What is the full form of DHT

DHT: Dihydrotestosterone

DHT stands for Dihydrotestosterone or 5a-dihydrotestosterone (5a-DHT). It is also known as androstanolone or stanolone. It is a sex hormone that stimulates the development of male characteristics. It is produced in the body of both men and women but utilized more by men than women. DHT is produced when an androgen, a male sex hormone, usually testosterone, is metabolized by an enzyme called 5aR (5 alpha reductase). DHT is responsible for regulating neurological health, blood cell formation and some physiological changes like alopecia.

DHT is also associated with baldness. Let us see, how it causes baldness:

DHT receptors are located throughout our body, mainly in the hair follicles. In some people, the hair follicles are very sensitive to DHT due to their genetic makeup. In such people, if the amount of DHT increases in the body, it can block the dermal papilla within the hair follicle. Dermal papilla supplies nutrients to the hair bulb from where the new hair originates. So, if the dermal papilla gets blocked due to DHT, the hair bulb will not get the sufficient nutrients to produce new hair. The hair follicle itself also tends to shrink due to the DHT. It does not cause hair to fall out rather it affects the follicles' ability to produce new hair.

There are certain medications that can help stimulate hair growth by preventing the 5aR enzyme from converting the testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone. This brings down the levels of DHT in our body and thus reduces its detrimental effects on hair follicles. These medications are known as 5 Alpha-Reductase inhibitors.

DHT is also associated with prostate cancer. It causes the prostate to develop and keeps stimulating the prostate to grow. The cells of the prostate continue to multiply and the risk of mutation increases with age. These mutations may cause Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, a precursor of prostate cancer.

DHT is also associated with baldness. Let us see how it causes baldness:

DHT receptors are located throughout our body, mainly in the hair follicles. In some people, the hair follicles are very sensitive to DHT due to their genetic makeup. In such people, if the amount of DHT increases in the body, it can block the dermal papilla within the hair follicle. Dermal papilla supplies nutrients to the hair bulb from where the new hair originates. So, if the dermal papilla gets blocked due to DHT, the hair bulb will not get sufficient nutrients to produce new hair. The hair follicle itself also tends to shrink due to the DHT. It does not cause hair to fall out; rather, it affects the follicles' ability to produce new hair.

There are certain medications that can help stimulate hair growth by preventing the 5aR enzyme from converting testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone. This brings down the levels of DHT in our body and thus reduces its detrimental effects on hair follicles. These medications are known as 5 Alpha-Reductase inhibitors.

DHT is also associated with prostate cancer. It causes the prostate to develop and keeps stimulating the prostate to grow. The cells of the prostate continue to multiply, and the risk of mutation increases with age. These mutations may cause Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, a precursor of prostate cancer.

What alters does DHT do to the body?

For AMAB individuals, DHT plays a variety of roles at various times of life, primarily during foetal development and puberty.

DHT, in contrast to testosterone, has little impact on preserving mature male physiology. Male pattern hair loss in maturity and prostate enlargement are the primary effects.

Foetal development and DHT

Male or female sexual anatomy is differentiated during foetal development as a result of a particular and distinctive hormonal milieu. DHT stimulates the growth of the male anatomy in males when combined with other hormones like testosterone while limiting the growth of the female anatomy.

DHT is necessary for the male external genitalia, such as the penis and scrotum, to develop in a foetus.

DHT and adolescence

For kids AMAB going through puberty, DHT encourages further development of the penis and scrotum. Additionally, it is the primary androgen that causes:

• Face hair
• Personal hair
• genital hair
• prostate expansion

What occurs when DHT concentrations are high?

High levels of DHT are linked to a number of medical disorders, such as

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• Breast cancer.
• Alopecia androgenic (male pattern hair loss).
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Benign prostatic hyperplasia and DHT

The condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia causes your prostate to expand (BPH). It is particularly likely to affect those over the age of 50. DHT can be produced in considerable quantities by your prostate. Although it frequently results in prostate enlargement, local DHT production increases normal prostate function. Sexual dysfunction and trouble urinating can both be brought on by BPH.

Prostate cancer and DHT

DHT levels are often higher in those with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is brought on by an increase in DHT activity in your prostate as well as certain genetic abnormalities that promote uncontrollable cell growth in your prostate.

Androgenic alopecia and DHT

Male pattern hair loss is the general name for androgenic alopecia. Your hairline will gradually recede as a result of the hair loss, which often affects the top and frontal areas of your head.

Along with other variables, such as hereditary ones, increased DHT activity in your hair follicles is a contributing component in this hair loss. Hair loss can be caused by high levels of DHT because they shrink your hair follicles and decrease the hair development cycle.

PCOS and DHT

People with AFAB experience the hormonal imbalance known as a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It occurs when their ovaries produce too many androgens, such as testosterone, which raises the levels of DHT. Numerous symptoms are brought on by this, including irregular periods, hirsutism, excessive hair growth, and acne.

What occurs when DHT concentrations are low?

Low DHT levels are linked to a number of diseases, such as

• 5-alpha reductase insufficiency.
• Reduced testosterone (male hypogonadism).

DHT levels that are below normal mostly impact AMAB individuals. Low DHT levels in children with AFAB, according to some researchers, may postpone the onset of puberty.

Lack of 5-alpha reductase and DHT

An enzyme called 5-alpha reductase aids in the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Low or no amounts of DHT may result from a genetic mutation (change) that impairs the synthesis of the enzyme. 5-alpha reductase deficit is the term for this. This disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.

The sexual development of foetuses with XY chromosomes, which are genetically masculine, is impacted by 5-alpha reductase deficiency. Males with the deficit who are born usually have the following:

• External genitalia that are still developing.
• Intact testicles that are still usable.
• Lack of or a tiny prostate.

Genetically male infants with XY chromosomes who have severe 5-alpha reductase deficiency have external genitalia that resembles females. The development of the testicles and internal sexual organs and tissues is unaffected by low DHT; they may still create sperm. Androgen insensitivity syndrome is distinct from this. The only difference between those with this illness and those without it is the absence of androgen receptors. Due to this, they are infertile and lack secondary sexual traits.

Children with 5-alpha reductase impairment who are genetically male do not develop facial hair during adolescence. They still have voice deepening, muscular gain, and penile growth because their bodies still produce testosterone.

Low testosterone and DHT

Low amounts of testosterone will result in lower-than-normal levels of DHT since your body converts testosterone to DHT. Male hypogonadism is another term for low testosterone levels.

Male hypogonadism can be classified as either classical (congenital or acquired) or late-onset. Depending on your age, male hypogonadism might result in a range of problems.

When should I visit my physician to discuss my DHT levels?

Speak with your healthcare practitioner if you believe you or your kid may have an issue connected to low or excessive DHT. They might recommend an endocrinologist as a specialist or conduct certain tests for you.