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).

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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 enzymes.

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).

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When is the test scheduled?

1. Men:

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

1. Women:

• Hirsutism, acne.
• Suspected PCOS.

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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.