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DHT is one of the primary causes of androgenic alopecia, a common form of hair loss in both men and women. DHT is a byproduct of testosterone. It is crucial for male development during puberty, however excess sensitivity to DHT can contribute to pattern baldness. Dihydrotestosterone binds to an androgen receptor, also known as AR in the hair follicles, causing them to shrink, shortening the hair growth cycle, and weakening the hair over time.
Several medical treatments can help manage DHT-related hair loss, such as minoxidil and finasteride and other medicines that reduce DHT activity and protect the hair growth cycle.
Hair loss driven by DHT can be controlled; by understanding how this hormone interacts with your scalp, you can implement targeted protocols to protect your hair follicles and support sustainable regrowth.
What Is DHT, and What Does It Do?
DHT is an androgen or hormone that contributes to the development of male puberty-related changes such as body hair growth. It is present in both men and women, but the concentration of DHT in men is higher than in women. DHT is mainly responsible for facial and body hair growth, deepening of the voice, and development of the prostate and male genitalia.
How Is DHT Produced?
DHT is derived from testosterone with approximately 5-10% of circulating testosterone converted into DHT every day by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. This enzyme is highly present in the scalp, prostate, and skin.
Role of Dihydrotestosterone
Between the ages of 11 and 18, there is usually a rapid increase in the DHT levels. You will see the growth of facial and body hair along with sebum production, which leads to acne. Then, between the ages of 19 and 40, DHT helps in maintaining the body hair and potentially triggers androgenic alopecia.
How Dihydrotestosterone Causes Baldness?
People are naturally very sensitive to DHT due to their differences in androgen receptor levels. The androgen receptor (AR) is a protein that helps testosterone and DHT attach to the cells and support the hair growth cycle. However, in some cases, changes in the AR gene make the hair follicles sensitive to DHT. As a result, DHT shrinks the hair follicles, leading to hair thinning, shortening hair growth, and male pattern baldness.
Another major cause of DHT related hair loss is increased activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts the testosterone into DHT. This is a more potent androgen. Over time, increased exposure to DHT can cause follicle miniaturisation and make hair loss more difficult to reverse if left untreated.
Treatment for DHT Hair Loss
When you consult your doctor for DHT-related hair loss, they are likely to recommend some DHT blockers. The following medications will help reduce dihydrotestosterone effectively.
1. Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved medication for hair loss, but it doesn’t directly block the DHT. Instead, it supports the blood flow to your scalp and increases the hair growth phase. Taking minoxidil alone won’t help with treating the cause of hair loss. You need to combine minoxidil with other DHT blockers, such as Finasteride, which blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT.
2. Finasteride
Finasteride is a clinically approved medication for male pattern baldness. It is not FDA-approved for use in women, especially during pregnancy. Finasteride helps in blocking the Type II 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone into DHT. By doing so, it prevents hair follicles from shrinking, stops shedding, and promotes hair growth
These two are highly effective medications to treat your DHT-related hair loss. In addition to these, herbal medicines like pygeum bark and natural DHT blockers like pumpkin seed oil and vitamin B supplements may help in supporting hair growth treatment.
You can take biotin supplements, as they help the body produce new keratin. It is a protein that is present in your hair and is vital to maintaining overall hair health.
Side Effects of DHT Blockers
DHT blockers can have certain side effects which you shouldn’t ignore. Consult your doctor immediately once you notice the following side effects.
- Erectile dysfunction
- Possible reduction in semen volume
- May notice mood swings and anxiousness
- The male breast may become tender
While DHT blockers aren’t prescribed during pregnancy, women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should avoid handling the crushed or broken tablets, as the medicine may be absorbed through the skin and cause complications.
Difference Between DHT and Testosterone
While testosterone is a primary male development hormone, DHT is a byproduct of testosterone production, which can also be called a stronger version.Listed below are the main differences between testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.
|
Property |
Testosterone |
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) |
|
Hormone Class |
Acts as the primary male sex androgen. |
Functions as a highly potent, structural byproduct of converted testosterone. |
|
Production Source |
Synthesizes globally within the testes, ovaries, and adrenal glands. |
Converts locally within tissue sites (scalp, skin, and prostate) via the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. |
|
Primary Physical Role |
Regulates muscle mass, bone density, reproductive health, and libido. |
Drives secondary male characteristics, body hair patterns, facial hair, and prostate development. |
|
Deficiency Impact |
Lowers overall energy levels, physical strength, and baseline libido. |
Disrupts key developmental stages specifically during male puberty. |
|
Impact on Scalp Hair |
Bypasses direct binding at the hair roots to avoid triggering pattern baldness. |
Targets sensitive hair follicles directly to cause miniaturization and progressive thinning |
How Can You Control DHT-Related Hair Loss?
DHT-related hair loss can be controlled with these hair care tips and t the condition can be prevented from worsening. Here are some important hair care tips to support the treatment.
- Use sulfate-free shampoos
- Gently massage your scalp with DHT-blocking hair oil
- Avoid tight hairstyles that can break hair strands
- Keep your vitamins in check by eating food with a high level of zinc, magnesium and iron
- Avoid consuming processed sugars and red meat, which can contribute to hormonal fluctuations
- Limit or avoid consuming alcohol and smoking.
Along with these, add dietary foods that reduce DHT hair loss, such as pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, and green tea. They effectively help in blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT.
Traya’s Perspective on DHT-related Hair Loss
DHT is considered the main cause of hair loss, especially in male pattern baldness. But blocking DHT with inhibitors isn’t enough to treat the condition. There are several other causes of hair fall, such as genetics, stress, nutrition, deficiency, and scalp health. Considering them is also crucial when you are treating your hair problems.
Traya identifies the root cause of your hair fall through a quick hair test and follows a holistic approach to create your personalised hair kit. The focus here is to treat the condition at its source. Traya uses a combination of ayurveda, hair science, and nutrition to manage your hair problems.
DHT causes hair loss by shrinking the hair follicles and shortening the growth phase. The good news is you can reverse DHT-related hair loss with professional scalp therapies, herbal supplements, and certain lifestyle adjustments. Balanced DHT levels are important to prevent any potential health issues. You can consult your doctor for DHT level tests when you see hairline receding at the front and crown area to control the condition before it worsens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why does DHT affect people differently?
DHT affects people differently, usually because of genetics. DHT is crucial for male development, but people whose hair follicles are sensitive to dihydrotestosterone generally suffer from hair loss.
Q2. Can hair loss due to DHT grow back?
When you block and reduce DHT with medication, it can stop hair thinning and encourage hair regrowth. DHT blockers restore hair follicles and produce thicker hair.
Q3. How to control DHT hair loss?
You can use natural DHT blockers such as saw palmetto, pumpkin seeds, green tea, pygeum bark, and medication prescribed by a doctor, which can help you balance the DHT level.
Q4. What vitamins block DHT?
Vitamins do not block DHT. However, vitamins such as B6, E, D3, Zinc, and biotin (Vitamin B7) may support overall hair health if someone has deficiencies.
Q5. What are the signs of high DHT?
DHT can be sensitive for certain parts of the body, such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and the prostate. When it affects any of them, you may see certain signs like androgenic alopecia, oily skin, extreme facial and body hair, and persistent acne.
Q6. Which is better, biotin or DHT blocker?
To know which is better, you need to understand the use of both. While a DHT blocker works on the root cause to treat the genetic hair thinning and slow down the progression of hair loss, biotin supports overall hair health.
Q7. At what age is DHT highest?
DHT levels are usually high at the age of 20 to 30. In this age group, production of testosterone and its conversion into DHT is at its highest.
Q8. What are DHT hair loss symptoms?
Receding hairline, thinning on the crown, and weaker hair are common symptoms of DHT-related hair loss.
Reference
- https://www.healthline.com/health/dht#side-effects
- https://ishrs.org/dht-blockers-hair-loss/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557634/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24555-dht-dihydrotestosterone
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