06 Feb Does DHT Affect Muscle Growth and Is It Better Than Testosterone?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is basically an androgen that is derived from testosterone and has a significant impact on the male sex characteristics.
Even though DHT is associated with different physiological functions, its effects on muscle growth remain a subject of debate.
Considering the interest in fitness and bodybuilding communities, let’s unravel the mysteries surrounding DHT and how it affects muscle growth and analyze what the experts have to say about it.
Key Insights:
- DHT is a by-product of the testosterone hormone but has more anabolic properties.
- Numerous research suggests DHT does affect muscle growth in more than one way.
- One can increase DHT production through certain exercises and diet, but there needs to be a balance to avoid the side effects of DHT overproduction.
- Excess of DHT can lead to baldness and prostate health issues in men.
Here’s everything that research states about the relationship between DHT and muscle growth, as of now.
Does DHT Affect Muscle Growth?
Yes, DHT does affect muscle growth. While a lot of bodybuilders might not agree with this, there’s a strong relevance between DHT and muscle and strength.
In fact, DHT is an androgen and a by-product of testosterone, which is essential for an energetic and athletic body.
The only reason DHT has been considered irrelevant for muscle growth is because of the high anabolic: androgenic ratio.
Adding to it, nearly 10% of testosterone is converted into estrogen because of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase (5-AR) from DHT. That’s why there’s this theory that it can only have an adverse effect on muscle mass.
However, as per the reports of Nature Reviews Urology, the muscle mass of men is not affected by the inhibition of 5α-reductase.
In fact, there’s a lot of research that shows the positive effect of DHT on muscle growth and how it affects it.
#1. It is Crucial for Whole Body Fat Utilization During Exercise
DHT has a crucial role in processing energy including fat and carbohydrate oxidation.
The study determined the effect of inhibiting DHT formation during mid-intensity running exercise on energy expenditure and fat and carbohydrate oxidation. This observation has been published in the Journal of Exercise Nutrition & Biochemistry.
As per what the study analyzes, changes in DHT production during exercise inhibited whole-body fat utilization and also increased carbohydrate oxidation.
Therefore, based on this research we can say that DHT is important for fat utilization as fuel while performing exercise. Proper fat utilization can help develop lean muscles.
Additionally, it is equally crucial for increasing endurance and performing endurance exercises.
#2. DHT Increases Muscle Strength Through Myofiber Androgen Receptor
Muscle hypertrophy and muscle strength are co-dependent. One can only enjoy a certain level of muscle growth with weak muscles.
As per the reports of a Cell Press Journal, after implanting a biodegradable pellet containing 10 mg DHT in 9-week-old female mice, there was an increase in grip strength.
Not only this, there was also an increase in body weight and skeletal muscle weight after DHT treatment.
Thus the study concludes that muscle mass is regulated by DHT whereas grip strength is regulated by myofiber androgen receptor and DHT.
#3. Stimulates Amino Acid Uptake
If you know anything about bodybuilding or simply fitness, you must be aware of or at least heard about amino acids.
These are among the pillars of enhanced workout performance, muscle recovery, and, muscle growth.
Interestingly, as per The Journal of Physiology, DHT increases protein synthesis and the transport of essential amino acids in the fast-contracting muscle fiber bundles.
The study shows that DHT increased the uptake of isoleucine and a-methylamino isobutyric acid and also increased the expression of LAT-2 (a protein-coding gene).
#4. Causes Hypertrophy in Skeletal Muscle
Another important finding by the Journal of Biology of Sport clears all the clouds and straightaway finds a direct link between muscle growth and DHT.
It investigates the effects of exogenous androgen and resistance exercise on skeletal muscle hypertrophy.
For this, 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to sham operation and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) implantation.
As per the data, DHT causes hypertrophy in skeletal muscle. Not only this, the exercise has a synergistic effect on DHT-induced hypertrophy.
#5. DHT Promotes Protein Synthesis and ATP Production
Dihydrotestosterone or DHT has much more potential when it comes to muscle growth than one can imagine.
It can potentially affect protein synthesis which is one of the major factors for muscle growth.
Additionally, it also contributes to ATP and provides the body with the necessary fuel for muscle contraction.
As per the evidence published in the Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, DHT promotes protein synthesis, and STP production.
It also significantly affects cell signaling, cell proliferation, as well as muscle contraction and relaxation.
Considering all the above-mentioned findings and explanations it is easy to conclude that DHT does build muscle. It has a significant impact on the triggers of muscle growth which include protein synthesis, ATP, muscle hypertrophy, cell proliferation, amino acid uptake, and muscle strength.
Nonetheless, people often compare it with the most talked about muscle-building hormone, testosterone.
Is DHT Better Than Testosterone for Muscle Building?
Both DHT and testosterone are androgens, and while they share similarities, they also have distinct differences.
It’s a widely known concept that testosterone is an anabolic hormone. However, for those who don’t know, DHT is approximately 5 times more androgenic than testosterone.
It also has the ability to protect against estrogen. It directly inhibits estrogen activity in tissues by acting against the activity of the aromatase enzyme.
In fact, evidence shows that DHT increases protein synthesis and uptakes essential amino acids into twitching muscle fiber bundles where whereas testosterone does not.
So, based on the above points, DHT appears a much more promising muscle-building hormone in comparison to testosterone.
But then why it is not much considered? It is because there is very little 5alpha reductase (5-AR) in muscle tissue so there is very little DHT in muscles.
Adding to it, DHT formed within the muscles or finding its way to muscles are quickly deactivated because of an enzyme called 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid reductase.
Testosterone, on the other hand, is a prohormone that converts into active DHT by 5-AR and interacts with receptors.
Even though testosterone is the most active androgen in muscle, DHT is very important for the complete performance effect of the testosterone hormone.
Therefore, conclusively, both the DHT and testosterone are important for muscle building, it is only that testosterone is the most active one.
How to Increase DHT?
Increasing DHT levels can be approached through various lifestyle and dietary strategies.
Resistance training specifically weight lifting and high-intensity interval training has been linked to an increase in DHT production.
In fact, evidence suggests an increase in serum DHT after 60 minutes of maximal aerobic exercise. The article proving this was published in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation. Moving on, adequate zinc intake, as it is a crucial component in the conversion of testosterone to DHT, is also essential.
Foods rich in zinc, like red meat, nuts, and seeds, can support this process. Additionally, incorporating healthy fats, such as those in avocados and olive oil, may positively influence DHT levels.
Nonetheless, it is of utmost importance to maintain the balance of DHT levels as excess of it might lead to some adverse effects.
Are There Any Side Effects of Increasing DHT?
while it plays a crucial role in various physiological functions, excessively high levels of DHT can lead to potential side effects. These include:
1. Acne: Increased DHT levels can stimulate sebum production, leading to acne breakouts, particularly on the face, chest, and back.
2. Hair Loss: DHT is associated with male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). In individuals genetically predisposed, high DHT levels may contribute to hair follicle miniaturization and eventual hair loss.
RELATED: Blocking DHT to regrow hair
3. Enlarged Prostate: Elevated DHT levels have been linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is the enlargement of the prostate gland. This can lead to urinary issues.
4. Aggressive Behavior: Some studies suggest a potential link between high DHT levels and increased aggression or irritability, though the evidence is not conclusive.
5. Oily Skin: Increased DHT activity may result in an overproduction of skin oils, leading to oily skin.
It’s crucial to maintain a balance in DHT levels for overall health. If you suspect imbalances or experience persistent side effects restrict activities or prevent consuming foods that increase DHT.
You can also try DHT blocker supplements but only after professional consultation.
If muscle-building is your ultimate goal and find the link between DHT and its effect on muscle growth intriguing, the next FAQ section is for you.
FAQs
Separating fact from fiction, here are some of the FAQs surrounding the impact of DHT on the journey to building lean muscle mass.
1. Will DHT blockers stop muscle growth?
DHT blockers may impact muscle growth as DHT plays a role in this process. However, it does not affect the testosterone’s muscle-building capabilities in any way. Therefore, there is no major impact of DHT blockers on muscle growth.
2. How do I know if my DHT is high?
A blood test measuring DHT levels can determine if they are elevated. However, some of the most significant ones are an increase in beard growth and baldness.
3. Is DHT important for strength?
Yes, DHT contributes to strength by influencing muscle development and maintenance. It is also proven in numerous research reports that DHT has significant muscle and skeletal strength.
4. Does creatine increase DHT?
Yes, creatine consumption can result in an increase in DHT levels. In fact, 25 grams of creatine consumption every day for a week leads to an increase in DHT among men by up to 56%.
5. Is it better to have high or low DHT?
Optimal DHT levels vary among individuals, and extremes (high or low) may have adverse effects. It is recommended to maintain a balance.
As we navigated through numerous reports and findings, it became apparent that DHT, a metabolite of testosterone, indeed exerts influence on the muscle-building process.
Conclusion
Scientific insights suggest that DHT plays a vital role in protein synthesis, a cornerstone of muscle growth.
Its androgenic properties contribute to the development and maintenance of lean muscle mass, enhancing strength and endurance.
However, it has some contrary effects, and excessively elevated DHT levels may come with potential side effects, including acne, hair loss, and an enlarged prostate.
Understanding the delicate balance required for optimal muscle development is crucial. DHT emerges as significant to the process of anabolism and muscle growth.
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