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Effects of Excessive DHT

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is a naturally-occurring androgen in the male body. DHT fuels physical growth in male fetuses but has no purpose in adult males. For some men, the body continues to create DHT, leading to several problems.

  1. Hair Loss

    • Some men possess excessive levels of DHT that binds to hair follicles simply because it has no purpose or place to go. As a result, the DHT suffocates hair follicles until they cannot receive the nutrients necessary to function normally. Follicles become dormant and hair weakens or dies, falling out of the scalp and causing male pattern baldness.

    Enlarged Prostate

    • In aging men, a healthy prostate requires that testosterone converts into DHT when the enzyme alpha-5 is present. However, excessively high levels of DHT result in cell growth, leading to an enlarged prostate gland.

    DHT in Women

    • Women possessing high levels of DHT develop masculine characteristics, such as excessive hair and muscle growth and a deep voice, resulting in an androgynous appearance. DHT may also lead to alopecia of the scalp, a condition described as female baldness, while encouraging growth of thick, curly hair over the chest. Although this may be advantageous in transgender populations who wish to look more masculine, other women view these symptoms as a disadvantage.

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