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The mechanism of action of dutasteride is that it inhibits the conversion of testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This is significant because DHT is a potent androgen that plays a major role in the development of conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). By blocking the enzyme 5α-reductase, which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to DHT, dutasteride reduces the overall levels of DHT in the body, leading to a decrease in the size of the prostate in men with BPH and helping to prevent hair loss.

The other options suggest mechanisms of action that do not accurately reflect how dutasteride operates. For instance, stimulating testosterone production does not align with the drug's intended use. Enhancing estrogen levels is unrelated to the activity of dutasteride, as it specifically targets dihydrotestosterone levels. Blocking androgen receptors directly is characteristic of other types of medications, such as anti-androgens, but not of dutasteride, which works by reducing the levels of DHT rather than blocking receptor activity. This specificity in action is what makes dutasteride a unique and effective treatment for conditions linked to D