TLDR The DHT immunoassay is unreliable due to high cross-reactivity with testosterone.
The study invalidated a commercially available dihydrotestosterone (DHT) immunoassay due to significant cross-reactivity with testosterone, which ranged from 18% to 99%. This cross-reactivity led to DHT concentrations being overestimated by 79% to over 1000% compared to the gold-standard LC–MS/MS method. The immunoassay failed to detect reductions in DHT following finasteride treatment, unlike LC–MS/MS. The study involved older hypogonadal men in a 12-month trial, highlighting that the immunoassay's results were not reliable for assessing DHT in biological fluids containing testosterone.
35 citations
,
October 2011 in “Medicine and science in sports and exercise” Muscles can make their own androgens, which may help muscle growth.
42 citations
,
May 2007 in “Endocrinology and metabolism/American journal of physiology: endocrinology and metabolism” Testosterone can build muscle and bone without enlarging the prostate when a specific enzyme is blocked.
195 citations
,
February 2007 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Dutasteride and finasteride may reduce sperm count and volume but don't affect movement or shape; effects are reversible after stopping.
417 citations
,
February 2004 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Testosterone therapy increases bone density in older men with low testosterone levels.
62 citations
,
January 2004 in “PubMed” 5alpha-reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride effectively treat BPH by reducing DHT, offering symptom relief and potential future uses.
38 citations
,
June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings” Finasteride effectively improves hair growth and slows hair loss in men with male pattern baldness.
