DHT and Hair Loss: Everything You Need to Know

Excessive amounts of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) triggers hair loss in both men and women. This type of hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia, or hereditary pattern baldness.

Androgenic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. According to the National Library of Medicine, it is the cause of hair loss in over 30 million women and 50 million men in the USA alone.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen hormone responsible for various male traits such as hair loss. This article takes you through the connection between DHT and hair loss. Read on!

How Does DHT Cause Hair Loss?

It is a byproduct of testosterone caused by an enzyme known as 5-alpha- reductase (5-AR) enzyme. Testosterone is the most active androgen responsible for physiological and sexual processes. The conversion of testosterone to DHT occurs in both men and women. While women have low levels of testosterone, they also experience DHT-triggered hair loss.

Dihydrotestosterone is more potent than testosterone and triggers the receptors to begin miniaturizing. Hair growth occurs in a cycle that takes between 2-6 years. High levels of DHT causes shrinking of hair loss thus shortening its cycle. It makes hair look thin and more brittle.

Pattern hair loss occurs when follicles shrink, leading to a shortened growing phase. After the hair follicles have miniaturized, hair starts falling out gradually. The first phase of hair growth (anagen) gets shorter while the last phase (telogen), which is the resting phase, gets longer preventing new hair follicles from growing. Hair loss in men depicts a receding hairline, while in women, it occurs through a thinning pattern across the scalp.

Treatment of DHT-Induced Hair Loss

To inhibit the production of DHT, the 5-AR enzyme has to be contained to prevent further conversion of testosterone. Inhibitors act on the enzyme to inhibit DHT production. The inhibitors stop baldness from progressing and subsequently initiate hair growth.

The Bottom Line

If you have been experiencing an unexplained form of hair loss, it could be as a result of DHT. However, you might need to undergo various tests to establish the most probable cause of your hair loss. At Transitions member hair loss centers, professional hair loss specialists near you understand the importance of quality and comfort you look for from people you can trust. They stand ready to answer all your questions fully and completely and help you find the perfect hair loss solution for you.

Further reading:

https://www.healthline.com/health/dht#purpose-and-function
https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/androgenetic-alopecia
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/68082.php#effects
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/hair-loss-causes-women
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treating-female-pattern-hair-loss