DHT And Hair Loss
Defining DHT
DHT and hair loss go hand in hand. DHT is a hormone produced in the testes, liver, and skin. It is found both in men and women. However, hair loss related to DHT is commonly found in men more than in women. Male pattern balding is frequently referred to as Androgenetic Alopecia. Pattern baldness is among the most common causes of hair loss for men as they grow older. Women also face DHT hair loss, but not as common as men. Approximately 50 million men in the United States experience pattern baldness compared to 30 million women.What Does DHT Do?
DHT is found in testosterone, a hormone in both men and women. They are hormones or androgens that contribute to male traits during puberty. The attributes include:- Increased muscle mass and body hair
- A deep voice
- Due to the beginning of the process of sperm production, there will be the growth of the scrotum, testicles, and penis.
- Change in the storage of fat in your body
When the DHT flows freely in your bloodstream, it may link to receptors on your scalp's hair follicles. This will make the hair follicles shrink and be difficult for them to support healthy hair. DHT does not only have the potential to harm your hair, but at high levels, it has other effects such as:
- Prostate cancer
- Enlarged prostate
- Slow healing of the skin
- Coronary heart disease
- The Link Of DHT To Balding
High levels of DHT hormones can shorten the growth cycle and shrink the hair follicles. This will make the hair fall out faster, be more brittle, and look thinner. DHT will also cause the growth cycle to take longer to start after their hair falls out.
Some individuals are susceptible to the DHT effects on the hair on their scalp due to androgen receptor gene variation. This receptor is the one that allows the binding of DHT and testosterone and resulting in body hair growth. However, the variations in the Androgen receptor gene may cause the increase of its receptivity in the follicles in your scalp and thereby increase the chances of you likely facing male pattern hair loss.
Testosterone To DHT
In a male body, the most abundant and active hormone is testosterone. The androgen is responsible for several physiological and sexual processes, such as:- Assisting in distributing fat all over the body
- Regulating sperm production
- Regulating one's emotions and moods
- Controlling the levels of androgen hormone all over the body
- Preserving muscle mass and bone density
Ways To Reduce DHT
Male pattern hair loss may negatively affect a man's self-esteem. You can relieve the patterns of hair loss by using some hair loss treatments that have been developed already. You can get several medications for hair loss related to DHT that work by receptor binding and targeting DHT production. The two main types are:DHT Blockers
They stop 5-AR receptors from being bound by DHT, including the hair follicles, which allow DHT to shrink hair follicles.
Inhibitors
They reduce the production of DHT in your body. They include:- Finasteride (Propecia)
- Minoxidil
- Biotin
The Potential Side Effects Of Blockers
Like any medication, DHT blockers can have side effects. Please consult with your doctor prior to beginning any new medication.- Rash
- Feeling sick
- Erectile dysfunction
- Taking too long to ejaculate or ejaculating too early
- Vomiting
- Congestive heart failure from water retention or salt, more so with minoxidil
- Tenderness and excess fat development around your breast
- Thickening and darkening of upper body and facial hair
The Best Snacks For DHT Blocking
Certain foods contain DHT-blocking properties. While these might not be as effective as some of the medications listed above, there are certain studies that have shown the following foods to have some benefit to hair loss.1. Almonds
They are rich in L-lysine, which assists in stopping DHT from forming, and it is also a rich source of protein.2. Cashew Nuts
Cashew nuts are rich in protein and zinc. Zinc will assist in maintaining healthy tissue repair and tissue growth. Also, zinc will help in stopping testosterone from changing to DHT.3. Pumpkin Seeds
They have high levels of phytosterols such as beta-sitosterol.4. Pecans
They are a great source of gamma-tocopherol, an excellent source of vitamin E, manganese, selenium, and iron. These nutrients are very useful in maintaining healthy hair follicles.5. Lavender oil
It has been discovered recently that the plant's oil stimulates hair growth.6. Peanuts
The nutritiously dense food is packed with fiber, protein, fatty acids, omega 6, and vitamin E, which help in hair growth for people experiencing hair loss.7. Turmeric
This is a herb changed to its powder extract and commonly used in cooking. It is popular for its functions such as enhancing exercise recovery, improving cholesterol levels, and reducing arthritis pain. Turmeric also has high levels of active compounds known as curcuminoids that help on lowering DHT levels through blocking the 5-AR enzyme’s actions.Why DHT Affects People In Diverse Ways
The reasons why DHT affects individuals in different ways are such as:- The higher sensitivity of the androgen receptor
- Increase in the follicle's DHT receptors
- Growth in the number of testosterone circulating which serves as DHT's precursor
- A more significant production for local DHT