DHT
Meaning of DHT: DHT is a potent hormone derived from testosterone that drives male sexual development and contributes to prostate enlargement and pattern hair loss.
Definition of DHT
DHT, short for dihydrotestosterone, is a hormone produced when testosterone is converted by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, a process that occurs mainly in the prostate, skin, and hair follicles. DHT is significantly more potent than testosterone at activating the androgen receptor, meaning it produces a stronger effect on target tissues even at a similar concentration.
DHT plays an important role in male sexual development before birth and during puberty, contributing to the development of male genitalia and secondary sexual characteristics such as facial hair, a deeper voice, and increased muscle mass. Later in life, DHT contributes to two common conditions, benign prostatic hyperplasia, in which prostate tissue gradually enlarges, and androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern hair loss, in which DHT acts on sensitive hair follicles and causes them to shrink over time.
Medications that block the conversion of testosterone to DHT are used to treat both prostate enlargement and pattern hair loss, reflecting DHT's role in each condition.
Also known as
Used in a sentence
DHT levels were considered when evaluating the patient's combination of prostate enlargement and hair thinning.
Good to know
DHT is often discussed mainly in relation to prostate conditions, though its role in pattern hair loss is equally well established and is the basis for using DHT blocking medications for that purpose as well.