It also plays a role in the growth of the penis, scrotum, and prostate.
These effects are similar to those oftestosterone.
DHT hormone is formed from testosterone and is a precursor of other steroid hormones.
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What Is DHT?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a primary androgen hormone that is derived from testosterone.DHT is present starting in utero.
What Does DHT Do for the Body?
DHT directs the development of the external genitalia, including the penis and scrotum, and theprostate gland.
At puberty, DHT is critical forpenile growth.
It works in combination with testosterone to increase the size of the male external genitalia.
Impact on Sexual Function
The role of DHT in male sexual function is still somewhat controversial.
As such, it is generally held that DHT plays an important role in male sexual desire and function.
Impact on Fertility
The effects of DHT onmale fertilityare not fully clear.
However, some data suggest that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can affect sperm production, at least temporarily.
Use of these drugs has been associated with decreased sperm count and lowered semen volume in some studies.
It has also been associated with reduced sperm motility.
DHT vs. Testosterone
DHT and testosterone are both classified as androgens.
DHT is primarily created in the organs where it is used, such as the prostate.
Testosterone and DHT both bind to the same receptors.
However, DHT does so more efficiently.
These carrier proteins help control the amount of sex hormones that are actively working in the body.
When DHT Is Too High
The significance of DHT differs in various organs.
High levels of DHT are problematic in some areas of the body, but necessary in others.
It’s not clear if and how DHT contributes to female pattern baldness.
Male Pattern Baldness
Androgens are important for the hair-growth patterns associated with puberty.
However, not all hair follicles react to androgens in the same way.
In particular, an excess of DHT has been associated with both beard growth and male pattern baldness.
Prostate Disease
DHT is commonly associated withbenign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).
BPH can cause symptoms such as difficulty urinating, needing to urinate more frequently, and other urinary issues.
DHT stimulates the growth of epithelial and stromal cells in the prostate.
DHT works in combination with estrogen to promote prostate enlargement.
Hirsutism
An overproduction of DHT can cause females to experienceextra facial and body hair growth.
Although it may seem confusing, blocking DHT can reduce unwanted hair growth for females.
This is often done with the same drugs used to increase hair growth among balding males.
In addition, low DHT in males may cause:
How Is DHT Reduced?
In babies, when DHT is too low, it affects the development of male sex characteristics.
In adults, high DHT levels can contribute to undesirable health effects like enlarged prostate and male pattern baldness.
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