Low DHT Symptoms

What is DHT?

Dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT is a hormone found in all of us, although it has become known as a “male hormone” because it’s derived from testosterone, and therefore found in greater quantities in males.

With that being the case, low DHT symptoms are most prevalent in men because DHT is responsible for regulating a number of functions in the male body. However, women can experience symptoms of low DHT as well.

DHT is essential to the growth of body hair and the development of sex organs such as the prostate. With DHT being intrinsically linked to libido, one of the most noticeable low DHT symptoms is a reduced sex drive.

In young men and women, low DHT symptoms could include feeling weaker in sports and athletic activities with difficulties growing and maintaining muscle mass.

DHT in Women

While DHT’s primary role is to influence male characteristics such as facial hair and voice depth, in women, it serves a more nuanced role:

Hair Growth and Loss – DHT in women can bind to hair follicles, affecting their growth cycle. High levels of DHT in women may contribute to androgenic alopecia (male-pattern hair loss), which contributes to thinning hair along the crown and at the temples.

Sebum Production – DHT in women  stimulates sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin, which can lead to increased sebum production. While sebum is essential for healthy skin, excessive production can contribute to acne, especially during hormonal shifts like puberty or menopause.

Libido and Reproductive Health – As a testosterone derivative, DHT may play a role in maintaining libido and reproductive health. Additionally, DHT  imbalances can sometimes cause disruptions in menstrual cycles or contribute to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Muscle and Bone Health – Androgens like DHT play a role in maintaining muscle mass and bone density in women, especially as they age.

Low DHT Symptoms: Hair Loss?

Is hair loss one of the low DHT symptoms?

If you have a family history of hair loss, then irregular DHT levels could contribute to the hair loss that would have been a factor in your life regardless.

The myth that hair loss is among the low DHT symptoms is just that – a myth. High DHT may contribute to hair loss. With that out of the way, here are some other low DHT symptoms you should be aware of.

Other Low DHT Symptoms

Since DHT plays an integral role in the brain functioning at its best, other symptoms of low DHT have been found to affect mental health.

Low DHT can lead to low mood — symptoms like depression and mood swings have become associated with low DHT. Feeling more grumpy, irritable, more easily annoyed, unmotivated, lethargic.   

With DHT being one of the main sex hormones, along with testosterone and estrogen, low DHT can drastically lower a person’s sex drive.

DHT also plays a role in muscle building and the body’s ability to maintain lean mass. Other symptoms could include a loss of lean muscle and an increase in body fat.

How to Treat Low DHT

If you suspect what you’re experiencing are the symptoms of low DHT, then the next thing you should do is contact a doctor to get a blood test so you can know for sure.

The doctor may recommend supplements for low DHT, or you may be asked to consider treatments like hormone therapy.  

There are no commercially available preparations of pure DHT, so hormone therapy consists of giving testosterone to raise DHT levels.  

In addition, some lifestyle measures are highly effective at restoring hormone balance. Here are some things you can do for yourself to maintain healthy hormone levels:

• Get some exercise/lose weight
• Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption
• Eat more healthy fats — i.e., nuts, seeds, coconut and olive oil

To learn more about how Dr. Maita can help treat low libido and other DHT and hormone-related conditions, contact her today.