What
is DHT?
A:
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is produced from the
male hormone testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.
DHT is the androgen
thought
to be most responsible for the type of hair loss also
known as male pattern baldness. DHT has a very high
affinity for
the androgen
receptor
and
is estimated to be five to ten times more potent than
testosterone. Other androgens that may be significant
in pattern loss include androstenedione, androstanedione
and DHEA (especially in women). All of these fall into
hormonal pathways that can potentially result in elevation
of DHT downstream via various enzymes. It is possible
that certain DHT metabolites may play a role in male
pattern hair loss as well. |
