How Hormones Shape Sexual Development | Huberman Lab Essentials
Andrew Huberman
Feb 13, 2025
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Recognize estrogen's role in masculinizing the male brain
It is estrogen, converted from testosterone by the enzyme aromatase, that is responsible for masculinizing the male brain during development, not testosterone itself.
Understand DHT's role in male fetal development
It is not testosterone but its derivative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), that is responsible for the development of the penis in a male fetus.
Understand cannabis effects on estrogen levels
Cannabis use promotes the activity of the aromatase enzyme, which converts testosterone into estrogen and can lead to estrogenic effects like gynecomastia in males.
Eliminate atrazine exposure to protect testicular health
The common herbicide atrazine, found in many waterways, has been shown in federally funded studies to cause severe testicular malformations in animals and is linked to declining human sperm counts.
Limit cell phone exposure to protect gonadal health
A growing body of scientific literature suggests that chronic exposure of the gonads to cell phone-emitted waves could create serious issues for testicular and ovarian health.
Understand DHT's role in beard growth and baldness
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the primary hormone responsible for both beard growth and male pattern baldness, with the outcome depending on the genetic pattern of DHT receptors on the face versus the scalp.
Beware side effects of hair loss drugs inhibiting DHT conversion
Drugs designed to prevent hair loss work by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which can lead to side effects associated with low DHT, such as reduced libido and strength.
Utilize plant hormones to control animal populations
Some plants have evolved to produce estrogen-like compounds as a defense mechanism to lower the sperm counts of animals that consume them, thereby controlling their population.
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