What is the Difference Between DHT and DHEA

The main difference between DHT and DHEA is that DHT is the most potent hormone among androgens, whereas DHEA is a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland being a precursor to female sex hormones.

DHT and DHEA are two hormones that are precursors to sex hormones. Both are steroid hormones. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What is DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)
– Definition, Structure, Function
2. What is DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
– Definition, Structure, Function
3. Similarities Between DHT and DHEA
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between DHT and DHEA
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

DHEA, DHT

What is DHT

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a hormone, and it is an endogenous androgen sex steroid. It occurs in tissues such as seminal vesicles, prostate gland, skin, hair follicles, epididymides, liver, and the brain. It forms from testosterone by the action of enzyme 5α-reductase. The enzyme reduces the C4-5 double bond in testosterone. Also, progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone are the precursors of DHT in the androgen backdoor pathway. It occurs in the absence of testosterone. Importantly, DHT is a more potent agonist of the androgen receptor (AR). Additionally, DHT is more potent as a paracrine and intracrine hormone rather than an endocrine hormone. Therefore, the circulating level of DHT is one-tenth or one-twentieth of the circulating testosterone levels.

Figure 1: DHT

Furthermore, DHT is important for the sexual differentiation of male genitalia during embryogenesis and puberty; it is responsible for the maturation of the penis and scrotum. It is also responsible for the growth of body, facial, and pubic hair. 

What is DHEA 

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is one of the most abundant hormones in circulation. Generally, the adrenal gland produces DHEA as a precursor for synthesizing male and female sex hormones. It is also important for follicular stimulation. Moreover, DHEA supplements extracted from soy and wild yam are given to pregnant mothers to help with age-related symptoms, including osteoporosis, skin thinning, etc. Besides, they are important for erectile dysfunction and certain neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and schizophrenia.

Figure 2: DHEA

Furthermore, DHEA is important for people with different inflammatory conditions, including Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. DHEA also helps with premature ovarian failure (POF) and decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). Moreover, DHEA is important for treating adrenal insufficiency, chronic fatigue, HIV, heart disease, and cancer. 

Similarities Between DHT and DHEA

• DHT and DHEA are two steroid hormones.
• They are precursors to sex hormones. 

Difference Between DHT and DHEA

Definition

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) refers to a hormone made from testosterone in the prostate, testes, and specific other tissues, while DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) refers to a hormone that your body naturally produces in the adrenal gland.

Produced by

DHT is produced from testosterone, while the adrenal gland produces DHEA. 

Significance 

DHT is an endogenous androgen sex steroid, while DHEA is an endogenous steroid hormone precursor. 

Structure

DHT is an androstane steroid with a ketone group at the C3 position and a hydroxyl group at the C17β position, while the structure of DHEA is closely related to androstenediol (androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol), androstenedione (androst-4-ene-3,17-dione), and testosterone.

Conclusion

In brief, DHT and DHEA are two steroid hormones that are precursors to sex hormones. DHT is made from testosterone, and it is an endogenous androgen sex steroid. It is an androstane steroid with a ketone group at the C3 position. In comparison, DHEA is a steroid hormone secreted from the adrenal gland. It is a precursor for the sex hormone in females. Its structure is closely related to androstenediol (androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol), androstenedione (androst-4-ene-3,17-dione), and testosterone. Therefore, the main difference between DHT and DHEA is their function.

References:

1. Arnold JT, Le H, McFann KK, Blackman MR. Comparative effects of DHEA vs. testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol on proliferation and gene expression in human LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2005 Mar;288(3):E573-84. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00454.2004. Epub 2004 Nov 9. PMID: 15536203.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Androstanolone” By Fvasconcellos – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Dehydroepiandrosteron” By NEUROtiker – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia