High DHT
Description
This page has 46 references
"High DHT" is a hormonal condition where elevated dihydrotestosterone levels contribute to issues like male pattern baldness, acne, and prostate enlargement. DHT forms from testosterone via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, and excess activity can negatively affect hair follicles and skin. Reducing DHT involves balancing hormones through lifestyle changes, anti-androgenic foods, or medical treatments. Understanding this hormone’s impact is essential for managing hair loss, supporting skin health, and lowering risks related to prostate function in aging men.
Symptoms & Signs
Body System
Endocrine System
Causes
Excess Testosterone Production
Things To Do
For high DHT levels, it is recommended to:
consume a whole-foods-based diet consisting of fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats.
Incorporate foods high in zinc, a natural DHT inhibitor. Zinc-rich foods include meat, fish, seafood, eggs, and dairy products. Zinc obtained from animal products has a much higher bioavailability than zinc obtained from plant-based sources.
Eat lycopene-rich foods that inhibit DHT activity, such as tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, apricots, etc.
include foods that can inhibit the activity or block the production of DHT. These include turmeric, onions, coconut oil, green tea, and pumpkin seeds.
Eat soy foods, such as soy beans, tofu, edamame, soy sprouts, tempeh, miso, etc. Isoflavones found in soy products can inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
Stay hydrated and drink quality mineral water and green tea.
Furthermore, do the following:
exercise regularily.
get quality sleep.
practice stress reduction. Try meditation, mindfulness, or yoga.
lose excess weight.
Things To Avoid
Avoid the following if you have elevated levels of DHT:
processed, packaged, junk, and fast foods. They contain trans fats. Trans fats have been shown to increase DHT.
Plant-based margarines also contain hydrogenated oils and tannins.
sugar, desserts, sweet pastries, candy, etc. Sugar increases DHT.
refined carbohydrates that boost DHT production.
Limit [don't exclude] saturated fat intake. Dietary cholesterol supports hormone production and the testosterone-to-DHT conversion.
caffeine, caffeinated drinks, and teas.
Furthermore, avoid:
smoking tobacco.
sedentary lifestyle.
social isolation.
spending too much time indoors.
lack of sleep.
chronic stress.
Supplements
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements directly affect high DHT by inhibiting its production, blocking its binding to receptors, or supporting hormonal balance to reduce its impact.
Zinc: Zinc helps regulate testosterone by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. This inhibition may reduce DHT production, supporting hormonal balance.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements do not target DHT directly but may support liver detoxification, reduce inflammation, or improve endocrine regulation that influences DHT levels.
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
Natural Compounds
These natural compounds may help manage high DHT by modulating androgen activity, supporting hormonal detox, or reducing inflammatory effects associated with elevated DHT.
Pumpkin Seed Oil: Pumpkin seed oil is rich in phytosterols that inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, reducing the conversion of testosterone into DHT. This effect supports healthier DHT levels and hormonal balance.
Flaxseed Flour: Whole flaxseed flour is a natural source of lignans—particularly secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG)—which support hormonal balance by modulating androgen metabolism. These lignans help reduce the impact of DHT by increasing sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), making less free DHT available to bind to receptors.
Plant Extracts
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These plant extracts directly support DHT reduction by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase activity, modulating androgen receptors, or balancing hormonal output.
Saw Palmetto Extract: Saw palmetto blocks 5-alpha-reductase, reducing the conversion of testosterone into DHT. This natural inhibition helps regulate DHT levels and supports hormonal balance.
Stinging Nettle Extract: Stinging nettle inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, decreasing the conversion of testosterone into DHT. This action helps regulate DHT levels and supports hormonal health.
Green Tea Extract: Green tea contains epigallocatechins that inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, reducing testosterone conversion into DHT. This anti-androgenic effect helps manage DHT levels naturally.
Reishi Extract: Reishi inhibits 5-alpha-reductase and modulates androgen receptor activity. Though also available as a plant extract, its studied effect in human DHT metabolism (notably in prostate health) warrants consideration in supplement form.
Curcumin Extract: Curcumin inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, reducing the conversion of testosterone into DHT. This natural pathway supports better regulation of DHT levels.
Lycopene: Lycopene down-regulates androgen metabolism, reducing the activity of 5-alpha-reductase and helping to lower DHT levels. This modulation supports hormonal balance.
Fenugreek Extract: Fenugreek inhibits both aromatase and 5-alpha-reductase, reducing testosterone breakdown and DHT production. This effect helps maintain balanced hormone levels.
Sterols: Sterols, such as beta-sitosterol, inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, decreasing testosterone conversion into DHT. This action helps lower DHT levels and supports hormonal regulation.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These extracts do not act directly on DHT but may promote detoxification, reduce oxidative stress, or support metabolic processes that influence hormone regulation.
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
Alternative Treatments
These alternative therapies support hormonal balance, reduce androgenic stress, and promote systemic stability in individuals affected by high DHT.
Infrared Sauna: Infrared sauna helps reduce systemic inflammation and may promote hormonal detoxification, including androgens like DHT. Though indirect, there is credible support for its endocrine-balancing benefits.
Functional Lab Tests You May Wish to Explore
Books Worth Considering for Deeper Insight
Currently, no high-quality books meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. As soon as trusted resources are published, we will review and feature them here.
Podcasts That Offer Valuable Perspectives
Currently, no high-quality books meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. As soon as trusted resources are published, we will review and feature them here.
Educational Videos To Learn From
How Key Nutrients Support the Body
Fruit Extracts: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, fruit extracts offer numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-boosting properties. They also support digestive health and contribute to overall well-being.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Essential Nutrients Explained
References
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