What is Dihydrotestosterone, Free?
Dihydrotestosterone is the most potent naturally occurring androgen, synthesised from testosterone by 5-alpha reductase enzymes predominantly in peripheral target tissues including skin, prostate, and hair follicles. Free DHT represents the unbound fraction not carried by sex hormone-binding globulin or albumin and is biologically active, mediating classical androgen-receptor effects in androgen-sensitive tissues. Although circulating DHT concentration is far lower than testosterone, its higher receptor affinity makes it the principal androgen in the prostate, external genitalia, and scalp hair follicles.