What is dihydrotestosterone responsible for in men? Increased dihydrotestosterone: causes and consequences of deviations

One of the representatives of androgens is the active hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This substance is formed from androstenedione in peripheral tissues under the action of enzyme systems. DHT is the most powerful of all natural male sex hormones.

In men, this androgen:

• promotes the development of the prostate gland and genitals;
• defines ;
• affects physical development during puberty;
• regulates libido;
• supports potency;
• is .

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Rice. 1 - Elevated levels of dihydrotestosterone in men are one of the causes of early baldness.

In laboratories, the concentration of DHT is expressed in the following units: pg/ml; ng/100 ml; nmol/l. Normal levels of the hormone vary greatly at different periods of life. DHT levels reach their maximum values ​​after 15-16 years.

Table 1 - Normal values ​​of dihydrotestosterone in men.

Pathological values

A change in the concentration of DHT may indicate serious malfunctions in the reproductive system and other disorders. Men with pathological results of homonosis analysis should be examined by an endocrinologist, andrologist and urologist.

Elevated DHT levels

The reason for the excessive concentration of this active androgen may be excessive secretion of sex hormones in men. Also, the use of medications with steroids and congenital abnormalities of enzyme systems lead to increased levels of DHT.

Excess DHT is observed in patients with:

• testicular feminization (Morris syndrome);
• malignant neoplasms of the adrenal glands or testicles;
• or testicles;
• idiopathic hirsutism (increased expression of 5-alpha reductase in the skin);
• hypergonadism.

The consequence of increased hormone concentrations in childhood is premature sexual development of the isosexual type. In such cases, boys experience accelerated growth, an increase in the percentage of muscle tissue, the appearance of hair on the face and body, and a mutation in the voice. An increase in the volume of the testicles and prostate, length of the penis and pigmentation of the skin of the scrotum is also detected. True full sexual development is accompanied by activation of spermatogenesis.

In adult men, excessive concentrations of DHT cause:

• baldness;
• hirsutism;
• benign prostatic hyperplasia;

Rice. 2 - Dihydrotestosterone is responsible for the manifestation of secondary sexual characteristics, such as hair on the face and body.

It is believed that elevated levels of this active androgen may be one of the causes of social maladjustment. Men with a high DHT score are more likely to show aggression, demonstrate impulsive behavior, and commit crimes.

If high levels of androgens are determined in patients with Morrison syndrome, then the listed features are not observed. Patients with this genetic defect have congenital tissue insensitivity to testosterone and its derivatives. In the full form of the syndrome, a female phenotype is observed (developed mammary glands, vagina) with a male set of chromosomes (46 XY).

If the cause of increased DHT secretion is a tumor of the adrenal gland or testicle, then patients usually experience an increase in symptoms over time. If the neoplasm is malignant, then the negative dynamics are especially noticeable. In addition, during tumor processes other signs of the disease may be observed (compression of surrounding tissues, hemorrhages, cancer intoxication, lymphadenopathy, etc.)

Reduced DHT

Low dihydrotestosterone levels in men are due to congenital abnormalities of steroidogenesis. If the body does not have the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, then DHT is not formed from testosterone. In men with this genetic feature, pathologies in the structure of the genital organs are already determined at the time of birth.

The role of DHT in the prenatal period is the formation of the external genitalia. If the fetus has chromosome set 46 XY, but the synthesis of dihydrotestotsterone is impaired, then the gonads will be male (testicles), and the external genitalia will be of an intermediate type.

Other reasons for decreased DHT:

• usage .

In adolescents, a lack of DHT manifests itself in delayed puberty or delayed puberty. Most often, there is no male-type hair growth on the face and body, and there is no increase in the size of the penis, testicles, or prostate.

In adult men, active androgen deficiency is manifested by feminization:

• the percentage of muscle mass decreases;
• hair growth on the face and body slows down;
• libido decreases;
• infertility develops;
• Potency deteriorates.

Treatment for DHT Imbalance

Correction of DHT levels is carried out after a complete diagnosis and under the control of laboratory parameters (androgens, etc.). Treatment is most often selected by a urologist or endocrinologist.

Lowering dihydrotestosterone

Surgical treatment helps reduce DHT in cases of testicular or adrenal tumors. The adenoma (carcinoma) is surgically removed. If necessary, the intervention is supplemented with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

If there is excessive activity of 5-alpha reductase, drugs inhibitors of this enzyme can be selected for treatment. Of the medications in this series, two main ones are used in clinical practice: finasteride and dutasteride. The first of them was synthesized more than 30 years ago. It has a high affinity for alpha reductase type 2. In medium doses, the drug reduces DHT levels by 70-90%. Dutasteride binds to both type 1 and type 2 enzymes. Due to this, its effectiveness is slightly higher than finasteride (reduces DHT by 95-98%).

Also, the level and action of male hormones are influenced by drugs with antiandrogenic effects. These drugs inhibit the synthesis of DHT or prevent it from binding to receptors on target cells.

Antiandrogens are divided into 2 groups:

• steroids (cyproterone acetate, chlormadinone acetate, megestrol acetate, spironolactone);
• non-steroidal (flutamide, anandrone, casodex).

In case of premature sexual maturation, drugs are used that suppress the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. For example, a boy may be prescribed synthetic analogues of long-acting lutropin-releasing hormone.

Increasing dihydrotestosterone

Dihydrotestosterone can be increased in primary and secondary hypogonadism (usually testosterone preparations are used).

In case of functional impairment, lifestyle modifications may be recommended for men. In such situations, normalizing sleep and wakefulness, moderate physical activity, good nutrition, and giving up bad habits help increase the concentration of androgens in the blood in such situations.

If the cause of DHT deficiency is 5-alpha reductase inhibitor drugs, then the issue of their discontinuation is considered.

Endocrinologist Tsvetkova I.G.

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Dihydrotestosterone is a powerful male sex hormone. In men's bodies, it is synthesized by the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase on testosterone. Most of the dihydrotestosterone is produced in the testicles. In the female body, another hormone is used to form dihydrotestosterone, namely androstenedione. It is produced by the adrenal glands.

A small part of it is produced by the ovaries. In male bodies, DHT determines the characteristics of the physical development of a young man during puberty. This hormone is responsible for potency and sexual behavior, the development of the prostate and genitals. The highest levels of this hormone are found in hair follicles and genital skin. If dihydrotestosterone is elevated in the human body, various diseases can develop because of this.

The role of dihydrotestosterone in the human body

Before considering the reasons for the increase in dihydrotestosterone in men and women, it is necessary to have a general understanding of the role of this hormone in the human body. Dihydrotestosterone, as well as many other male hormones, has a direct effect on the physical development of a guy, the presence of hair on the body and face, the formation and development of the genitals and prostate gland, sexual behavior, etc.

The highest percentage of this hormone is formed in tissues that are located outside the boundaries of the testes. The highest content of dihydrotestosterone in men, as already noted, is observed in the skin of the reproductive organs and hair follicles.

In men, this hormone has a stimulating effect on the proliferation of prostate cells. If the content of this hormone deviates from the norm, various diseases appear, including prostate tumors. If the level of dihydrotestosterone in men becomes higher than normal, then such patients are usually prescribed 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Such drugs suppress the synthesis of 5-alpha reductase, due to which the content of dihydrotestosterone in the blood of men decreases. The norm in men depends on age and a number of other factors that must be taken into account when taking the test.

In the female body, dihydrotestosterone is produced in the adrenal tissues. Male androgens include 5 hormones, of which only testosterone and dihydrotestosterone have a direct effect on the body. The remaining 3 hormones belong to the category of pro-hormones, that is, they begin to affect the body only after they are “converted” into testosterone.

If dihydrotestosterone in a woman’s body rises above the permissible level, the girl will begin to develop symptoms of hyperandrogenism, such as:

• hirsutism is a pathology in which hair grows very intensively and where it usually does not appear in women;
• acne;
• significant increase in clitoral size.

If the hormone is constantly above normal during adolescence, girls may experience disturbances in the formation of the skeleton (it develops according to the male type), absence of menstruation or cycle disruption, and the voice may become rough. In older women, dihydrotestosterone levels higher than normal can lead to the development of infertility and baldness.

If the hormone is contained in insufficient quantities, the patient may be prescribed special medications, after which the level will become higher. Deviations in dihydrotestosterone levels from the norm can be congenital or acquired.

In both women and men, an increase in dihydrotestosterone above normal levels leads to slower hair growth, deterioration of hair condition and baldness.

Norm and deviations

To determine the level of dihydrotestosterone in the blood of men and women, a venous blood test is performed. During this analysis, the serum concentration of DHT is determined using the enzyme immunoassay method. The norm for women and men differs depending on age.

• with hypergonadism;
• while taking hormonal medications;
• with prostate adenoma;
• during pregnancy in women;
• in the presence of neoplasms on the gonads and adrenal glands;
• with hirsutism.

To clarify the reasons why the level of this hormone has become elevated, a special analysis is performed. This analysis may be prescribed in the following cases:

Dihydrotestosterone and testosterone are interrelated hormones, therefore, as a rule, the content of both the first and the second is checked at the same time.

Using analysis to diagnose various diseases

If the level of dihydrotestosterone in the blood is elevated, this may indicate the presence of certain diseases. In such situations, a test for DHT levels in the blood is performed to confirm the diagnosis. Among the diseases that lead to an increase in dihydrotestosterone levels are:

In the presence of benign prostatic hyperplasia, a test for dihydrotestosterone is given to monitor the patient’s condition and monitor changes when using medications that contain 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Women in most cases undergo this test to determine the cause of hyperandrogenic dermopathy.

1-2 days before taking a blood test for dihydrotestosterone levels, you should refrain from drinking alcohol and cigarettes, do not lift heavy objects, and do not engage in active sports. It is recommended to stop taking medications, but this must first be agreed with your doctor.

Half an hour before the blood test, the patient needs to calm down, take a comfortable position and relax. Stressful situations and emotional outbursts on the eve of the test are contraindicated.

You cannot take a blood test for dihydrotestosterone after ultrasound and x-ray examinations, massage and physiological procedures, etc.

Testosterone levels are tested several times at certain time intervals.

To track the results of treatment, each subsequent analysis must be taken under similar conditions, in the same place and at the same time.

If at the time of taking the test for dihydrotestosterone a person cannot stop taking medications, it is necessary to inform the doctor about this, because Some medications may interfere with test results.

It is best for women to get tested for dehydrotestosterone levels at the beginning of their menstrual cycle.

How is the treatment carried out?

Only a doctor can determine that the DHT level is elevated after a detailed study of the test results. Based on the results obtained, appropriate treatment will be prescribed. In most cases, various hormonal drugs are prescribed. The specific medications and duration of treatment are determined by the doctor.

It must be remembered that any hormonal imbalances can result in very serious health problems. If the level of dihydrotestosterone in the blood increases, competent and timely treatment is necessary. So respond to all signals from your body and do not delay your visit to the hospital. Good luck and stay healthy!

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 that is converted to 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 the activity of estrogen 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 surpasses other androgens and rightfully bears the name of the king of kings. Simply put, it makes a man an even more courageous person, but for the body to function normally, the balance of hormonal levels must be maintained. Dihydrotestosterone, unlike other anabolic hormones, cannot be aromatized (converted into estrogen).

Difference between DHT and testosterone

Dihydrotestosterone is a sex steroid and the most powerful androgenic hormone. The enzyme 5α-reductase synthesizes testosterone into dihydrotestosterone in the prostate gland, testicles, hair follicles and adrenal glands.

Dihydrotestosterone has an androgen receptor affinity 2−3 times greater than testosterone, and has 15−30 times greater affinity than adrenal androgens. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are together responsible for the sexual characteristics inherent in men, but their functions are different. During puberty, testosterone causes sexual desire in men, enlargement of the penis, sperm production, increased muscle size and mass, and a deepening of the voice, the so-called anabolic effects.

The hormone dihydrotestosterone is biologically important for the sexual differentiation of the male genitalia during embryogenesis, the development of the genital organs during puberty, the growth of facial, corporal and pubic hair, and the formation and maintenance of the prostate and seminal vesicles.

Causes of anomalies

Over the course of many years, dihydrotestosterone is produced in significantly less volume, then obvious signs of imbalance and hormone deficiency appear. Experts presented the concept of DHT based on age characteristics and other points that should be taken into account during testing. DHT concentrations above or below normal are typical for diseases such as:

Normal for men

The main signal for an increase in acceptable DHT values ​​is problems with hair. They begin to fall out and stop growing, which in turn leads to alopecia (baldness). Dihydrotestosterone in a man’s body influences many processes, as a result of which its reduced or excessive concentration is expressed in a number of striking manifestations. For mature men, a DHT level of 250−990 picograms per 1 ml of venous blood is considered normal. For boys aged 10-12 years, the DHT content is 5−50 pg/ml

With a lack of DHT in boys, there are obvious deviations in sexual development. They have no hair on the armpits, groin and face, the muscles of the body are atrophied, the penis may have an abnormal structure, and there is a noticeable pathological decrease in the size of the penis or testicles. In addition, these young people exhibit femininity, have an inconsistent figure, disproportionately long limbs, and they tend to be sociopathic, characterized by inflexibility or apathetic character.

Low levels of dihydrotestosterone lead to decreased libido and can cause sexual weakness. Excessive DHT also has a negative character: a significant hormonal imbalance occurs, hair growth on the head stops, accompanied by active alopecia.

Preparing for analysis

In some cases, you need to take a test to determine the level of DHT in the body. As a rule, this is prescribed if:

Experts advise taking tests to determine your dihydrotestosterone levels on an empty stomach in the morning (8:00-11:00). Before starting the procedure, you can drink still water; the use of any other drinks is excluded. Avoid foods high in cholesterol the night before your tests. In addition, 2 days before the test, give up alcohol; physical exercise or heavy work is also contraindicated. According to the medical report, if the patient is undergoing any treatment, he should stop taking the medications.

Samples are repeated after a certain period of time. In addition, subsequent tests must be taken at the same time and in the same clinic. Only in this way will the results be as reliable as possible. Half an hour before blood collection, you should not smoke and be in a relaxed state, because emotional stress or stress can affect the accuracy of the tests. You cannot undergo dihydrotestosterone analysis after manipulations with electric current, radiation, physical impact and ultrasound.

Experts believe that taking certain medications can affect changes in analysis data, so you must notify your doctor about taking any medications.

Normalization of hormone levels

An overestimated level of dihydrotestosterone threatens not only baldness, but also much more significant health problems. It is possible to lower the level of the hormone in the blood only after the cause of its change has been determined. Properly selected medications by the attending physician will help both reduce and increase dehydrotestosterone levels. Therapeutic measures may be as follows:

• in the presence of prostate adenoma or other tumor - surgery accompanied by the use of radiation or chemical therapy;
• if the level of dihydrotestosterone has been increased due to excessive activity of 5-Alpha reductase, special drugs (Finasteride, Dutasteride) are used to reduce it.

Therapy is carried out with antiandrogen drugs that inhibit the synthesis of DHT. Early puberty is negative. It can be slowed down with the help of drugs that suppress the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Endocrine system- quite a delicate substance. Any intrusion into its functionality can lead to irreversible processes. Never self-medicate and contact qualified medical professionals if necessary.

You can find out what dihydrotestosterone is by understanding its main functions in the human body.

One of the most important male sex hormones is dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is responsible for very important processes occurring in the male body:

• efficient functioning of the prostate gland;
• proper development of internal and external genital organs;
• uniform growth of muscle mass;
• formation of the musculoskeletal system;
• Hair Growth;
• sexual behavior and erectility are regulated.

Dihydrotestosterone is also produced in the female body. All male sex hormones are called androgens and are produced in the adrenal glands. A woman needs male hormones for:

• metabolism;
• growth of bones, muscles, hair;
• regulation of the sebaceous and sweat glands;
• formation of libido.

Deviations in the production of dihydrotestosterone in men and women, both in the direction of increasing its concentration and decreasing the norm, can lead to serious disruptions in the functioning of various body systems.

To determine deviations in the secretion of DHT in the body, its normative indicators are used. Concentration in the blood is determined by clinical analysis, the obtained values ​​are compared with standard values.

Table of norms for dihydrotestosterone levels for men and women by age:

Reduced hormone levels - causes, symptoms, treatment options

The production of DHT in a man’s body can decrease under the influence of various factors:

• dysfunctional disorder of the gonads;
• prostatitis;
• diabetes;
• tumors in the adrenal glands;
• androgen deficiency;
• with Morris syndrome;
• – insufficiency of the gonads.

You can pay attention to your health and get tested to determine your hormone levels if you experience the following symptoms:

• sudden hair loss, cessation of hair growth;
• obesity, manifested by the female type (stomach, chest, thighs);
• erectile dysfunction;
• lack of sexual desire;
• increased sweating;
• decrease in muscle mass;
• dry skin;
• fatigue, depression, insomnia;
• infertility.

Traditionally, doctors advise undergoing an examination if at least three of the above signs are present.

In boys, low hormone levels manifest as follows:

• lack of muscle mass;
• slow hair growth, absence of hair on the face, armpits, groin;
• a reduced penis or its abnormal structure;
• there is femininity in the figure;
• disproportionate development of the limbs.

How to increase hormone levels?

Most often, a decreased level of the hormone is observed in men after 30–40 years of age; this can be caused by various diseases. If hormone secretion is detected below normal, you need to undergo a comprehensive examination to identify more complex pathologies. Treatment should begin with eliminating the underlying cause.

And to increase the level of the hormone dihydrotestosterone, the endocrinologist may prescribe replacement therapy with synthetic drugs containing testosterone.

Conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone

In androgen-responsive tissues, activity increases significantly and it begins to be converted to dihydrotestosterone. This process is called testosterone conversion. The enzyme 5-alpha reductase greatly facilitates this conversion by adding two hydrogen atoms to the testosterone structure, which is why the hormone is called di-hydro-testosterone.

At the time of conversion, the bond between testosterone and dihydrotestosterone is broken, and an active steroid is formed that has a strong connection with androgen receptors. That is why it has a stronger effect on the male or female body.

Why does excess hormone occur?

The presence of prostate adenoma is the most common cause of increased dihydrotestosterone in men.

In scientific studies that were carried out with the participation of men aged 25–40 years, it turned out that everyone who was diagnosed with prostate adenoma had elevated dihydrotestosterone.

As a result of the development of a benign tumor of the prostate tissue, it increases in size and produces more hormones.

Consequences of an abnormal increase in hormone secretion in the male body:

• , sudden hair loss;
• the appearance of acne;
• increased excitability;
• aggressive, hot-tempered behavior;
• infertility developed against the background of testicular atrophy.

With increased dihydrotestosterone in women, the body reacts completely differently, the following are observed:

• increased growth of hair on the face, body, male type,
• increased sweating;
• increased secretion of the sebaceous glands;
• metabolic disorders, and as a result -;
• a girl may feel increased sexual desire;
• disruption of the menstrual cycle;
• increase in the size of the clitoris and labia.

If dihydrotestosterone is elevated in women, this may indicate serious diseases:

• adrenal tumors;
• infertility;

Reasons for increased hormone levels in women:

• tumors in the ovaries;
• unhealthy diet, obesity;
• receiving others;
• congenital or acquired pathology of the hypothalamus.

Sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone is observed in women with type 2 diabetes.

Hormone blocker

In order to reduce dihydrotestosterone levels, it is necessary to block 5-alpha reductase. Thanks to this enzyme, testosterone is converted to DHT. Dihydrotestosterone and hair loss are two interrelated concepts, since the production of the enzyme depends on the functioning of the hair follicles.

That is why, when hormone production is disrupted, hair falls out. Drugs that are prescribed to lower dihydrosterone levels are called 5-alpha reductase blockers. The most common are:

• dufason;
• finasteride;
• cimetidine;
• spironolactone.

In addition to synthetic drugs, phytoestrogens are used to reduce hormone production:

• the fruits of the dwarf palm have fatty acids, resins and tannins, which reduce the activity of hair follicles;
• stinging nettle;
• Red clover;
• alfalfa.

Drugs that lower androgens in women

If dihydrotestosterone is high in women, the attending physician may prescribe the following medications:

• spironolactone;
• metformin.

These two drugs not only suppress the action of androgens, but also interfere with their production.

Doctors may often prescribe certain contraceptives:

• Jeannine;
• Diana-35
• Yarina.

When reducing hormone levels through medication, it is recommended to use herbal decoctions:

• chamomile;
• mint;
• sage.

How to get tested

To determine the level of DHT in the body, it is necessary to donate venous blood for examination. The test for dihydrotestosterone must be carried out after special preparation:

• 1–2 days before the test, do not drink alcohol, do not play sports and avoid physical activity, do not drink juices, do not take medications;
• 12 hours before donating blood, do not eat, you can only drink clean water;
• It is recommended to take it in the morning, from 8 to 11 o’clock;
• Stress and emotional outbursts are contraindicated;
• You cannot take a test after a massage, ultrasound, or physiotherapy;
• to determine the level of dihydrotestosterone in women, examination should be carried out at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, on days 2–4;
• It is recommended to re-test 2-3 more times. This must be done in the same clinic, under similar conditions.

The results of the analysis are intended only for the attending physician; drawing conclusions on your own and selecting medications to increase or decrease hormone levels is strictly prohibited.

Bibliography

1. Guide for emergency doctors. help. Edited by V.A. Mikhailovich, A.G. Miroshnichenko. 3rd edition. St. Petersburg, 2005.
2. Vloshchinsky P.E., Poznyakovsky V.M., Drozdova T.M. Physiology of nutrition: Textbook. -, 2007. -