5-alpha-reductase

noun

5-al·​pha-re·​duc·​tase
variants also 5α-reductase
: an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone

Note: Drugs (such as finasteride) are sometimes used to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. A deficiency of 5-alpha-reductase causes the genetic disorder 5-alpha-reductase deficiency.

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Cite this Entry

“5-alpha-reductase.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/5-alpha-reductase. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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