5-Alpha-Dihydrotestosterone Metabolism and Its Relationship with Middle-Phalangeal Hair and Serum Concentrations in Healthy Men

May 1986 in “ Clinics in endocrinology and metabolism ”

Vincenzo Toscano

5 Dihydrotestosterone 2D:4D ratio middle-phalangeal hair oral contraceptives prenatal testosterone exposure androgen action androgen sensitivity DHT digit ratio finger hair OCs testosterone exposure androgen effects androgen sensitivity

Studysummary This study found that women with lower 2D:4D ratios and fewer middle-phalangeal hairs reported more adverse side effects from oral contraceptives, suggesting these features may predict hormonal contraceptive side effects.

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The document discussed the metabolism of 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), highlighting its relationship with middle-phalangeal hair and serum concentrations of DHT in healthy men. It referenced studies from 1992 and 1993 that found positive correlations between middle-phalangeal hair and both serum DHT levels and the ratio of DHT to total testosterone. The enzyme 5α-reductase was noted as crucial in converting testosterone to DHT, suggesting that middle-phalangeal hair might reflect 5α-reductase activity or testosterone metabolism. However, it was also mentioned that serum hormone measures might only provide a rough estimate of DHT action in hair follicles.

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research 3 Alpha, 17 Beta-Androstanediol Glucuronide in Plasma: A Marker of Androgen Action in Idiopathic Hirsutism

179 citations , May 1982 in “The Journal of clinical investigation/The journal of clinical investigation”

This study found that plasma 3 alpha-diol glucuronide was markedly elevated in women with idiopathic hirsutism, suggesting it may be a marker of peripheral androgen action.