Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): Functions, Production, and Role in the Body

The gonads produce testosterone. In muscles, it acts as the primary active hormone. However, in most other tissues in the body, including nervous, endocrine and skin, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) acts as the primary androgenic hormone. Action between testosterone and the enzyme 5-alpha reductase forms DHT.

Sex Determination

• While in the uterus, a developing fetus requires testosterone to promote the growth of male sexual characteristics. After testosterone is converted, DHT supports the development of external genitalia and a prostate.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

• During adolescence and puberty, DHT promotes the development of secondary male characteristics. These include facial and body hair, thickening of the vocal cords and increased musculature.

Estrogen Inhibition

• DHT inhibits estrogen in three ways. It directly hinders estrogen's ability to act on tissues. It inhibits the aromatase enzyme that produces estrogen from other androgen components. And DHT decreases the secretion of gonadotropin, from which the raw materials for estrogen production are derived.