All You Need to Know About DHT Hair Loss
Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is a hormone that plays a crucial role in hair loss for men and women.
Hair shedding in a definite pattern is medically termed Androgenetic Alopecia.
The treatment options include medications like Finasteride and natural treatments like Rosemary essential oil.
This article will explore the role of DHT hair loss and the available treatment options.
Let’s dive deep into this topic and explore it together.
What DHT is
Dihydrotestosterone is an androgen (male hormone) that develops sexual characteristics in people.
DHT is produced when Testosterone combines with 5-alpha reductase enzymes.
The prostate gland produces DHT and is biologically important for males.
It helps promote sexual difference of the male genitalia during,
- Embryogenesis
- Growth of facial, body, and pubic hair
- Maturation of the penis and scrotum at puberty
- Development and maintenance of the seminal vesicles and prostate gland
How does DHT hair loss occur
Change in DHT levels can cause hair loss.
Over time, hair follicles sensitive to DHT will shrink when exposed.
This shrinkage shortens each follicle’s lifespan and causes hair fall.
In medical terms, the process is called Miniaturization.
Hairs get shorter and finer when hair follicles decline in size and strength.
This process can lead to Androgenetic Alopecia (male or female-pattern baldness).
Why DHT affects people differently
A combination of hormonal and genetic factors can affect people differently.
Some people are more sensitive to DHT, so their hair stops growing faster.
According to studies, males with male-pattern baldness had higher DHT levels than others.
They also have an increased number of androgen receptors on the scalp.
DHT’s follicle-shrinking effect is typically more noticeable in those with Androgenetic Alopecia.
However, some scientists believe few people are genetically predisposed to high DHT levels.
Some people seem to be susceptible to hair loss due to a mix of hormonal and genetic factors.
In addition, its ability to stimulate androgen receptor signaling is ten times that of Testosterone.
How to reduce DHT
There are numerous effective ways to reduce the risk of hair loss.
A few of them are mentioned here.
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors or DHT blockers are medications used to prevent the conversion of Testosterone to DHT.
Finasteride, Dutasteride, and topical Minoxidil are medications approved by medical professionals to treat Androgenetic Alopecia.
Natural DHT blockers
You can choose the effective herbal route if you don’t want to get into artificial means to reduce DHT levels.
Some natural DHT blockers include pumpkin seed oil, palmetto, Pygeum bark, stinging nettle root, and rosemary oil.
Consume foods that may block DHT
Certain foods may decrease DHT production and prevent hair fall.
These include tomatoes, berries, green tea, soybeans, etc.
Practice a healthy lifestyle
Healthy lifestyle practices like reducing stress, quitting smoking, regular exercises like head massage, and having a balanced diet can help reduce hair loss.
These choices can help reduce tension and increase blood flow, promoting hair growth.
Consult with a healthcare provider
It is preferable to talk to a doctor about possible therapies for hair loss, although several medications or supplements have been shown to reduce DHT levels.
While it’s true that lowering DHT levels can stop hair loss, it’s much more crucial to keep your hormone levels in check for your general health.
Takeaway
Hair loss in men and women is commonly attributed to DHT.
You lose hair as you age because of your genetic susceptibility and normal physiological processes.
There are a plethora of options for dealing with hair loss that target DHT.
Treating DHT hair loss using DHT blockers like Finasteride and practicing a healthy lifestyle might bring back your self-esteem and help you feel better.
However, seeing a medical professional before trying any new treatment is important.
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