are proteins that accelerate chemical reactions in the body. They ensure the occurrence of metabolic processes such as food digestion, energy release, cell formation, and many others..

1. Antiandrogens (for women):

• Spironolactone, ciproterone acetate.

1. Natural remedies:

• Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a weak inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase.
• Curcumin, green tea (reduce inflammation).

If there is a shortage:

• In men – testosterone replacement therapy (partially converted to DHT).

---

When is the test scheduled?

1. Men:

• Early baldness (up to 30 years).
• Prostatic hyperplasia.

1. Women:

• Hirsutism, acne.
• Suspected PCOS.

---

Conclusion

• DHT is a powerful androgen that affects hair, prostate, and sexual development.
• Standards:
• Men: 250-990 pg / ml.
• Women: 24-450 pg / ml.
• Deficiency is rare (in cases of genetic disorders).
• Too much leads to baldness, hirsutism, and prostate problems.

Example: If a woman has DHT &> 500 pg / ml + hirsutism – PCOS or adrenal tumor should be excluded.