5-alpha reductase in males is known to be involved in the conversion of testosterone at the 5-alpha dihydrotestosterone, which can bind to the specific androgen receptors responsible for the androgen activity of the males. 5-alpha reductase is also present in females, but until now without scientific explanation.
It is an ancient enzyme that I believe can be traced to plants, so not so much a question of what it does in female vertebrates, but what does it do in organisms that do not even make androgens (e.g. Molluscs).
If I remember correctly from my endocrinology lectures, 5-alpha reductase seems to be implicated in sexual mimicry and aggression levels in the extremely matriarchal spotted hyena. It's quite fascinating, but as it's only a fuzzy memory I'd suggest having a look at some research by people who know a lot more about it than me!
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