[lovingbug]

I'm still researching things like pumpkin seed oil and pygeum for the purpose of lowering my dht. They are supposedly both great for this in men or women.. However it seems they also RAISE free testosterone (by means of lowering shbg). So, does this mean that for a solid nbe plan we need to take a dht blocker AND something else to reduce free T??? Slightly confused ...   as usual.

[black eyed susan]

Don't worry about being confused, because you're actually asking a great question! The interactions and relationship between DHT, testosterone, and SHBG is something that can be a bit tricky to follow and can cause uncertainty.

Pumpkin seed oil and pygeum are often cited as natural DHT blockers because they may inhibit 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. However, as you've pointed out, they might also lower SHBG, which can lead to an increase in free testosterone, so you're understanding on this point is really good.

I guess your goal is to lower overall testosterone, in which case simply blocking DHT might not be enough. As you suggested yourself, you may need to consider taking some additional step to reduce the free testosterone levels.

[MadameBusty]

Don't worry about being confused, because you're actually asking a great question! The interactions and relationship between DHT, testosterone, and SHBG is something that can be a bit tricky to follow and can cause uncertainty.

Pumpkin seed oil and pygeum are often cited as natural DHT blockers because they may inhibit 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. However, as you've pointed out, they might also lower SHBG, which can lead to an increase in free testosterone, so you're understanding on this point is really good.

I guess your goal is to lower overall testosterone, in which case simply blocking DHT might not be enough. As you suggested yourself, you may need to consider taking some additional step to reduce the free testosterone levels.

Love all of this!! It's so nice to see another obviously very knowledgeable user on nexus. To add on to that it's also important to note that if you aren't a natal woman ie a trans woman increasing SHBG actually lowers free testosterone.