Have you ever heard the word DHT ? Maybe you heard it while talking to a friend about hair loss , or reading an article about men's health . What exactly is DHT? Is it good or bad for our bodies? What does this DHT hormone that some people are afraid of actually do in our bodies? Today, we will talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is DHT?
The full name of DHT is Dihydrotestosterone . Although the name is a bit complicated, it's very easy to understand how it works. Think of hormones as little messengers that work inside our bodies. Each hormone has a specific job.
DHT is one such hormone. To be precise, DHT belongs to the group of hormones called androgens . The main function of androgens is to create and maintain male characteristics.
The main and most well-known androgen in our body is testosterone . You've probably heard of it. So, our bodies convert about 10% of this testosterone into DHT, an even more potent androgen. This conversion occurs in the skin around the genitals and prostate gland in men. In women, this process also occurs in the skin. In addition, it also occurs in small amounts in places like our liver .
Because men naturally have much higher testosterone levels in their bodies, their DHT levels are also much higher than women's.
What does DHT do to our bodies?
The role of DHT changes at different stages in a man's life. DHT is an essential hormone, especially during pregnancy and puberty.
But after adulthood, DHT does not play as big a role in maintaining male body function as testosterone. In adulthood, DHT mainly causes prostate enlargement and male pattern hair loss .
The role of DHT in a baby's development in the womb
When a baby is in the womb, many hormones play a role in determining whether the baby is a boy or a girl. A hormone called DHT is essential for the proper development of a baby boy's external genitalia, that is, the penis and scrotum. DHT works like a master builder in building a house. DHT also helps in the formation of the prostate gland .
DHT during puberty
Then, when a boy reaches puberty, DHT starts working again. DHT is primarily responsible for many of the changes that occur in a boy's body.
- Facial beard and mustache.
- Hair growth in other parts of the body , such as the chest and armpits.
- Thick hair growth in the genital area .
- Further growth of the prostate gland .
DHT has a strong influence on all of this.
What problems can arise if DHT levels increase?
While DHT is an essential hormone when present at normal levels, it can cause various health problems if it becomes too high. Let's take a look at what those are.
| Health status | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) | A common condition among men over the age of 50. The prostate gland produces too much DHT, causing the gland to enlarge. This can cause difficulty urinating (frequent urination, difficulty urinating). |
| Prostate Cancer | High levels of DHT have been found in patients with prostate cancer. When high levels of DHT are combined with certain genetic changes, cancer cells can grow uncontrollably. |
| Hair loss (Androgenic Alopecia) | This is the main thing that most people know. It is a major cause of male pattern baldness. When DHT levels increase, the hair follicles on the scalp shrink. The lifespan of the hair is shortened, and the hair falls out and the new hairs that grow in become weaker. |
| Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) | This is a hormonal imbalance that affects women. Women with PCOS have an overproduction of male hormones (androgens) like testosterone in their ovaries. When testosterone levels increase, DHT levels also increase. This can lead to symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, acne, and unwanted body hair growth. |
The important thing is that if your hair is falling out, it's not just DHT that's the cause. Genetics (things that are passed down through generations) and many other factors can play a role.
What happens if DHT levels decrease?
Both high and low levels of DHT are problematic. This condition mainly affects men. Let's take a look at the medical conditions associated with it.
| Health status | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| 5-alpha reductase deficiency | I mentioned earlier that DHT is made from testosterone by an enzyme called '5-alpha reductase'. For some people, due to genetic reasons, this enzyme is not produced in the body or is produced very little. As a result, DHT levels are very low. If a genetically male (XY chromosome) baby has this condition, the external genitalia do not develop properly. Sometimes, they may even look like a girl at first glance. |
| Low testosterone levels (Male Hypogonadism) | This is very easy to understand. DHT is produced from Testosterone. So if a person's testosterone level is low, their DHT level will definitely be low as well. This can lead to problems like decreased sexual desire and decreased physical strength. |
A little more about 5-alpha reductase deficiency
This is a bit complicated, so let's explain a little more. If a genetically male baby (that is, one with XY chromosomes) has this condition, the external genitalia (penis, testicles) do not develop because DHT is not produced in the womb.
But the amazing thing is, these children's testicles have developed inside their bodies. They can also produce sperm. During puberty, as their bodies produce testosterone, things like deepening of the voice, muscle growth, and a somewhat larger penis occur. But because there is no DHT, things like beard growth and body hair do not occur.
Should I see a doctor about my DHT levels?
If you have any doubts about your DHT levels after reading this article, or if you have any of the following symptoms, it is best to see a doctor for advice .
- For men: If you are experiencing excessive hair loss, difficulty urinating, or sexual dysfunction.
- For women: If your menstrual cycle is very irregular, if you have unwanted hair growth on your face or body, if you have excessive and persistent acne (these may be symptoms of PCOS).
- For parents: If you notice any delay or abnormality in your male child's sexual development.
Please remember, do not self-diagnose or self-treat based on information found on the internet. Your body's hormones are very complex. Therefore, it is essential to seek the advice of a qualified medical professional for any concerns.
Your doctor will perform several blood tests to get an accurate understanding of your hormone levels, if necessary. If necessary, they may also refer you to an endocrinologist .
Take-Home Message
- DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is an even more powerful male hormone that is derived from testosterone.
- DHT is essential for a male's sexual development (in the womb and during puberty).
- Excessive levels of DHT can cause hair loss in men, enlarged prostate, and PCOS in women.
- Lower than necessary levels of DHT can hinder sexual development, especially in boys.
- If you have any concerns about your hormone levels or related symptoms, be sure to see your doctor.
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