5-alpha reductase
Medical term · A
A chemical that changes the sex hormone testosterone into a substance called dihydrotestosterone. This hormone can cause the prostate gland to grow abnormally.
Related terms
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DihydrotestosteroneA form of the hormone testosterone that spurs the prostate gland to enlarge (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
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Prostate glandA walnut-shaped gland at the base of the male bladder. It produces a fluid that forms part of semen.
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TestosteroneA male hormone that occurs in small amounts in women and can be used as a part of hormone replacement therapy
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GlandAny organ or tissue that secretes fluids, such as hormones, for use elsewhere in the body or as waste.