With a varicocele, what happens to dihydrotestosterone levels over time?

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Multiple Choice

With a varicocele, what happens to dihydrotestosterone levels over time?

Explanation:
Varicocele causes testicular stress from higher temperature and venous pooling, which over time impairs Leydig cell function and reduces testosterone production. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is made from testosterone via the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase in the tissues, including the testis. If testosterone levels fall because Leydig cells are compromised, the substrate for conversion to DHT decreases, so DHT levels decline over time. Therefore, the best answer is that DHT levels decrease.

Varicocele causes testicular stress from higher temperature and venous pooling, which over time impairs Leydig cell function and reduces testosterone production. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is made from testosterone via the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase in the tissues, including the testis. If testosterone levels fall because Leydig cells are compromised, the substrate for conversion to DHT decreases, so DHT levels decline over time. Therefore, the best answer is that DHT levels decrease.

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