Metabolism of Androgens by Isolated Human Hair Follicles

    April 1972 in “ Journal of Steroid Biochemistry ”
    Á Fazekas, Thomas Sandor
    TLDR Beard hair follicles convert testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone most intensively.
    The study investigated the in vitro metabolism of androgens in isolated male human hair follicles from the scalp, beard, and pubic areas. Testosterone was primarily converted to androstenedione, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, 5α-androstanedione, and androsterone, with the most intensive formation of 5α-dihydrotestosterone in beard follicles. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) was mainly metabolized to 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol, 7α-hydroxy-DHA, androstenedione, and 5α-androstanedione, with limited sulphoconjugation. The metabolism of DHA was more intensive in hair follicles than in human skin and was altered in follicles from balding individuals. DHA inhibited glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase activity in hair follicles, and two dihydrotestosterone-binding components were identified in the hair follicle cytosol.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    1 / 1 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community risks with finasteride and dutasteride

      in Research/Science  142 upvotes 5 months ago
      Finasteride and dutasteride have potential risks, including post-finasteride syndrome, but are commonly used for hair loss. RU58841, minoxidil, and needling are suggested as alternatives, though all treatments carry risks.

      community My Testosterone results before and after Finasteride

      in Update  150 upvotes 4 years ago
      Finasteride significantly increased testosterone levels for the user, with no major side effects except watery semen, which was resolved with zinc supplements. The user's hairline stopped receding and slightly improved.

      community Proof that finasteride messes with neurosteroids

      in Research/Science  230 upvotes 1 year ago
      Finasteride can impact neurosteroids, potentially causing depression and other side effects in some users. Despite these concerns, many continue using it for hair loss, with some switching to topical applications to mitigate side effects.

      community Trying to understand finasteride side effects and post finasteride syndrome

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  68 upvotes 5 years ago
      The conversation discusses the side effects of finasteride, including low libido and erectile dysfunction, and the possibility of these effects being permanent, known as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Some users report personal experiences with PFS and debate whether the condition is real, with varying opinions on the reversibility of side effects and the role of individual biology.

      community [25, F] [RANT] Shedding since March 2020. This just isn’t fair.

      in Female  42 upvotes 4 years ago
      User "missbloombastic" has been experiencing hair loss since 2016 and tried min, fin, multivitamins, and spiro with mixed results. Another user shares their struggle with hair loss and its impact on self-esteem, while a third user suggests checking blood tests and confirming the cause of hair loss.

    Related Research

    1 / 1 results