Passer au contenu principal

5-alpha reductase deficiency

5-alpha reductase deficiency is a condition that affects sexual development before birth and during puberty. People with this condition are genetically male, with one X and one Y chromosome in each cell, and they have male gonads (testes). Their bodies, however, do not produce enough of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT has a critical role in male sexual development, and a shortage of this hormone disrupts the formation of the external sex organs before birth.

Description

5-alpha reductase deficiency is a condition that affects sexual development before birth and during puberty. People with this condition are genetically male, with one X and one Y chromosome in each cell, and they have male gonads (testes). Their bodies, however, do not produce enough of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT has a critical role in male sexual development, and a shortage of this hormone disrupts the formation of the external sex organs before birth.

Many people with 5-alpha reductase deficiency have external genitalia that appears female. In other cases, affected infants have male-typical external genitalia, often an unusually small penis (micropenis) and the urethra opening on the underside of the penis (hypospadias). Still other affected infants have external genitalia do not look clearly male or clearly female.

During puberty, an increase in the levels of male sex hormones leads to the development of some secondary sex characteristics, such as increased muscle mass, deepening of the voice, development of pubic hair, and a growth spurt. The penis and scrotum (the sac of skin that holds the testes) may grow larger. People with 5-alpha reductase deficiency do not develop much facial or body hair. Most affected individuals are unable to have biological children (infertile) without assisted reproduction.

Inheritance patterns

The source lists the following possible inheritance patterns: Autosomal recessive. More than one pattern can apply in different cases.

Other names

PPSH

Pseudovaginal perineoscrotal hypospadias

Steroid 5-alpha-reductase deficiency

Related patient information and medicines

Hypertrophie de la prostate

Patient information leaflet

Hypertrophie de la prostate

It occurs in less than 1 in 100 men with an enlarged prostate each year. Medicines The decision to treat with ... There are two groups of medicines that may help: Alpha-blockers. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Medicines do not cure the problem, nor do they usually make symptoms go completely. Alpha-blocker medicines. This can improve the flow of.

Sang dans le sperme

Patient information leaflet

Sang dans le sperme

Haematospermia means there is blood in the semen. Usually there are no other symptoms such as pain. The haematospermia itself does not need any treatment. Medicines If you have persistent haematospermia without an identified cause then a type of medicine called a Inhibiteur de la 5-alpha réductase such as finasteride or dutasteride may be effective..

Problèmes de prostate

Patient information leaflet

Problèmes de prostate

Prostate and urethral problems can ... There are various treatments for the symptoms of BPH, including drugs such as alfuzosin/doxazosin (alpha-blockers), dutasteride/finasteride (5-alpha reductase inhibitors), oxybutinin/tolterodine/fesoterodine/darifenacin/solifenacin/trospium (antimuscarinics), mirabegron (for overactive bladder) and.

Syndrome des jambes sans repos

Patient information leaflet

Syndrome des jambes sans repos

Also after a time on dopamine agonists, symptoms can suddenly become much worse. If this is the case, you will need to stop or change your medication. Ligands alpha-2-delta This is another group of recommended medicines (although they do not have a licence for this condition). The two possible options are gabapentin and pregabalin. These are less.

Thalassémie

Patient information leaflet

Thalassémie

Thalassémie est an inherited (genetic) condition affecting the blood. There are different types of thalassaemia. Depending on which type you have, thalassaemia may cause no illness at all, or may be a serious lifelong condition requiring treatment. What causes thalassaemia. The cause is an inherited (genetic) change, involving the genes which tell.

Emphysème

Patient information leaflet

Emphysème

Emphysème est a progressive lung condition that is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Breathing indoor pollutants (such as fumes from heating fuel), as well as outdoor pollutants (su... Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. There is a rare genetic disorder called alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency which leads to an inherited deficiency of a.

Lectures complémentaires et références

Historique de l'article

Les informations sur cette page sont rédigées et examinées par des cliniciens qualifiés.
  • 6 mars 2025 | Dernière version
  • 1 Apr 2008 | Publié à l'origine

Participez à la conversation

Partagez vos pensées ou expériences avec les autres dans notre communautés de patients.

Avertissement : The views expressed in the community do not represent medical advice. For any health concerns, consult your GP or healthcare provider.
vérificateur d'éligibilité à la grippe

Demandez, partagez, connectez-vous.

Parcourez les discussions, posez des questions et partagez vos expériences sur des centaines de sujets de santé.

Inscrivez-vous à la newsletter Patient

Votre dose hebdomadaire de conseils de santé clairs et fiables - rédigés pour vous aider à vous sentir informé, confiant et maître de la situation.

Veuillez entrer une adresse e-mail valide

En vous abonnant, vous acceptez notre Politique de confidentialité. Vous pouvez vous désabonner à tout moment. Nous ne vendons jamais vos données.