Potential DHT Blocker Side Effects: What to Know?
People have been exploring various remedies and treatments to combat hair loss in the quest for thick, healthy hair and a confident appearance.
DHT blocker is a strategy growing faster as a potential remedy for the hair thinning issue.
These have shown promising results in preventing hair loss but may have some side effects.
Some side effects may include rashes, nausea, weaker bones, and many more.
In this article, we will learn about the various DHT blocker side effects that some of you may not have heard of.
What are DHT blockers
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone produced from Testosterone through the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase.
DHT plays an essential role in the development of male sexual characteristics.
It also helps the prostate gland’s growth and facial and body hair during puberty.
Moreover, DHT contributes to the regulation of sex drive or libido.
But excessive levels of DHT can cause hair follicle shrinkage and hair thinning.
So DHT blockers are taken for healthy hair growth, which helps inhibit 5-alpha-reductase.
This leads to a decrease in the amount of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), causing various side effects.
Finasteride is one of the most popular DHT blockers for hair growth and Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH).
Side effects
Blocking DHT leads to higher levels of both Testosterone and Estrogen in the body.
This may lead to various sexual dysfunction, such as a lack of libido and Erectile Dysfunction.
Some of the side effects of DHT blockers are as follows:
Tender and swollen breast
The swelling and tenderness of the breast are due to the lower levels of DHT and increased levels of Testosterone and Estrogen.
Due to this hormonal imbalance, excessive fat gets collected around the breast areas.
Lack of libido
Patients taking DHT blockers have experienced a decrease in their sex drive.
Low levels of DHT and low Testosterone levels contribute to decreased libido.
But other factors, such as psychological and relationship aspects, also play significant roles.
Erectile dysfunction
Men taking DHT blockers have found their erections less stiff.
Some of them also faced penile shrinkage due to weaker erections.
Weak bones and muscles
DHT is also responsible for building muscles in men.
This makes men very strong than women. But blocking DHT causes weaker muscles and bones.
Some of the side effects can get permanent even after stopping the medicine.
Weak memory
Dihydrotestosterone also helps in boosting memory power.
But using DHT blockers will lead to weaker memory.
Premature ejaculation
DHT stimulates prostate cell growth, which will get affected when blocked.
Lack of prostate cells will cause early ejaculation or may take too long
Rashes
Some medications which inhibit 5-alpha-reductase can be insensitive to your system.
This can cause the skin to break out and may lead to rashes and pimples.
Nausea
Taking higher doses of DHT blockers can cause hormonal imbalance in the body.
This can make you feel sick and may lead to vomiting.
Thicker and darker hair
DHT is one of the causes of hair loss. By blocking DHT, it helps in healthier hair growth in the upper body.
Some natural DHT blockers, like Saw Palmetto, can also show the same side effects as artificial supplements.
How common are these side effects
Luckily only very few people who take DHT blockers face these side effects.
Less than 2% of people have faced the side effects of these medicines.
If anyone faces side effects related to sexual functioning, they are mostly temporary and get normal after discontinuing.
A study discussing Finasteride and its sexual side effects states that the side effects decrease to less than 0.3% after five years of medication.
You should discuss this with your doctor before taking any medication.
They may recommend a change in the salt of your medicine, such as Minoxidil, if you face side effects.
Takeaway
In conclusion, DHT blockers may have side effects such as hormonal imbalance and sexual dysfunction.
It is important to know that these are generally temporary and can go after medicine discontinuation.
Despite these side effects, DHT blockers are still used to combat hair loss.
You can consult your doctor to learn about these medicines’ interactions and side effects.
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