DHT Hair Loss

Excessive production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a leading cause of hair loss or baldness. Prostate glands produce testosterone that is converted into dihydrotestosterone.



Conversion of dihydrotestosterone is a normal process. But due to specific reasons, dihydrotestosterone is overproduced and results in hair loss.

How DHT causes hair loss?
Hair grows from hair follicles. Each follicle produces one hair. Hair follicles are tiny tubular cavities through which hair grows. The base of the hair follicle is surrounded by hair matrix composed of epithelial cells that are responsible for hair growth.

Hair follicles have several types of receptors including DHT receptors. Receptors are sites of organ or tissue that responds to certain substances. When excessive DHT exists in your blood, it induces the hair follicles to shrink. Thus, DHT deteriorates and destroy hair follicles.

As the hair follicle damages, hair degenerate and fall. All follicles are damaged and hair falls, it is called hair loss or baldness. The sooner you treat hair loss, the easier it is to regain hair again.

How overproduction of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is controlled?
The conversion of testosterone into DHT takes place under the hormone, 5 – alpha reductase. There are both synthetic and over the counter medications that block 5 – alpha reductase. When it is suppressed, DHT is normalized. But using synthetic medications is not a solution for inhibiting the 5 – alpha reductase. Use herbal supplements and topical tonics that are absorbed through the skin and directly protect hair follicles from excessive DHT.

How DHT hair loss is diagnosed?
Diagnosis of DHT hair loss is difficult as there are other causes of hair loss that resemble to DHT hair loss. Only microscopic analysis of follicles can reveal if it is caused due to overproduction of DHT or any other cause.

Testosterone is a male hormone; can women also develop DHT hair loss?
Although testosterone is male sex hormone, it is androgenic hormones which are found in both sexes. Thus, testosterone is also found in females too, though its level is far less than in males. DHT is responsible for male characters such as deepening of voice, growth of genital organs and other parts.

Conclusion:
DHT hair loss is common in both men and women irrespective of age. DHT has been affecting more than 60% of bald or hair loss patients. DHT is essential for normal functioning of prostate gland, but it harms the body, when it is overproduced. Its overproduction can be inhibited using 5 – alpha reductase blockers. Herbal remedies are common to protect hair follicles from DHT.