5-alpha reductase
Androgen metabolism catalyst
5-alpha reductase is an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent androgen responsible for male pattern baldness, prostate growth, and certain aspects of male sexual development.
Drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride, block this enzyme to treat hair loss and enlarged prostate.
His doctor prescribed a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor for his receding hairline.
- testosteroneChief male sex hormone
- DHTPotent androgenic hormone
- baldnessAbsence of hair
- prostateMale reproductive gland
- hair lossDiminishing scalp coverage
enzyme · hormones · androgen · scalp · follicle · minoxidil · receding · thinning · conversion · steroid · male pattern · inhibitor · sebum · acne · hirsutism · castration · eunuch · libido
- Androgenstestosterone, DHT, DHEA, androgens, anabolic steroids
- ReductasesHMG-CoA reductase
- Steroid Enzymesaromatase
- baldnessbald, baldness, balding, bald spot, bald patch
alpha, reduce, reducer, reduction, reductions, reducible, irreducible, reducing, reduced