Normal Function
5α-Reductase is an enzyme that converts testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in peripheral tissues. 5-ARD is biochemically characterized by low to low-normal levels of testosterone and decreased levels of DHT, creating a higher testosterone/DHT ratio.
DHT is a potent androgen, and is necessary for the development of male external genitalia in utero.
Read more about this topic: 5-alpha-reductase Deficiency
Famous quotes containing the words normal and/or function:
“Insecurity, commonly regarded as a weakness in normal people, is the basic tool of the actor’s trade.”
—Miranda Richardson (b. 1958)
“To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward.”
—Margaret Fairless Barber (1869–1901)