Preventing Testosterone (DHT) Decline In Men 40+
(2-Minute Read)
Maintaining optimum hormone levels is critical for improving health, performance and increasing longevity. In this short article we’ll discuss DHT, what it is, why it’s important, how it declines, and what you can do to maintain optimum levels.
DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is a potent androgen, or male sex hormone, derived from testosterone. It plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics, including the growth and differentiation of the prostate gland, hair follicles, and external genitalia.
When men are looking to improve their body composition and athletic performance using hormone replacement therapy, DHT is the hormone they are most looking to increase.
While levels of total, free, and bioavailable testosterone all decline with age, for some men DHT declines faster than normal. It’s not uncommon in my practice to see a man in his 50’s with “normal” testosterone but relatively low DHT.
The result is that while his total testosterone levels are not clinically relevant, the low DHT could explain some of the symptoms he’s seeking advice for such as:
Low energy
Low libido
Lower strength of erections
Increased abdominal fat
Mood fluctuations
Memory, attention and concentration issues
Here are some of my thoughts about some of the causes of low DHT in men 40 and over.
Why DHT Can Decline:
The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. In older males, there can be a decrease in the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, resulting in lower levels of DHT.
Here are a few factors that may contribute to the decrease of 5-alpha-reductase in men over 40:
Hormonal changes: Aging is associated with alterations in hormone levels, particularly a decline in testosterone production. Testosterone serves as the substrate for 5-alpha-reductase, and reduced testosterone levels can lead to decreased enzyme activity.
Genetic factors: Genetic variations can influence the expression and activity of 5-alpha-reductase. Some individuals may inherently possess lower levels of this enzyme, which can further decrease with age.
Oxidative stress: Increased oxidative stress, which occurs with aging, can negatively impact the function of various enzymes, including 5-alpha-reductase. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to neutralize them.
Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is commonly observed in aging individuals and can affect enzyme activity. Inflammatory mediators and cytokines can interfere with the normal functioning of 5-alpha-reductase.
Medications: Certain medications, such as finasteride and dutasteride, are 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors commonly used to treat conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness. Long-term use of these medications can suppress 5-alpha-reductase activity even further.
Health conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as liver disease or hormonal imbalances, can affect the activity of 5-alpha-reductase and lead to decreased DHT levels.
Before we discuss the modifiable factors that can increase DHT it’s important to answer the next logical question:
Is having high DHT always a good thing?
The answer is no.
Hormone balance, which means having optimal levels that are within physiological range, is critical for health.
For men who venture into hormone replacement and drive their DHT to above normal physiological levels can be harming their long-term health.
This is especially true for men who have a personal or family history of prostate cancer or prostatitis as excessive levels of DHT can often cause prostate enlargement.
For the guy whose DHT levels are below optimum physiological ranges here’s a framework you can use to improve your hormone balance.
Modifiable Health Factors
You can create a solid foundation of health that naturally reduces oxidation and inflammation and improves hormone production by:
Improving sleep quality
Improving overall fitness through aerobic conditioning and strength training
Reducing stress
Eating a well balanced whole-food diet that emphasizes high quality protein, good fats (high in omega-3s), lots of fruits and veggies.
Reducing alcohol to no more than 4 drinks per week with no more than 2 drinks per day.
Address any vitamin or micronutrient deficiencies especially for vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, folate and B12.
Supplementation
Some herbal and mineral compounds have been shown to improve levels of DHT including:
Tongkat Ali
Fadogia Agrestis
Boron
Other supplements are excellent for reducing oxidation and inflammation such as:
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)
Fish oils (Omega-3)
*If you’re interested in trying out any of the supplements in this article you can get a discount on all Momentous products by clicking this link and using code: JRGPRO15 at checkout
Personal Support
It’s opinion that one of the best ways to ensure hormonal health within the context of your overall health is to find a trained and trusted health provider to help take the guesswork out of your health improvement strategy.
In my flagship program, Thrivemetrix, we do a very thorough evaluation process that includes over 150 data points looking at your bloodwork, your hormones, your inflammation and oxidation levels, your health history, body composition, fitness levels and a ton more.
We use that info to build a comprehensive health and performance plan customized for your specific needs. I’ll then meet with you personally to review your plan and show you exactly how to implement it in your life.
I’ll also coordinate with your current health care team to make sure you’re getting the wrap-around care you need to thrive.