DHT

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is formed from testosterone by the enzyme 5 alpha reductase (48). DHT is a stronger androgen than testosterone (49) and is implicated in:

However, DHT's role in prostate disease is not yet fully elucidated (53,54). Oestrogens are also implicated (33,34,35,36) leading some researchers to suggest DHT (which cannot be aromatised to oestrogens) as an alternative to testosterone for androgen replacement therapy (54,55).

The causes of prostate disorders are probably multifactorial, involving various hormonal parameters plus dietary and environmental influences (56). Nonetheless, reducing DHT with 5 alpha reductase inhibitors like finasteride (Proscar) is a proven treatment in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (57,58).

DHT also has many beneficial functions. Indeed it is through DHT that many of testosterones positive effects are mediated. DHT helps maintain:

Again, the concept of hormonal balance is paramount. Maintaining a healthy ratio of testosterone to DHT is the objective (ideally about 10:1) (62). One can then receive DHT's benefits without suffering from its disadvantages.

Androbalance kits can help you determine your personal DHT levels; particularly important for men using Propecia/Proscar to reduce DHT and thereby combat male pattern baldness (MPB) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Excessive DHT reduction can cause side effects such as impotence (63,64) and gynocomastia (30,63), whilst insufficient reduction won't allow the full therapeutic benefits of the drug(s) to be realised. Only by measuring DHT levels will you know what effect your prescribed dosage is having on your own hormonal profile.

In view of DHT's effects on sexual functioning (61) this analyte may also be a useful kit addition for men suffering from erectile or libido difficulties.