Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that plays a key role in the sexual development of people assigned male at birth (AMAB) . It is an androgen, which is a hormone that stimulates the development of male characteristics. DHT affects the sexual development of people AMAB throughout their lives, beginning as early as in fetal development. As an adult, the body converts about 10% of testosterone (the main androgen) into DHT each day. DHT is naturally much higher in people AMAB than in people assigned female at birth (AFAB) .
DHT is also known to cause male pattern baldness, which is one of the most common reasons that men lose hair as they get older. DHT is derived from testosterone, and it is believed to be the most significant underlying factor behind male pattern hair loss. DHT is considerably more potent than testosterone as an agonist of the androgen receptor.
DHT is synthesized from testosterone in certain tissues including the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, epididymides, skin, hair follicles, liver, and brain. The enzyme 5α-reductase catalyzes the formation of DHT from testosterone. DHT has been used as a medication, for instance in the treatment of low testosterone levels in men.
