Which is the most potent male androgen?

Which is the most potent male androgen?

• A. DHEA
• B. DHT
• C. Testosterone
• D. Estradiol

Answer: (B)

Potency of male androgens is determined by how strongly they activate the androgen receptor and how available they are in target tissues. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binds the androgen receptor with much higher affinity than testosterone, and the receptor–DHT complex drives gene transcription more effectively, producing stronger androgenic effects. In many tissues, DHT is formed locally from testosterone by the enzyme 5α-reductase, concentrating this more potent form where androgen action is needed (such as skin and prostate). Additionally, DHT cannot be aromatized to estrogen, so there’s no estrogenic counterbalance to dampen its androgenic effects. By comparison, DHEA is a weak androgen precursor, testosterone has lower receptor affinity and potency than DHT, and estradiol is an estrogen, not an androgen, so it doesn’t produce the same androgenic effects.

Potency of male androgens is determined by how strongly they activate the androgen receptor and how available they are in target tissues. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binds the androgen receptor with much higher affinity than testosterone, and the receptor–DHT complex drives gene transcription more effectively, producing stronger androgenic effects. In many tissues, DHT is formed locally from testosterone by the enzyme 5α-reductase, concentrating this more potent form where androgen action is needed (such as skin and prostate). Additionally, DHT cannot be aromatized to estrogen, so there’s no estrogenic counterbalance to dampen its androgenic effects. By comparison, DHEA is a weak androgen precursor, testosterone has lower receptor affinity and potency than DHT, and estradiol is an estrogen, not an androgen, so it doesn’t produce the same androgenic effects.