DHT Hair Loss and Treatments

DHT Hair Loss , or dihydrotestosterone, is the result of contact between testosterone and the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase.

Signs of DHT and DHT Effects on Hair Loss

Men often lose hair first around the temples, then around the crown and finally on the top of the head, because that is where most DHT-carrying sweat glands are found. Women tend to thin in a more diffuse way. Men produce more testosterone than women and usually suffer from a more severe hair loss than women because of this. DHT hair loss can be hereditary, with both parents contributing to their offspring's change of hair loss in later life.

Do DHT Blockers Work?

Our bodies need testosterone to stay healthy so one way to stop hair loss is to stop the enzyme which creates DHT or use DHT blockers. Blocking DHT can be accomplished by reducing the substances that produce enzyme 5-alpha-reductase like cholesterol, reducing DHT production, inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase production or keeping DHT from attaching to the hair follicle receptors.

The most popular DHT blocker drug to fight hair loss is Propecia, which works by reducing the level of DHT in the body by blocking the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. Propecia is a drug and can have side effects, such as difficulty achieving an erection and decreased libido. Propecia is not recommended for female hair loss and pregnant women should not even touch a broken pill because of severe risks to the baby. This drug works in the majority of male DHT hair loss sufferers and is one of the best hair loss treatments on the market.

What About Natural DHT Blockers?

Green tea is a herbal DHT Blocker or natural DHT blocker and antioxidant which is safe to use and has no side effects. Gotu kola and gingko biloba are natural DHT blockers which work by increasing circulation and blood flow to the scalp. When enough blood reaches the follicles, they are far less likely to be affected by DHT. Soy isoflavones are another DHT blocker.

Emu oil, which can increase skin thickness, has also shown that it can charge hair follicles, keeping the hair follicle in its androgen stage for longer. Applied directly to the scalp, emu oil can lower DHT levels, stopping hair loss and promoting hair regrowth thanks to the essential fatty acids it contains which benefit hair health. All of these supplements can be found in health stores.

If you are experiencing DHT hair loss, you should consult your doctor because sometimes hair loss can be an indicator of a more serious illness like diabetes or lupus. Saying that, over ninety percent of hair loss is caused by the DHT hormone and if you are suffering from that, your doctor should be able to prescribe something to help with the problem.

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