DHT and 5a-reductase

General Discussion
#1

I don’t much about the relationship of DHT and 5α-reductase. Many here seem to think are problem is a result of a deficiency 5α-reductase.

Frm what I have read, Testosterone is converted to DHT by the enzyme 5α-reductase. So I would think most of us suffering should have low DHT levels. Also, knowing that Propecia is supposed to block DHT one would think we would all have low DHT levels.

I had my DHT tested recently and I came in at 575 (112-995 pg/mL) Doesn’t seem that low to me. Can someone that understands this concept of a deficiency 5α-reductase explain what the theory is with this? If I am deficient in the enzyme 5ar why would my DHT level not be lower?

#2

It seems that the dht blood test is not very precise. Also, the level may show normal in bloodstream, but there is no way of checking for dht conversion in specific spots such as the prostate and penis.

#3

dht is not considered to be a precise measurement for 5aRII activity per se.
some mebers here have low DHT levels but most of them don’t; there is no general picture.
dht can also be derived from 5aRI and not only 5aRII (the enzyme mostly blocked by finasteride). therefore any serum level of DHT can potentially also be derived from the other enzyme (5aRI)
It is proposed that 3AdiolG is a better marker for the activity of 5aRII. this value seems to be low, out of range low, or in the lower third of of the range in members that have been tested here.
you measured this value too, didn’t you? I think I recall that your values were low too, and upon the second measurement out of range low??
it is further proposed that the ratio of certain metabolites measured from urin indicate 5aRII activity (Rheinlabs).
somewhere on this forum there is link to a chinese paper ‘Diagnosis of 5aRII deficiency’ - maybe you want to check this out.
Lacking 5aRII activity and its consequences can indeed be the problem or part of the problem but it remains difficult to really proof it. DHT alone is not valuable for this purpose.

#4

finsucks,

I have not had my AdiolG tested yet. I am planning on doing that on the next test I have done. I am completely anticipating a very low level.

#5

yeah, would be interesting to know more 3adiolg values.
my value is not so ‘low’ though.

#6

Finsucks,

Whats your severity of your ED on a 1-10 scale? Some of us have worse ED than other. How long have you been off the drug?

#7

So is there no way at all known yet to treat a 5ar2 deficiency? I understand it’s an intercellular enzyme therefore, if that is the case… What?

#8

off the drug for around 7 years.
ED is severe - no spontaneous, hardly morning wood (now I have since I am taking low dose Cialis every evening); libido is pretty bad. Nothing turns me on.