HSD3ß2

HSD3ß2 belongs to the HSD family of enzymes that are involved in the production of various steroid hormones, particularly androgens. HSD3ß2 is expressed almost exclusively in the adrenal glands and testes and is thought to be involved in regulating systemic (circulating) androgen levels.

High DHT is thought to be involved in hair growth and eventually, loss, enlargement of the prostate gland, bladder and urinary problems and certain cancers if levels remain consistently high.

The T allele is more common in African, intermediate in Asian and rare in Caucasian populations. The TT genotype is more common in African populations and is associated with increased systemic DHT levels. This is undesirable since high levels of DHT can increase the risk of androgen-linked conditions such as hair loss and enlarged prostate.

The C result for the HSDß1 variant above, increases likelihood of high DHT levels.