Did you know that DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss, affects millions of people? Look into the causes of hair loss, and you’ll inevitably come across DHT, also known as Dihydrotestosterone.
Whether you’re male or female, DHT is a likely cause of your hair thinning and bald spots. But what is DHT, and why does it cause hair loss?
Key Takeaways
- DHT stands for Dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that comes from testosterone. DHT can cause hair follicles to shrink, leading to hair loss.
- Both men and women can experience hair loss due to DHT.
- It's important to talk to a doctor before starting any DHT blocks, hair transplant, or other treatment.
What is Dihydrotestosterone?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone produced in the body as a byproduct of Testosterone. DHT is formed when an enzyme called 5 alpha-reductase converts Testosterone into DHT. DHT plays a significant role in forming male characteristics, like facial hair, a deeper voice, and more muscle mass.
Unfortunately, high DHT is also responsible for hair loss in both men and women. Treatments like follicular unit extraction can help address hair loss caused by high DHT. (1)
DHT bonds itself to hair follicles, causing them to shrink. This shrinking process, known as miniaturization, leads to a receding hairline as the follicles become smaller and smaller. Eventually, these follicles are unable to grow or hold onto the hair. This is the primary cause of female and male pattern baldness. (2)
In addition to miniaturization, DHT-related hair loss is worsened by inflammation in the scalp, which further contributes to hair loss. This inflammation may damage the hair follicle and prevent the circulation of nutrients, limiting the scalp’s ability to grow hair. Sometimes, a hair transplant may be considered to restore hair growth.
Excess DHT also shortens the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, which can impact overall health, including weight loss. Typically, hair grows for several years before entering a resting phase, after which it falls out and is replaced by new hair. However, when high DHT attaches to hair follicles, it causes hair strands to enter the resting phase earlier than usual, resulting in shorter and thinning hair. (2)
Several other factors can contribute to the overproduction of DHT, including genetics, a person’s age, and hormonal imbalances. Men are also more likely to experience hair loss due to DHT because they have higher testosterone levels than women. However, it’s important to note that women can also experience DHT hair loss, which can affect both scalp and body hair.
What are DHT Blockers, and How Do They Work?
Medications that block DHT’s effects belong to a category of drugs called Dihydrotestosterone blockers (DHT blockers) or 5 alpha reductase inhibitors. The following are two of the most commonly used DHT blockers:
- Finasteride
- Dutasteride
DHT blockers work through four primary methods. (1)
- 5 alpha reductase inhibitor. DHT blockers work by targeting the production of DHT through the suppression of 5 alpha reductase. This enzyme converts Testosterone into DHT. Therefore, by blocking this enzyme, DHT levels are reduced.
- Decreased DHT levels. By reducing DHT levels, DHT blockers help interrupt hair follicles’ miniaturization process.
- Extended hair growth phase. DHT blockers extend the active phase of hair growth, which is called the anagen phase. DHT blockers prolong the anagen phase, allowing for longer, healthier, and thicker hair growth.
- Maintenance of existing hair. When hair loss occurs, protecting the hair that’s present is essential. DHT blockers can help maintain existing hair by preventing further miniaturization of hair follicles.
For the most part, DHT blockers are more effective for individuals experiencing androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss) because this condition, which affects the scalp, is primarily influenced by DHT. Hair restoration for androgenic alopecia can impact up to 50% of men and women. (3)
Other types of hair loss, including pubic hair loss, can also be impacted by factors such as nutritional deficiencies or stress; these conditions may not respond as effectively to DHT blockers on their own. In these cases, a multifaceted approach to hair restoration may be required.
Why are DHT Blockers Prescribed for Hair Loss?
One of the primary reasons why DHT blockers are prescribed for hair loss, including male-pattern hair loss, is their effectiveness. DHT blockers work. Studies have shown that they can significantly reduce hair loss and even promote hair regrowth in some cases.
Because DHT is the primary cause of female and male pattern baldness, blocking its production can help prevent further hair loss, making it a valuable option before or after an eyebrow transplant. (2)
Another reason why DHT blockers, including DHT-blocking shampoo, are prescribed for hair loss, even after an FUE hair transplant, is their ease of use. Most DHT blockers come in the form of oral medications, often taken as a once-a-day pill.
This makes DHT blockers convenient for individuals who don’t want to use topical treatments on their scalp or undergo more invasive hair restoration procedures.
Most people also consider DHT blockers safe and well-tolerated. Unlike other hair loss treatments, they typically do not have significant side effects.
Their lack of major side effects makes them popular as a safe and effective hair loss treatment, mainly when used alongside a hair transplant. They are sometimes discussed in the context of weight loss as well, though their primary use is for treating hair loss. (2)
Are DHT Blockers Right for You?
Happy Head’s proprietary hair growth formula was crafted by the work of our world-renowned hair loss pioneers, Dr. Ben Behnam and Dr. Sean Behnam.
Both of our founders are widely published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Journal of Organic Chemistry, Cutis, Expert Opinion in Pharmacotherapy & others.
With Happy Head, you know you’re receiving high-quality and well-researched hair loss products with your safety in mind.
Every individual’s situation is unique. That’s why it’s essential to discuss the use of DHT blockers with a licensed dermatologist who can evaluate your specific situation, provide appropriate guidance, and monitor your progress.
Happy Head’s experienced hair loss experts can help you determine the most suitable treatment options. Our experts can also walk you through each medication’s potential risks and side effects. Contact us to develop your individualized hair loss treatment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does DHT cause hair loss?
DHT makes hair follicles smaller, which weakens hair and eventually leads to a shorter hair growth cycle and can cause the hair to take a longer time to grow back, eventually leading to hair loss.
Who can be affected by DHT-related hair loss?
Both men and women can experience hair loss caused by DHT, it isn’t exclusive to one sex. However, the treatment for DHT-related hair loss can be different depending on the sex of the individual, so it’s important to consult a doctor about this matter.
Can DHT blockers stop hair loss?
DHT blockers can help reduce hair loss, but it’s essential to consult a medical professional before taking any DHT blocker.
Are there other treatments for DHT-related hair loss?
Yes, there are other treatments, like Finasteride, Dutasteride, and hair restoration procedures, but a doctor should help you decide the best option.
