DHT is a common sex hormone that is primarily known for causing male-pattern baldness and the changes during puberty in men. But what you may not know is the benefits and how DHT can help you. The goal here is to give you an overview of DHT, helping you understand everything you need to know about DHT and DHT blockers.
Overview
DHT, which is dihydrotestosterone, is a sex hormone that is created in the body from testosterone. This hormone is important because it plays a major role in developing masculine characteristics, including a deep voice, muscle growth, and body hair. This is also an essential hormone for developing the prostate and genitals in men. It’s a far more powerful hormone than testosterone actually is and has a major role in male-pattern baldness.
If a man has an enzyme deficiency (5-AR), they cannot produce DHT from testosterone, leading to reduced development and function of the reproductive organs. DHT will activate the androgen receptors required for sexual differentiation as the fetus develops and the normal changes during male puberty. As men grow older, this is essential for maintaining the sex drive in men.
Benefits of DHT
Some potential benefits are associated with DHT. This section will take a look at a few of the most significant benefits of DHT.
Better Blood Sugar Levels
There is evidence that DHT can help people with high blood sugar levels and diabetes by regulating glucose metabolism. A study was performed on rats who were given DHEA. The increased levels of DHT were able to improve weight, body fat, and insulin sensitivity.
Improved Memory
Men can potentially notice improved memory if they are between the ages of 34 and 70 when they are treated with DHT patches.
Improved Sexual Function
DHT can improve sexual function in any man, despite factors that typically affect it, such as age and weight (obesity). DHT is important to work with testosterone for men to maintain a healthy sex drive. It’s also used to help boys who were born with a reduced penile function.
Improved Heart Health
There is a link between higher levels of DHT and a lower amount of fat deposits in men who have coronary artery disease. There is also a link between lower levels of DHT and testosterone levels with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications in men undergoing prostate treatments lowered testosterone. High rates of DHT in older men have lower rates of death from heart-related diseases.
Benefits to Muscle Mass and Strength
DHT doesn’t just benefit men. There is a link between DHT levels in women and their power and strength. There is the potential that postmenopausal women can gain muscle mass with DHT.
Reduction in Autoimmune Disorders
Men tend to be up to 20x less likely to develop autoimmune disorders. One of the reasons for this is potential because of the male hormones having a naturally protective effect against certain conditions. Some of these autoimmune disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, Graves’, lupus, MS, and Hashimoto’s. There is also some evidence that offering DHT treatments can be beneficial in treating these conditions.
DHT Blockers
A DHT blocker is a type of medication that is used to prevent DHT from attaching to receptors. This type of medication is used to reduce levels of DHT in the system. There are various reasons why DHT blockers are necessary, including resolving issues like hair loss in men and women. An increased level of DHT can lead to a variety of issues that may require you to use DHT blockers aside from hair loss, including:
- Acne
- Prostate cancer
- Depression in women
- Hair growth in women that is male-like
How to Increase & Decrease DHT Levels
If you have a problem because your DHT levels are too high or too low, this section will help you learn the best approaches to increasing and decreasing your DHT levels.
Increasing DHT Levels
To increase your DHT levels, you can do the following:
- Exercise
- Lose weight/excessive body fat
- Healthy eating
- DHEA supplements
- Caffeine
- Creatine
- Tongkat Ali
- Tribulus
Decreasing DHT Levels
If you do need to decrease your DHT levels, there are some things that you can take that will help.
- 5-AR inhibitors
- Testosterone
- Red ginseng
- Black tea
- Copper
- Soy and green tea
- Fenugreek
- Berberine
- Fo-Ti
- Andrographis
- Pumpkin seeds
DHT Treatment
There are different DHT blocker treatment options available to you. Some options are made available over the counter or prescribed by a medical professional. Some of these options include:
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a topical treatment that typically comes in 2 strengths: 2% and 5%. This product stimulates hair growth by increasing the hair’s growth phase cycle, increasing the follicles’ blood flow, and shortening the resting phase. This is a treatment commonly used to treat hair loss.
Finasteride
Available by prescription only, this is an oral medication that inhibits the enzyme responsible for DHT production from testosterone. Finasteride was created to treat enlarged prostates, but it can also impact treating hair loss. It is highly recommended that you get a pre-finasteride blood test to check your DHT and other hormone levels. This test will provide your physician with the helpful information needed to get you the most effective treatment.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil is a more natural solution that can be used as it can inhibit DHT. It can be used for issues like enlarged prostate and help reduce hair loss.
Conclusion
DHT is a sex hormone that plays a significant role in the body, especially when it comes to men. However, some serious issues can occur when you have levels of DHT in your system that are too high or too low. Getting the right balance of hormones for your body is essential to the overall function of your body. It’s always a good idea to get the advice of a medical professional before you start any treatment for your DHT-related issues to ensure that you choose the right treatment plan for your needs.
Contact Patient Care @EVOLVE to get your DHT levels tested and to start a personalized hormone treatment plan.
