Androgens
Dihydrotestosterone
A nonaromatizable androgen whose effects depend on tissue and exposure; a two-year human trial found a spinal bone-density tradeoff.
Human evidence / important limitations
Also known as: DHT · androstanolone
Practical use
Applying the explained evidence
- Where it fits
- A nonaromatizable androgen whose effects depend on tissue and exposure; a two-year human trial found a spinal bone-density tradeoff.
- Put the information into practice
- No effect on measured prostate growth does not mean no androgen risk. Bone, blood counts, body composition and reproductive hormones can change in different directions.
- Formulation and purpose
- Write down the exact compound and formulation behind a claim. Compare the studied population and purpose with the situation being discussed; evidence for medical replacement does not automatically answer a physique-enhancement question.
- Keep this limit in view
- This trial used a specific gel and selected older men. It does not establish the same balance of effects in young athletes or with other formulations.
Overview
DHT is a nonaromatizable androgen. It must be distinguished from testosterone, from medicines that reduce its formation, and from structurally related synthetic androgens.
Risks and limitations
In the two-year trial below, eight DHT participants stopped under the protocol for raised hematocrit and three for increased PSA. The study did not exclude possible effects on prostate-cancer natural history.
How to read this
No effect on measured prostate growth does not mean no androgen risk. Bone, blood counts, body composition and reproductive hormones can change in different directions.
Research explained
Two-year transdermal DHT trial
Who was studied
114 healthy men older than 50 without known prostate disease; randomized placebo-controlled trial.
What was found
DHT did not significantly alter prostate growth versus placebo. Spinal bone mineral density fell 1.4% (95% interval 0.6–2.3%), while hip density did not significantly change. Lean mass increased 2.4% and fat mass fell 5.2%; testosterone, estradiol, LH and FSH were suppressed.
What it cannot establish
This trial used a specific gel and selected older men. It does not establish the same balance of effects in young athletes or with other formulations.
Read the original studySources
Two-year transdermal DHT trial
Sources checked 2026-09-28.
General education; not a personal treatment plan.