DHT is a testosterone-derived androgen (male sex hormone) that is synthesised in the prostate, testes, and other tissues from testosterone. A deep voice, facial hair, and muscles, all of which are associated with male sexual traits, must be developed and maintained.
5-reductase (pronounced 5-alpha-reductase), an enzyme found in hair follicle oil glands, helps testosterone turn into DHT.
The hormone DHT attaches to receptors in the hair follicles of men who are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness, causing the hair follicles to miniaturise (or shrink) and finally stop producing new hair.
Men who are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness are more likely to have hair loss due to the male sex hormone DHT (also known as androgenic alopecia), which binds to receptors in the scalp and causes hair loss.
In both sexes, the hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is present. Male and female testes and ovaries convert testosterone to DHT, which is then released into the body. An enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase helps with this (5-AR).