[chrishoney]

My understanding is pretty much in line with Patti's. T is primarily responsible for libido and the ability to get and maintain erections. Blocking the production or action of DHT should not theoretically affect sexual function, except that in the body it's never quite that clear cut. There are multiple feedback loops and when one has an over abundance of T your system will sense that and convert some into estrogen and/or decrease natural production. This is why bodybuilders get "bitch tits" when taking anabolic steroids. T and not DHT is also primarily responsible for growth and maintenance of muscle mass, so in theory the various DHT blockers should not affect lean body mass either. If T is reduced, obviously there will less DHT since only 5% of free T is converted into DHT.

As for male pattern baldness, this is a combination of genetic predisposition and the action of DHT. Depending on your genetic makeup you will be more or less susceptible to MPB and the effects of DHT. Look at the men on your mother's side of the family as one of the main genes responsible is inherited matrilineally.