[Lotus]

That is interesting.

Theoretically if there are 2 units of free T. One unit of T is converted into (not necessarily 1 unit of ) Estrogen. The free T that works against progress is negligible, Estrogen:Testosterone 100 to 1 (when you say receptor sites, different receptor sites respond differently) . (As long as the 1 unit of testosterone doesn't become less than 1/100 unit of estrogen) So free T is also necessary for overall function. Free T MIGHT also up-regulate Estrogen receptors. From a study, it said testosterone negatively affected growth during luteal phase. This sentence is speculation, perhaps it was DHT, or not free T. It could have also been free T, or its indirect effects on DHT or estrogen. Everyone seems to agree that DHT is more inhibiitive than free T. This is a good argument for aromatase, it MIGHT convert free T into estrogen INSTEAD of DHT.

So, I don't know if DHT has an essential function for females. DHT must have a function for males, but the more there is, the more unwanted effects it has for both genders.

I've come across papers that mentioned DH versions of progestogens. I have no idea what they do.

I find this interesting, The total estradiol production rate in the human male has been estimated to be 35-45 μg (0.130-0.165 μmol) per day, of which approximately 20% is directly produced by the testes [13,14]. Roughly 60% of circulating estradiol is derived from direct testicular secretion or from conversion of testicular androgens. The remaining fraction is derived from peripheral conversion of adrenal androgens [15].

To get an accurate assessment of your testosterone levels, you need to have two measurements. One measures the combined level of bound testosterone and free testosterone (the active kind that matters in terms of what symptoms you're experiencing) in your blood, while the other measures only the testosterone that's bound to proteins. By subtracting the second number from the first, you'll find your level of free testosterone. Because free testosterone can bind protein in a test tube, and bound testosterone can be displaced, the resulting number will be, at best, a close approximation.
Michael Roizen, MD