Action of dihydrotestosterone. When is dihydrotestosterone elevated in women and men? DHT and androgenic side effects

This hormone is decisive for physical development during male puberty and regulates sexual function. The maximum concentration of the substance is observed in the skin of the genitals and hair follicles.

Dihydrotestosterone is commonly associated with a large number of side effects, such as acne, baldness and enlarged prostate. But at the same time, this substance performs a number of very important functions, which will be discussed below.

Functions of Dihydrotestosterone

As mentioned above, Dihydrotestosterone is the most powerful known natural androgen. It interacts closely with receptors in comparison with testosterone, which explains the strong androgenic properties of the substance. Since it has a strong effect on the functioning of the prostate, the drug is used to treat gland pathologies.

A sharp enlargement of the prostate begins when the level of Dihydrotestosterone exceeds a certain value. At the same time, the hormone is actively used by the body in a large number of different processes. It has a strong effect on muscle growth, external and internal sexual characteristics, skeletal system, etc.

Since the substance is very important for the growth of muscle tissue mass, the hormone is used in a large number of sports supplements. This is one of the most important aspects of using Dihydrotestosterone in bodybuilding.

The process of formation of Dihydrotestosterone

We have already said above that Dihydrotestosterone is converted from the male hormone. In fact, Dihydrotestosterone is the main metabolite of testosterone. It should be noted that the activity of the male hormone at the time of its conversion into Dihydrotestosterone increases sharply and this figure increases approximately 3-5 times.

Dihydrotestosterone is the most powerful sex hormone in the body. Most people think that this is testosterone, but this is not true. To convert the male hormone into Dihydrotestosterone, 5-alpha reductase is required. Under the influence of this enzyme, the structure of the hormone changes, from which the C4–5 double bond is removed. In its place two hydrogen atoms are introduced. The result is a metabolite known as Dihydrotestosterone.

Testosterone is converted in cases where the body needs to ensure the strongest possible connection of the hormone with the receptors. The enzyme 5alpha reductase is most active in the prostate, liver, hair follicles located on the head and most of the skin. This allows you to meet the body's needs for the hormone in those places where it is needed.

Positive and negative qualities of Dihydrotestosterone

Dihydrotestosterone can be both a beneficial and dangerous hormone. Let's consider all cases. This will allow you to better understand the importance of Dihydrotestosterone in bodybuilding.

Negative properties of Dihydrotestosterone

You have probably already noticed that Dihydrotestosterone can only be active in certain tissues. This begs the question: how can a hormone cause harm? The answer is simple - not every tissue of the body needs high androgenicity. In the normal state of the body, the hormone is active only where it is needed. However, due to various circumstances, its level may increase, which leads to androgenic side effects. Most athletes are familiar with all of them.

It is important to remember that these side effects can also occur with high testosterone levels, since both hormones interact with the same receptors. Dihydrotestosterone, in general, produces almost the same effect on the body as other steroids, but its potency is significantly higher. With a high content of steroids in the body, its reaction will be similar to an increase in the content of Dihydrotestosterone.

Positive properties of Dihydrotestosterone

Although the side effects of Dihydrotestosterone are quite serious, the benefits of this hormone for the body cannot be underestimated. So it is Dihydrotestosterone that helps normalize the functioning of the central nervous system. This is due to the fact that a large number of human cells have receptors that interact with the hormone.

Scientists were able to find out that the effect of Dihydrotestosterone on the nervous system significantly exceeds that of the male hormone. Animal studies have shown that these two hormones interact with the same receptors, but Dihydrotestosterone does this over a longer period of time. On average, the period of its effect on receptors is about 21 hours.

To be fair, it should be admitted that scientists are divided on the issue of the hormone’s effect on androgen receptors. Some of them believe that the hormone has a more active effect on the receptors themselves, while the other half suggests that Dihydrotestosterone is able to have a special effect on the cells of the nervous system.

Although testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are related hormones, they act on different parts of the gene structure. It is no secret to most athletes that the central nervous system is a very important factor in the growth of muscle mass, and for this reason, blocking hormone synthesis when using steroids reduces the effectiveness of the entire cycle. This is an experimentally confirmed fact, and now it would be wrong to consider Dihydrotestosterone only from the negative side.

Learn more about Dihydrotestosterone in this video.

People often contact me with questions about dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and its derivatives. People seem to have a misconception about how it works, calling DHT some kind of diabolical androgenic by-product that plays no role in the body, thinking that taking it only ruins our prostate and causes us to lose hair on our heads.

The real situation, of course, is much more complicated. DHT is one of those controversial hormones whose workings are sorely misunderstood. For some people, DHT is not something that needs to be reduced or eliminated from the body. For other people, there is a risk and it is necessary to constantly monitor the level of DNG in the body. By knowing the individual facts about DHT in the body, you can determine which type you are and whether there is a risk in your particular case.

Testosterone as a prohormone

The main androgen secreted by the testes is naturally testosterone. However, for most of the body, the androgen signal is not carried out by testosterone. In these tissues, including: the brain (CNS), skin, genitals, the active androgen is actually DHT (does not apply to muscles). Testosterone in this case simply acts as a prohormone, which is converted into the active androgen DHT by the enzyme 5alpha reductase (5-AR).
5-AR is concentrated in large quantities in almost every androgen-dependent tissue of the body, with the exception of skeletal muscles. As a result, very little testosterone found in these parts of the body interacts with androgen receptors. Instead, it is quickly converted into DHT, which then interacts with the receptors.

This transformation serves a very important biological function in these tissues. You see, DHT is a more powerful androgen than testosterone - it binds approximately 3-5 times stronger to the androgen receptor. If you were to eliminate 5-AP from these tissues and stop the formation of DHT, you would see some undesirable changes in physiology.
A good example is male pseudohermaphroditism due to congenital 5-AP deficiency. This is a relatively rare disease. With this deviation, males are born with little or no 5-AP enzyme content. They have unformed genitals and are often raised as girls. When puberty occurs in these men, testosterone levels are elevated, although DHT levels remain very low. Their muscles develop normally like other adults, however, they have virtually no pubic/body hair and have an underdeveloped prostate and penis. Also, libido and sexual function are often impaired.

Testosterone as an active androgen in muscles

Skeletal muscles are unique tissues in the body in terms of androgen dependence. In fact, muscle contains little or no 5-AP and, accordingly, virtually no DHT is formed. In addition, any DHT that is produced or that is already present in the blood and reaches the muscle is quickly blocked by the enzyme 3alpha-hydroxysteroid reductase (3a-HSD).

Thus, for muscle tissue, testosterone is the main active androgen. This does not mean that administration of exogenous DHT does not have an anabolic effect. It will trigger some anabolic activity in the muscles, although much weaker than what would be produced by the same amount of testosterone. This is due to its rapid conversion of 3a-HSD to the weak metabolite 5alpha-androstane-3a, 17b-diol. If this enzyme is somehow blocked, it is likely that DHT will have a very powerful anabolic effect on the muscles.

It is important to understand that although testosterone is an active muscle androgen, and DHT has relatively few direct anabolic effects on muscle in men, DHT is still very important for the full effect due to testosterone's performance enhancement. Here are some features and effects of DHT on the central nervous system: it leads to an increase in neurophysiological activity (endurance), increases resistance to psychological and physical stress, optimizes sexual function and libido.

Antiestrogenic effects of DHT

One of the important functions of DHT in the body that does not receive due attention is estrogen antagonism. Some men who took Proscar (5-AR inhibitor) found this out the hard way - finding out the causes of gynecomastia. With a decrease in the protection of DHT from estrogen in the body, men become the owners of so-called “bitch boobs”.

How does DHT protect against estrogens? There are at least three explanations for how this works. First of all, DG T directly inhibits estrogen activity in tissues. On the one hand, it works by acting as a competitive antagonist with the estrogen receptor, protection occurs by reducing estrogen-induced RNA transcription at the point of subsequent binding to the estrogen receptor.

Second, DHT and its metabolites, as described above, directly block the formation of estrogens from androgens by inhibiting the activity of the aromatase enzyme. Studies of the effects of inhibitors on breast tissue have shown that DHT, androsterone, and 5alpha-androstandione are potent inhibitors affecting the formation of estrone from androstenedione. Moreover, it has been proven that 5alpha-androstandione is the most powerful inhibitor, and androsterone is the least powerful.

Finally, DHT acts on the hypothalamus/pituitary gland to reduce the secretion of gonadotropins. By reducing the secretion of gonadotropins, you reduce the production of raw materials for estrogen production from testosterone and androstenedione (DHT itself cannot aromatize into estrogens). This property of DHT is especially useful when administered from the outside, but we will talk about this in detail later.

DHT, Estrogens and the prostate

When the conversation turns to sex hormones, it becomes clear that for a wide range of people, the mechanisms of DHT in the functions of the prostate gland are completely unclear. The inaccurate and overly simplistic belief of most people is that DHT is responsible for prostate hypertrophy, and contributes to the development of prostate cancer.

The real situation, of course, is much more complicated. We must understand that there are significant differences between the healthy development and natural growth of the prostate, and the growth of the prostate due to BPH and cancer.

The first period of prostate growth is considered to be a stage associated with age-related changes, timed to coincide with puberty and an increase in the secretion of androgens in the testicles. This brings the prostate out of its state of prepubertal dormancy and begins the growth process until it reaches the normal size characteristic of a healthy and functional adult gland. In early and mid-adult life, the prostate gland does not change parameters, despite constantly high levels of androgens in the body. However, if androgens are blocked, the prostate in a mature man will decrease in size. This can happen through castration, or even blockade of 5-AR (recall that DHT is the active androgen in the prostate gland).

As a man gets older, a second stage of growth often begins. This growth is considered benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and occurs at a different hormonal level than normal growth during development. The fact that the presence of high estrogen/androgen levels occurs in older men is significantly associated with the development of BPH.
Experimental studies have shown that androgens with saturated A rings (bound by DHT) are unable to return the prostate to its original state of hypertrophy. These compounds do not aromatize. On the other hand, aromatization of androgens such as testosterone or androstenedione can induce hyperplastic changes in the monkey prostate, but these effects are the opposite of the addition of an aromatase inhibitor.
Thus, it is clear that estrogen is a causative factor in BPH. Or perhaps more accurately, estrogen in the presence of a certain amount of androgen.

This may not be news to you, but I'm sure very few of you know that DHT can actually be used to treat BPH! This occurs by replacing testosterone, resulting in a decrease in the amount of estrogen in the body.

DHT can be used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy!

DHT is a strong androgen that will signal the pituitary gland to reduce the production of gonadotropins. A decrease in gonadotropins will cause a decrease in testosterone production, which in turn will cause a decrease in estrogen levels. As a result, changes occur in the hormonal environment (high DHT, low estrogen), which apparently leads to regression of BPH. The clinical application of this theory is being debated in the United States, and dihydrotestosterone has been patented for use in androgen therapy.

The following two paragraphs taken from patent studies illustrate the results:

In 27 subjects in whom plasma DHT levels were monitored to examine the effect of the administered dose, an increase in levels was detected from 2.5 to 6 ng/ml. This indicated a decrease in gonadotropic as well as plasma testosterone levels, which exceeded at least 1.5 ng/ml (0.5 to 1.4 depending on the case); Plasma estradiol levels decreased by 50%.

Among this group of subjects, prostate volume decreased significantly, which was detected using ultrasound and PSA (prostate specific antigen). The average prostate volume was 31.09. + .16.31 g before treatment and from 26.34. + -. 12.72 grams post-treatment, for an average reduction of 15.4%, treatment having an average duration of 1.8 years with DHT (p = 0.01).
So this information goes against the popular belief about BPH.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, sometimes people have a natural tendency to categorize things as good or bad, black or white, without any gray areas. DHT (like estrogen) has recently been blacklisted by many, and is often considered a hormone that has no function in the body other than harm. Now that you have all the necessary facts you can ultimately see how this view is far from the truth.

Dihydrotestosterone (5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone) is a powerful steroid similar in action to androstenedione and testosterone. Dihydrotestosterone in women is formed from androstenedione, in men - from testosterone. An important enzyme such as 5-alpha reductase also takes part in the synthesis of this hormone.

The metabolic conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone occurs in the tissues of the male testes, in particular in the prostate gland. The hormone controls the formation of prostate cells and its epithelium, plays an important role in the formation of muscle mass during the period of growth and maturation of the male body and its sexual activity. Reduced levels of dihydrotestosterone and testosterone provoke impotence in men.

As it becomes clear, dihydrotestosterone is a male hormone. And the question immediately arises: why then are male hormones necessary for the female body? However, they play an extremely important role in a woman’s life.

Dihydrotestosterone in women

The adrenal glands are responsible for the production of hormones, including male androgens, in a woman’s body. There are five such androgens in total - dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Moreover, only testosterone can have a direct effect on female organs and tissues. The first three are pro-hormones, so they can only show their activity by turning into testosterone. Dihydrotestosterone, on the contrary, is a product of testosterone metabolism.

Throughout life, the levels of each androgen in a woman's body change. If we talk about dihydrotestosterone, its highest level is observed during puberty, when girls begin to develop secondary sexual characteristics - enlarged mammary glands, the appearance of pubic hair, etc. Consequently, this androgen, like all the others, “gathers” is responsible for the correct puberty of the female body.

If dihydrotestosterone is elevated in women, then, depending on age, there is a likelihood of symptoms of hyperandrogenism: hirsutism (hair growth on the entire body or individual areas), clitoromegaly (enlargement of the clitoris), acne. An increase in dihydrotestosterone during adolescence in girls can cause absence of menstruation, deepening of the voice and male-type skeletal development. At a more mature age, dihydrotestosterone may be elevated in women if there is hair loss, infertility and a number of other problems. However, increased levels of dihydrotestosterone may not occur as often - in only 5-8% of women.

Dihydrotestosterone in men

In men, an increase in the content of dihydrotestosterone in the blood can also provoke the appearance of cancer. An increased release of endogenous testosterones contributes to accelerated growth of muscle tissue, baldness and acne on the skin. This is also due to adrenal hyperplasia in adolescents. At the same time, unlike testosterone, dihydrotestosterone has a closer connection with androgen receptors in tissues. Its highest concentration is present in the skin of the genitals and hair follicles. Thus, with an increase in dihydrotestosterone levels, baldness or, on the contrary, excessive hair growth throughout the body may occur.

Hormone levels in boys decrease in the first week after birth, increase at the end of the second month of life, then slowly decrease again. Its increase occurs already when the boy reaches puberty, which is clearly visible not only in blood tests, but also in the condition of the skin. In girls, the hormone level gradually decreases, starting from the first month of life until prepubertal age, after which it begins to increase. During pregnancy, as a rule, the level of dihydrotestosterone decreases. If during this period dihydrotestosterone is increased in women, then there is a high probability of thrombophlebitis and adrenoblastoma.

Prescription of the hormone DHT

In cases where dihydrotestosterone is low in women, it is taken additionally. Indications for the use of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) may include its congenital deficiency, hirsutism, decreased libido, impotence in men, and so on. With strict control, the drug can be used in the treatment of benign prostate tumors.

The hormone DHT is important in the formation of the central nervous system, since nerve cells are equipped with androgen receptors. Dihydrotestosterone has a stronger effect on them than testosterone. Taking these hormones supports the growth of nerve cell receptors in the body for 24 hours. According to some scientists, this phenomenon occurs due to the copying of genes in DNA chains.

The effect of DHT on the central nervous system and skeletal muscles allows athletes to increase their performance in sports, adapt the body to intense training and build muscle mass. You can often hear complaints from athletes about slow muscle growth when taking these drugs. In this case, this may be due to the participation in the process of other hormones produced by the body and reducing the effect of testosterone for the purpose of self-defense. In any case, DHT should not be considered a hormone that causes side effects.

The normal level of dihydrotestosterone in the body of an adult male is considered to be 250-990 pg/ml, for women - 24-450 pg/ml. There are a number of diseases in which dihydrotestosterone is constantly elevated in the blood of women and men. These include:

• hirsutism, some types of tumors of the adrenal cortex;
• adrenoblastoma and the formation of thrombophlebitis during pregnancy;
• extragonadal neoplasm and virilizing tumor of the ovaries in men;
• testicular feminization.

When the level of DHT in the blood decreases, the following diseases may appear:

• gynecomastia;
• Down syndrome;
• liver failure;
• impotence;
• myotonic muscle dystrophy, and many other diseases.

Dihydrotestosterone is one of the most active androgens (in both men and women), formed from testosterone directly in the “target organs” with the participation of a special enzyme (5-alpha reductase).

Synonyms Russian

English synonyms

Dihydrotestosterone.

Research method

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Units

Pg/ml (picograms per milliliter).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for research?

1. Do not eat for 8 hours before the test; you can drink clean still water.
2. Avoid physical and emotional stress 30 minutes before the test.
3. Do not smoke for 30 minutes before the test.

General information about the study

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is present in the body of both men and women. It is formed from testosterone only with the help of a special enzyme - 5-alpha reductase. In men, it is produced by the testes and, to a lesser extent, by the adrenal glands; in women, on the contrary, it is produced to a greater extent by the adrenal glands and slightly by the ovaries.

Up to 70% of DHT in men is formed in peripheral tissues from free testosterone under the action of 5-alpha reductase, the rest directly in the testicles. In women, it is mainly synthesized from androstenedione.

DHT binds to tissue androgen receptors much more strongly than its predecessor testosterone, so that, despite its lower concentration, it has a more pronounced androgenic effect. For example, DHT stimulates prostate cell proliferation much more strongly than testosterone, which is one of the main causes of prostatic hyperplasia (which is why 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are now successfully used to treat it). Thus, excessive increases in DHT levels, including those associated with the use of testosterone drugs, lead to progressive growth of the prostate gland. During the course of treatment with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, it is necessary to monitor the content of DHT, which is interdependent with the size of the gland.

In men, DHT also affects other “target organs”: hair follicles, external genitalia, skeletal muscles. A decrease in the secretion of DHT, associated with insufficient synthesis of both testosterone (for example, in hypogonadism) and 5-alpha reductase, leads to disorders of sexual development in boys: lack of hair on the face, pubis, under the arms, reduced size of the penis and testicles, abnormalities in the structure of the penis, insufficient muscle mass. As you age, low levels of DHT cause erectile dysfunction and decreased libido.
Excess dihydrotestosterone in both sexes inhibits hair growth on the head and causes increased hair loss. In women, such baldness refers to hyperandrogenic dermopathy syndrome (HAS), a serious hormonal disorder that leads to abnormalities in the menstrual cycle and even infertility. Since baldness and acne can be one of the first signs of GAS, determining the level of DHT is advisable for a comprehensive assessment of hormonal status and early diagnosis of hyperandrogenism in women.

The human genome contains two genes encoding different isoforms of 5-alpha reductase: SRD5A1 and SRD5A2. They are located on the fifth and second chromosomes, respectively. Mutations of the SRD5A2 gene cause pseudovaginal perineoscrotal hypospadias (a boy's genitalia at birth develops like a woman's), since dihydrotestosterone affects the formation of the genitalia of the embryo.

What is the research used for?

• For diagnostics:

• • benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH),
  • androgenetic alopecia in both sexes,
  • primary and secondary hypogonadism in men,
  • age-related androgen deficiency, characterized by decreased libido and progressive erectile dysfunction in men,
  • Morris syndrome (one of the forms of testicular feminization), which develops due to androgen insensitivity,
  • congenital disorder of 5-alpha reductase synthesis.

• To monitor the success of the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for BPH or androgenetic alopecia.
• To find out the causes of hyperandrogenism, especially hyperandrogenic dermopathy in women.

When is the study scheduled?

• For symptoms of BPH (prostate enlargement, urinary problems).
• For baldness (both men and women).
• When using drugs that inhibit the action of 5-alpha reductase, in order to monitor the success of treatment.
• With decreased libido, erectile dysfunction in men.
• In the absence of testicles or a decrease in their size, cryptorchidism, abnormally small penis size, lack of pubic and armpit hair.
• During puberty in boys.
• For hirsutism, acne, seborrhea, menstrual irregularities in women.

What do the results mean?

Reference values

Reasons for increased dihydrotestosterone levels:

• BPH,
• androgenetic alopecia,
• use of testosterone drugs,
• androgen-producing tumors of the adrenal glands and gonads,
• hyperandrogenism syndrome in women,
• pregnancy.

Reasons for decreased dihydrotestosterone levels:

• primary and secondary hypogonadism in men,
• age-related androgen deficiency in men,
• use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors,
• Morris Syndrome,
• congenital 5-alpha reductase deficiency,
• postmenopause.

What can influence the result?

Int J Androl. 2012 Jan 17. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01236.x. The effect of dihydrotestosterone exposure during or prior to the masculinization programming window on reproductive development. Dean A, Smith LB, Macpherson S, Sharpe RM.MRC Center for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK.

Anal Toxicol. 2011 Nov;35(9):638-55. Screening indicators of dehydroepiandosterone, androstenedione, and dihydrotestosterone use: a literature review. Shelby MK, Crouch DJ, Black DL, Robert TA, Heltsley R.

It is a hormone that is produced from testosterone under the influence of enzymatic reactions. There are some differences between testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, which affect the functions of hormones in the body. DTG controls the normal functioning of the prostate and all organs of the genitourinary system.

Dihydrotestosterone is responsible for the timely appearance of secondary sexual characteristics in young men and with age its concentration in the body may change. A deviation of the hormone level from the norm may indicate various pathologies, so it is important to regularly undergo tests and monitor DHT levels in the blood. To know, dihydrotestosterone-What this is what it is and what significance it has for a man, you can consult a urologist.

Functions of dihydrotestosterone

What is the difference testosterone from dihydrotestosterone, and what functions do such hormones perform in the body? ? Dihydrotestosterone is a hormone produced in men. Compared to testosterone, it interacts more with cellular receptors, so its androgenic activity is much more noticeable. This substance has a significant effect on the development and functioning of the prostate in the future, therefore in medical practice it is widely used to eliminate prostate diseases.

If the concentration of dihydrotestosterone in the male body increases greatly and exceeds the permissible norms, then a noticeable increase in the size of the prostate is observed. In addition, various pathologies begin to progress and tumor-like formations are detected in the prostate tissue.

The concentration of dihydrotestosterone is determined by the production and content of testosterone in the male body. The higher the content of the latter, the greater its amount is fermented into DHT. It is necessary to maintain normal levels of this hormone by controlling testosterone, the production of which is controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Dihydrotestosterone is actively involved in the development and functioning of other organs, and also has a direct effect on biological and physiological processes. This hormone controls the condition of the genital organs, muscle mass, hair follicles and the skeletal system.

DHT has a positive effect on physical development in adolescence and not only in terms of secondary symptoms. This hormone helps accelerate the formation of muscle mass and the decomposition of fat. DHT affects a man's sexual behavior, so its deficiency in the body becomes one of the causes of impotence and decreased libido.

Symptoms of deviations

The very first symptom indicating that increased dihydrotestosterone in men, hair problems arise. In other words, hair falls out, its growth slows down and over time the man becomes bald. This hormone in the male body also affects other tissues and organs, so a violation of its content is accompanied by the appearance of certain symptoms.

Hormone deficiency in boys causes pronounced disruptions in sexual development. Such children do not develop hair in the armpits and other parts of the body, and also have abnormalities in the structure of the genital organ. In addition, there is a noticeable lack of muscle mass, and the penis or testicles are greatly reduced in size.

In case if dihydrotestosterone in men demoted, then some femininity, disproportion of the limbs and awkwardness of the figure may appear. Typically, such patients stand out among people by their apathetic and quarrelsome character, and are very withdrawn into themselves. A lack of DHT in men leads to decreased sexual desire and impaired potency, including problems with erection.

In case if Dihydrotestosterone is elevated in men, then nothing good comes from this either. In men, there is a clear imbalance of hormones, hair growth on the head stops and active baldness is observed.

An increase of even a few pg/ml is accompanied by too tall a teenager, underdevelopment of his larynx and increased pallor of the skin

Reasons for deviations

Any deviations in the level of DHT in the male body indicate the progression of pathologies. In fact, both too high results and rather low results are dangerous for the patient’s health.

It is possible to identify certain abnormalities using a blood test for DHT, which requires certain preparation. If the concentration of DHT in the male body is higher than normal, the reasons may be hidden in the following pathologies:

• Morris syndrome;
• the presence of adenoma in the testicles;
• hypergonadism;
• enhanced expression dihydrotestosterone blocker 5-alpha reductase in skin;
• adrenal tumor;
• malignant neoplasms localized in the testicles or adrenal glands.

The reasons for low levels of DHT in the male body may be the following:

• hypogonadism of primary and secondary nature;
• taking medications from the group of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors;
• insufficient production of androgens as a result of menopause in men.

Often, a lack of androgens and a reduced concentration of DHT is observed in those patients who take anabolic steroids without specific indications. A mistake many men make is taking anabolic steroids to quickly gain muscle mass. This is not allowed, as this causes disruption in the production of your own androgens, which can cause hormonal imbalance. Men should know what it is dihydrotestosterone, and from which doctor treat hormonal imbalances.

DHT test

An increased concentration of the hormone in the blood may be a sign of certain pathologies progressing in the body. At the very beginning, to confirm the diagnosis it is necessary pass on blood.

Dihydrotestosterone test It is recommended to do it in the morning before meals. Before the study, you are allowed to drink only water without gases, and it is best to avoid all other drinks. In addition, the evening before the procedure you should exclude fatty foods from your diet.

Approximately a few days before the scheduled date of the DHT test, you should refrain from drinking alcohol and smoking. In addition, lifting weights and strenuous exercise is not allowed. Before the procedure, you should stop taking all medications, be sure to coordinate this with a specialist.

In the clinic, 30 minutes before blood is drawn for testing, the man needs to rest and take a comfortable position. It is important to remember that on the eve of the DHT test, any stress or emotional stress is contraindicated. It is not allowed to come for the procedure immediately after X-rays and ultrasound examinations, physiotherapy and massage.

When to take dihydrotestosterone hormone for analysis, you need to ask your doctor. Experts recommend undergoing testing to determine DTG several times at intervals. In the event that the patient cannot stop taking medications for a certain time before how to pass dihydrotestosterone test, then it is necessary to inform a specialist about this. The fact is that many medications can distort the final results of the study.

Normal level of dihydrotestosterone

In order to determine the level of the hormone in the blood, venous blood is taken and analyzed, during which the serum concentration of the hormone is determined. The norm of dihydrotestosterone in men is 0.4–4.0 mU/l and it is determined by the patient’s age and changes in concentration. Deviations from the norm may indicate various disorders in the functioning of the reproductive organs and other malfunctions.

Elevated DTG levels

In case if normal dihydrotestosterone levels in men increased, then the reason may be hidden in the increased production of sexual hormones. An increase in the level of the hormone in the body can be provoked by taking medications with steroids and abnormalities of congenital enzyme systems.

Increased levels of DHT are observed in patients with the following pathologies:

• hypergonadism;
• idiopathic hirsutism;
• prostate and testicular adenomas;
• tumors of the reproductive system;
• testicular feminization.

The result of increased levels of DHT in children is too early puberty. Young men experience rapid growth, dense muscle tissue, the formation of body hair, as well as changes in the timbre of their voice. In addition, the volume of the testicles and prostate, the length of the penis and the pigmentation of the skin on the scrotum increase.

In adult patients, excessive concentrations of DHT are accompanied by:

• hirsutism;
• baldness;
• prostate tumor;
• benign prostatic hyperplasia.

If the cause of the increased secretion of the hormone is a tumor, then in men there is an increase in the severity of symptoms over time. With cancer, the negative dynamics become more noticeable, and additional symptoms may appear, such as compression of nearby tissues, intoxication and hemorrhages.

Reduced DTG level

More often than not, men are looking for an answer to a question how to lower dihydrotestosterone in men, and how to increase it. A common cause of low hormone levels is congenital anomalies of steroidogenesis. In the absence of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, DHT simply is not produced from testosterone. In such patients with a genetic anomaly, deviations in the structure of the organs of the reproductive system are diagnosed from the very manifestation.

The main role of the hormone during the intrauterine development of the fetus lies in the correct formation of the external genitalia. At low dihydrotestosterone hair loss is considered an acceptable phenomenon, so you shouldn’t be afraid of it. Common causes of low DHT concentrations include primary hypogonadism, androgen deficiency with age, and use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

Dihydrotestosterone and hair loss are closely interconnected. In adolescence, insufficient levels of DHT result in delayed puberty or problems with puberty. Mostly, body hair does not grow in the male pattern, and the size of the genital organs does not increase. At low Dihydrotestosterone how to increase its level should be checked by a specialist.

In adult men, DHT deficiency may result in decreased muscle mass, impaired libido, and slow growth of body and facial hair. In addition, a lack of DHT can cause infertility and problems with potency.

Treatment of DTG imbalance

Recovery norms of dihydrotestosterone in men carried out only after a thorough examination and under the control of laboratory parameters. This pathology is usually treated by an endocrinologist or urologist.

Reducing DTG levels

How to reduce dihydrotestosterone and can this be done with the help of medications? The main way to reduce the concentration of DHT in neoplasms of various types is surgical intervention. An operation is used to remove the adenoma, and if indicated, chemotherapy or radiation treatment is used as additional therapy.

How to increase dihydrotestosterone in a man in organism? With increased activity of 5-alpha reductase, therapy is carried out using drugs that inhibit this enzyme. Of the medications, two main drugs are usually used: dutasteride and finasteride. The concentration and action of hormones in a man’s body is also affected by taking medications that have an androgenic effect. Such medications suppress the synthesis of DHT or prevent its binding to receptors on target cells.

All androgens can be divided into:

• non-steroidal;
• steroid.

If the patient experiences premature sexual maturation, treatment is carried out using drugs that suppress the secretion of hormones from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Increased DTG in the body

How to lower dihydrotestosterone in a man and normalize its level? The main way to increase DHT in primary and secondary hypodynamism is the selection of replacement treatment, and testosterone preparations are usually prescribed. If a man is diagnosed with functional disorders, it is necessary to reconsider his lifestyle. To increase the concentration of DHT in the body, it is recommended to correctly alternate periods of sleep and wakefulness, engage in moderate physical activity, give up bad habits and eat nutritiously.

Science experiment

Scientists conducted an experiment in which average men of reproductive age who suffered from erectile dysfunction participated. In addition, each patient had another additional disease such as prostate adenoma, chronic prostatitis, excess weight or diabetes. The main goal of such a study is to determine how a particular disease affects the concentration of DHT in a man’s body.

The results obtained looked like this:

1. In patients with extra pounds and obesity, a deficiency of the hormone is observed in every fifth.
2. Low levels of DHT were detected in more than half of patients with diabetes.
3. Hormone deficiency has been diagnosed in 70% of men suffering from chronic inflammation of the prostate. The experiment showed that almost all men diagnosed with prostate adenoma had an excess of DHT concentration.

The study showed that only benign organ tissue hyperplasia can cause an excessive concentration of the hormone DHT in the male body. With diseases such as diabetes, obesity and prostatitis, there is a decrease in the level of DHT in the body of men.

At low dihydrotestosterone Andractim is a gel that contains such a hormone and is prescribed to patients with physical inactivity. With its help, it is possible to enlarge the penis to the desired size. Such ointment with dihydrotestosterone It is not prescribed to all patients, but only if there are certain indications.

Prevention and folk methods

Many patients are interested in how reduce the level dihydrotestosterone in men using folk remedies? In order to maintain the level of DHT in a man’s body at a constant level, it is recommended:

• sleep at least 7 hours a day;
• create normal conditions in the room, that is, relax in silence in a well-ventilated area;
• goes to bed no later than midnight.

Frequent stress and emotional overstrain lead to the fact that stress hormones are constantly produced in the male body. It provokes the release of cortisol, a substance that neutralizes testosterone.

In order to avoid a decrease in the level of this hormone, men should constantly monitor themselves and to relieve stress it is recommended:

• exercise;
• do breathing exercises;
• do gymnastics;
• walk slowly in the fresh air;
• consult a psychologist.

To maintain normal levels of DHT in a man’s body, the following foods should be consumed:

• sea ​​fish;
• walnuts;
• berries;
• greenery;
• fresh vegetables and fruits.

It is possible to increase the level of DHT in the blood using traditional medicine recipes that can be prepared at home. Healers recommend using plants for this purpose that contain a phytohormone, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the testicles and normalizes the endocrine system. It is recommended to use folk remedies until all the unpleasant symptoms of the disease disappear.

A plant such as Tribulus terrestris can be used even in the most difficult situations. It is necessary to prepare an infusion of 10 grams of crushed dry herbs and 300 ml of boiling water in a thermos daily. The resulting mass should be kept in a thermos for several hours or overnight, and then taken ¼ cup after meals.

Treatment with nettle allows not only to normalize testosterone levels in the male body, but also to get rid of pathologies that affect potency. In folk medicine, the seeds of the plant and its leaves are usually used. It is recommended to swallow 10 grams of nettle seeds every day and wash them down with water, in which you must first melt the honey. You can grind banana pulp and 5 grams of seeds in a blender, and then immediately eat the resulting mixture.

You can prepare an infusion of May nettle leaves and red fortified wine in a ratio of 1:10. After 20 days, the mixture should be filtered and taken 25 ml every evening before bed.

St. John's wort is considered a real male aphrodisiac, thanks to which it is possible to increase the level of DHT in the blood in a short time. It is necessary to pour 15 grams of the plant into a container, pour a glass of boiling water and keep on low heat for 20 minutes. After this, the resulting mass must be covered with a lid and left in a dark place for 40 minutes. You need to take this folk remedy several times a day, 10 ml before meals.

Ginger root helps fill a man’s body with tone and vitality. With its help, it is possible to restore blood circulation in the organs of the reproductive system, increase the level of DHT in the blood and increase the sensitivity of erogenous zones. You need to add a small amount of crushed plant root to tea every day or simply eat it with honey.

The level of DHT in a man’s body is an important indicator of his health, and any deviation from the norm may indicate various pathologies. Get advice on when to take it dihydrotestosterone, it is necessary to see a specialist. It is necessary to monitor the content of such a hormone in the body, and, if necessary, take a test as prescribed by a doctor. To know, what is dihydrotestosterone in men and how to maintain its level in the body, it is recommended to consult a specialist.