https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2589-0042(25)00068-9
Coincidentally, someone shared a study earlier—which I didn’t include in the video—that shows DHT isn’t necessary at all for producing tears and lipids in the meibomian glands of the eyelids.
In any case, both DHT and Testosterone trigger the same genes responsible for tear production. A point that needs to be understood is that just because DHT has a higher affinity for the Androgen Receptor and a slower disassociation rate than Testosterone, it doesn’t mean the hormone has a unique role or is inherently better at specific functions.
What truly matters is which genes these hormones activate when they bind to the androgen receptor in specific cells, form a complex, enter the nucleus, and interact with the “androgen response elements”—the DNA segments that contain the genes necessary for cell function.
In this instance, either DHT or Testosterone, and even Androstenedione, activate the same set of genes. All of these androgens (individually and together) are sufficient to maintain the androgen complex interaction with the response elements in the nucleus over time, meaning you’re still producing tears through this pathway.
If you are experiencing dry eyes, it is likely due to lifestyle factors or another aspect of your health.
https://www.aao.org/education/current-insight/androgen-deficiency-in-ocular-surface-disease
Now, if you’re using an oral androgen receptor blocker like bicalutamide, that’s a different situation. You will obviously experience some dry eye issues along with other problems.