Testosterone, Dihydrotestosterone, DHT

Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone. It is an anabolic steroid hormone from the androgen group, which stimulates or controls the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics in vertebrates by binding to androgen receptors. Testosterone is primarily secreted in the testes of males and the ovaries of females, although small amounts are also secreted by the adrenal glands.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a biologically active metabolite of the hormone testosterone, which is formed by reducing the 4,5 double-bond with the enzyme 5 -reductase. DHT is formed primarily in the prostate gland, testes, hair follicles, and adrenal glands. DHT is approximately 30 times more potent than testosterone because of increased affinity for the androgen receptor.
High levels of DHT are considered to be a contributing factor in many diseases, including: male-pattern baldness, acne, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer.

5-alpha reductase inhibitors are used to lower DHT and treat these disease. These include: the drug finasteride (Proscar for BPH; Propecia for androgenic alopecia) and and dutasteride (Avodart). Several herbs inhibit 5-alpha reductase, including: saw palmetto berry, equol in soy isoflavones, and green tea.

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