An Introduction to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

What is DHT? A Simple Explanation

DHT: The Basics and How It's Made

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a powerful hormone in your body. It's a type of androgen, which is a group of hormones responsible for male characteristics. Think of DHT as a supercharged version of testosterone; it's much stronger and works in a more focused way.

The body makes DHT from testosterone with the help of a special enzyme called 5α-reductase. This process happens in certain areas of the body, including the skin, hair follicles, and the prostate gland. While testosterone circulates throughout your bloodstream, DHT mainly does its work right where it's made, acting like a local messenger rather than a widespread one.

What makes DHT so powerful? It's all about how it interacts with the body's cells. DHT "locks on" to a receptor much more strongly and for a longer time than testosterone does. This is why even a small amount of DHT can have a big impact. Interestingly, DHT cannot be converted into estrogen (a female hormone), which means its effects are purely and strongly androgenic.

The Important Jobs of DHT

DHT is essential for many key processes, particularly in male development. While a baby is still developing, DHT is crucial for forming the male genitals. Later, during puberty and adulthood, DHT is responsible for many of the things we recognise as male traits:

• The growth of facial, body, and pubic hair.
• The development and maintenance of the prostate gland.
• Increased muscle mass and a deeper voice.

This hormone's powerful and localised action ensures that these important signals are delivered precisely where needed, without causing widespread changes that could be harmful.

DHT and Its Surprising Link to Hair Loss

While DHT is great for growing a beard, it can be the enemy of the hair on your scalp. For people who are genetically prone to hair loss, DHT can shrink hair follicles on the head, a process called miniaturisation. This causes the hair to become thinner, shorter, and eventually stop growing altogether, leading to visible hair loss.

This condition is known as androgenetic alopecia, or male and female pattern baldness. In men, it typically shows up as a receding hairline and a thinning crown. In women, it often appears as a general thinning of the hair and a widening part. The good news is that this specific type of hair loss is directly linked to DHT, making it a manageable condition.

DHT’s Role in Other Health Issues

Beyond hair loss, DHT is also a key player in prostate health. As men get older, the prostate gland can grow, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This can lead to issues like frequent urination or difficulty urinating. Many of the treatments used to block DHT for hair loss were originally developed to manage BPH, showing a clear connection between the hormone and prostate health.

Taking Control: Managing DHT and Hair Loss

If you're concerned about hair loss, a common approach is to find ways to reduce or block the effects of DHT. This often involves targeting the 5α-reductase enzyme, which is responsible for making DHT. Prescription medications like finasteride and dutasteride work by blocking this enzyme, reducing DHT levels and helping to prevent further hair loss.

For those looking for a daily solution, topical products are also available. Many shampoos and treatments are designed to help support scalp health and manage the effects of DHT. For example, a specialised regimen like the BioScalp DHTI Control Kit and a targeted product like the BioScalp DHTI Control shampoo can be part of a daily routine to support your hair. Some people also look to natural ingredients like saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, and green tea extract, which are believed to have a similar blocking effect.

Conclusion

DHT is a vital hormone with many important jobs, from shaping male development to regulating prostate health. However, its powerful nature can also contribute to hair loss in those who are genetically susceptible. By understanding how DHT works, you can explore the various treatments and solutions available to help manage its effects and support the health of your hair.

References

• Cleveland Clinic. "DHT (Dihydrotestosterone): What It Is, Side Effects & Levels." Cleveland Clinic, 20 Dec. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24555-dht-dihydrotestosterone.
• Cleveland Clinic. "Hair Loss in Women: Causes, Treatment & Prevention." Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16921-hair-loss-in-women.
• Healthline. "DHT: How It Causes Hair Loss and How to Slow It." Healthline, 10 Jan. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/dht.
• Mayo Clinic. "Hair loss - Diagnosis and treatment." Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372932.
• Medical News Today. "DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and its link to hair loss." Medical News Today, 12 Jan. 2024, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/68082.
• Miiskin. "What is the most effective DHT Blocker in the market?" Miiskin, miiskin.com/hair-loss/best-dht-blocker/.
• USRF. "THE ROLE OF DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE IN BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA." Urological Sciences Research Foundation, www.usrf.org/news/BPH_Prevention/DHT_Rev.pdf.
• "Dihydrotestosterone." Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dihydrotestosterone.
• "Dihydrotestosterone." You and Your Hormones, www.yourhormones.info/hormones/dihydrotestosterone/.