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Dihydrotestosterone Metabolism

Meaning

Dihydrotestosterone Metabolism refers to the biochemical pathways involved in the synthesis, action, and eventual breakdown of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen derived primarily from testosterone. This metabolic process is initiated by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone into DHT in target tissues like the prostate, hair follicles, and skin. While DHT is essential for male development and secondary sex characteristics, its subsequent metabolism and clearance are critical for preventing its excessive accumulation, which is implicated in conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgenic alopecia. The process highlights the complex tissue-specific regulation of androgen activity.