Many side effects have been attributed to DHT, but it also has beneficial functions. Learn all about DHT in bodybuilding. Dihydrotestosterone is a biologically active form of testosterone and is formed from the male hormone under the influence of 5alpha-reductase. Dihydrotestosterone is the most potent naturally occurring androgen.
This hormone is decisive for physical development during puberty in men, regulates sexual function. The maximum concentration of the substance is observed in the skin of the genitals and hair follicles.
Dihydrotestosterone is commonly associated with a wide variety of side effects, such as acne, baldness, and enlarged prostate. But at the same time, this substance performs a number of very important functions, which will be discussed below.
Functions of Dihydrotestosterone
As mentioned above, DHT is the most potent natural androgen known. It interacts closely with receptors in comparison with testosterone, which explains the strong androgenic properties of the substance. Since it has a strong effect on the functioning of the prostate, the drug is used to treat gland pathologies.
A sharp enlargement of the prostate begins when the level of Dihydrotestosterone is exceeded. At the same time, the hormone is actively used by the body in a large number of different processes. It has a strong effect on the growth of muscle mass, external and internal sexual characteristics, the skeletal system, etc.
Since the substance is very important for the growth of muscle tissue mass, the hormone is used in a large number of sports supplements. This is one of the most important points of using DHT in bodybuilding.
The process of formation of dihydrotestosterone
We have already said above that Dihydrotestosterone is converted from the male hormone. In fact, DHT is the main metabolite of testosterone. It should be noted that the activity of the male hormone at the time of its conversion into Dihydrotestosterone increases sharply and this indicator increases approximately 3-5 times.
Dihydrotestosterone is the most powerful sex hormone in the body. Most people think that this is testosterone, but this is not the case. To convert the male hormone to DHT, 5alpha-reductase is required. Under the influence of this enzyme, the structure of the hormone changes, from which the C4-5 double bond is removed. In its place, two hydrogen atoms are introduced. The result is a metabolite known as Dihydrotestosterone.
Testosterone is converted when the body needs to ensure the strongest possible bond between the hormone and receptors. The enzyme 5alpha-reductase is most active in the prostate, liver, hair follicles located on the head and most of the skin. This allows the body to meet the needs of the hormone in those places where it is needed.
Positive and negative qualities of Dihydrotestosterone
DHT can be both beneficial and dangerous. Let's consider all cases. This will allow you to better understand the importance of DHT in bodybuilding.
Negative properties of Dihydrotestosterone
You've probably already noticed that DHT can only be active in certain tissues. In this regard, the question arises: how can the hormone harm? The answer is simple - not every tissue in the body needs high androgenicity. In the normal state of the body, the hormone is active only where it is needed. However, due to various circumstances, its level may increase, which leads to the appearance of androgenic side effects. Most athletes are familiar with all of them.
It is important to remember that these side effects can also occur with high testosterone levels, since both hormones interact with the same receptors. Dihydrotestosterone, in general, has almost the same effect on the body as other steroids, but its power is significantly higher. With a high content of steroids in the body, its reaction will be similar to an increase in the content of Dihydrotestosterone.
The positive properties of Dihydrotestosterone
Although the side effects of DHT are serious, the benefits of DHT for the body should not be underestimated. So it is Dihydrotestosterone that helps to normalize the functioning of the central nervous system. This is due to the fact that a large number of human cells have receptors that interact with the hormone.
Scientists managed to find out that the effect of dihydrotestosterone on the nervous system significantly exceeds that of the male hormone. Animal studies have shown that these two hormones interact with the same receptors, but DHT does this for a longer period of time. On average, the period of its effect on receptors is about 21 hours.
In fairness, it should be admitted that scientists are divided on the issue of the effect of the hormone on androgen receptors. Some of them believe that the hormone acts more actively on the receptors themselves, and the other half suggest that DHT is capable of having a special effect on the cells of the nervous system.
Although testosterone and DHT are related hormones, they affect different parts of the gene structure. For most athletes, it is no secret that the central nervous system is a very important factor in the growth of muscle mass, and for this reason, blocking hormone synthesis when using steroids reduces the effectiveness of the entire cycle. This is an experimentally confirmed fact, and now it would be wrong to consider Dihydrotestosterone only from the negative side.
Learn more about Dihydrotestosterone in this video:
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