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DHT Effects

Advancements in medicine have made it possible to understand how and why certain factors affect the human body. This is especially true with male pattern baldness, which was at one time very misunderstood. But researchers now know that DHT plays crucial role in the development of hair loss, and new and advanced treatments are being manufactured to stop DHT in its tracks.

  1. What is DHT?

    • According to NaturoDoc.com, DHT is the abbreviation for a hormone known as dihydrotestosterone, a derivative of the male androgen testosterone. Researchers believe that DHT is responsible for hair loss in some individuals.

    Phases of Hair Growth

    • There are three normal phases of hair growth. According to Follicle.com, most hair follicles are in the anagen, or growth, phase approximately 85 percent of the time and can last for up to two to six years at a time. During the catagen, or transitional, phase the hair follicles shrink in size and this usually lasts for about 60 days. The resting, or telogen, phase lasts for approximately three weeks and is denoted by the older hair follicles being pushed out by the new. The presence of DHT is responsible for promoting the resting phase in hair follicles.

    Binding

    • DHT binds with the hormone receptors in the hair follicle, shortening the growth phase and making the resting phase longer. According to Surviving-Hair Loss.com, this cycle can cause the hair follicles to produce finer hair strands that are susceptible to breakage. Eventually, the follicles become so compromised that they fail to produce any hair strands at all.

    DHT Blockers

    • DHT blockers are designed to inhibit the production of an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase which aids in the formation of DHT. The University of Virginia Health Systems explains that medications such as finasteride are available in prescription pill form and have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help block the production of DHT in the body. Topical treatments such as minoxidil are available over-the-counter and can also help to protect hair follicles from DHT binding.

    DHT and the Prostate

    • Researchers have also found a connection between DHT and prostate enlargement. The New York Times Health Guide reports that DHT is known to stimulate the growth of prostate tissue and is considered a major factor in adult prostate enlargement.

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