While many people may know that Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen, they might only relate it to males.

DHT is a significant cause of hair loss, a common problem that affects everyone, irrespective of gender.

This androgen is a derivative of Testosterone. And though Testosterone is considered a male hormone, it is also present in women.

But does it affect women in the same way as men? Does it also cause hair loss, like in men?

Let’s find these answers in this article, along with other interesting and relevant information that will help you prevent hair loss due to DHT.

How is DHT made in women

As mentioned before, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone derivative of Testosterone.

Fact:
Almost 10% of the Testosterone produced by an adult daily is converted to DHT.

An enzyme named 5-alpha reductase is responsible for converting Testosterone to DHT.

This activity takes place in the ovaries of women. It may also occur in other body parts, such as skin.

DHT effect on women’s hair

DHT hormone in females affects their hair in the same way as it does for men. 

Here are the ways in which it can cause Androgenic Alopecia or Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL):

  • Its amount increases in the hair scalp
  • The number of DHT receptors on the hair follicles increases

A study was conducted on 49 people, including 19 women with Androgenic Alopecia.

The results showed increased concentrations of DHT in 17 women.

Now let’s discuss in what ways high DHT concentrations can affect our hair.

Ways in DHT can affect hair

DHT doesn’t directly result in hair loss. It affects the hair in specific ways that may eventually result in hair loss.

Here are the potential ways in which DHT can affect hair:

Hair follicle miniaturization

Dihydrotestosterone’s hair follicle miniaturization is characterized by the following:

  • A progressive reduction in terminal hair density
  • Increasing small vellus-like (thin and fine) hair density
  • Decrease in its pigment production

Elongated Telogen phase

This hair follicle miniaturization causes the Anagen phase to reduce and the Telogen phase to increase.

You must be wondering what these phases are and how this is related to hair.

The short answer is that these two are the phases of a hair cycle.

Anagen is the phase in which hair grows, and Telogen is the phase in which hair rests or lies dormant.

When the Anagen phase is reduced due to DHT, the hair cannot grow as long as before.

Moreover, the Telogen phase hair is not profoundly connected to the scalp, making it easier to fall out.

How does DHT increase in women

hormonal hair loss treatment
Hair Loss due to hormonal imbalance

DHT primarily increases in women’s bodies due to increased Testosterone levels. This can happen in several ways:

  • Specific conditions: Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can cause hormonal imbalances, resulting in higher DHT levels in women
  • Enzyme activity: If there is an overproduction or increased activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme in specific tissues, it can lead to higher DHT levels
  • Menopause: The decrease in Estrogen levels during Menopause can lead to a relative increase in Androgens, including DHT, contributing to hair loss and other symptoms
  • Family history: If you have a family history of Androgenetic Alopecia, you may have higher DHT production or increased sensitivity to DHT

How to reduce DHT for hair loss in women

There are various ways to reduce DHT. Here are some of them:

DHT blockers

DHT blockers are the medications primarily used in reducing Dihydrotestosterone.

Finasteride and Dutasteride are two medications that inhibit DHT and block its functioning. 

Finasteride is an FDA-approved drug for hair growth. While Dutasteride is used as an off-label medicine for hair growth. 

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Pumpkin seed oil

Pumpkin seed oil is a natural DHT blocker.

A research was conducted to know the efficacy and tolerability of this oil for treating hair growth.

76 patients with Androgenetic Alopecia received 400?mg of pumpkin seed oil daily or a placebo for 24 weeks.

The results showed that after 24 weeks, participants who used pumpkin seed oil had more hair than before the treatment.

The mean hair count increased to 40% in these patients.

The research claimed that this hair growth is because pumpkin seed oil blocks the action of 5-alpha reductase. 

Saw palmetto

Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto seeds

Saw palmetto is a herb that can reduce hair loss induced by DHT.

A research was conducted to learn the efficacy of this herb on Androgenetic Alopecia. 

The outcome had positive results for patients treated with topical Saw palmetto. 

Zinc-rich foods

Zinc-rich foods can aid in blocking DHT and preventing hair loss.

It controls the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, thus, restricting the conversion of Testosterone to DHT.

A study published by the British Journal of Dermatology states that the activity of this enzyme is completely inhibited at higher concentrations of zinc.

Caution:
Consult your nutritionist before making any dietary changes, as you may sometime have allergic reactions.

Takeaway

DHT is a derivate of Testosterone. It can be produced in women’s bodies by converting Testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. 

It affects women’s hair similarly to men’s. DHT leads to hair follicle miniaturization, a reduction in hair density, and elongated Telogen phases. 

These effects can eventually result in hair thinning and loss.

Several factors can contribute to increased DHT levels in women, including hormonal imbalances, enzyme activity, Menopause, etc. 

But you can also prevent and reduce DHT by consuming DHT blockers, Saw palmetto, zinc-rich foods, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do women have DHT?

Yes. Women also have DHT like men but in smaller amounts. The hormone, Testosterone is present in females. It is converted into Dihydrotestosterone by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. This activity takes place in the ovaries of the woman.

What causes high DHT levels in females?

There are many causes of high DHT levels in females. One of the prevalent ways of rise in the DHT levels is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Other causes include increased activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, Menopause, etc.

How do I lower my DHT hormone?

You can lower your Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in many ways. The easiest way can be taking DHT blocker medications such as Finasteride. You can also naturally lower the levels by consuming pumpkin seed oil, Saw palmetto, zinc-rich foods, etc.

How does DHT in women affect hair?

When Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels are increased in women’s bodies, it can affect their hair. It can decrease their hair density, making them appear fine and thin. Moreover, it reduces hair’s growth phase, resulting in short and weak hair.

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