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
”
TLDR Certain finger length ratios and body hair patterns may predict side effects from birth control pills in women.
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.
