DHT & Hair Loss

Androgenic loss of hair (Male Pattern Baldness) is related mainly to the genetic predisposition of one's hair follicles on predetermined sections of the scalp, becoming susceptible to the androgen (male hormone) dihydrotestosterone or DHT. Androgen receptors, as suggested by the name, bind with the DHT and attach them to the cells of the structure on which they are located, in this case, the hair follicle. As we approach a genetically predetermined age, binding of DHT to the follicles that are genetically pre-programmed to be susceptible to it, acts as a switch prompting a gradual constriction of the blood flow to the hair bulb. This constriction of blood flow weakens the bulb causing it to detach and fall out (most likely, prematurely). The new hair that grows into this follicle is subsequently coming into a weakened follicle with less blood flow. Thus the new hair is weaker and thinner than the old hair. This cycle keeps repeating until eventually the follicle is unable to create new, growing hair, which leads to baldness. However, one must note that DHT is an androgen. Contrary to what some may try to suggest, it is not a toxin, but a necessary hormone, essential to our health and sexual identity. Among other very important functions, DHT acts as a precursor hormone which regulates the ratio of androgens (male hormones) to estrogen (female hormones) in the human body. Inhibition of production of this hormone in the system can cause the hormonal levels in the body to become imbalanced. Increased levels of estrogen (female hormones) in male patients can cause depletion of certain male characteristics, and prominence of certain female ones. Side effects can include depression, lack of libido, decrease in sex drive and lowered sperm count. Change in consistency of the ejaculatory fluid (in some cases causing a gelling effect), erectile dysfunction and Gynecomastia are among other possible symptoms.

Obstruction of DHT production in the body can cause a chain reaction with numerous effects on one's sexual characteristics.

What is DHT and how is it produced?

As we approach adolescence, the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase starts to release in our system. This enzyme binds to the testosterone molecules already flowing throughout our body producing the hormone dihydrotestosterone or DHT.

DHT is the hormone that determines the prevalence of masculine characteristics in a man, including facial hair, voice change, sexual drive and adrenalin production and prevents the prevalence of feminine characteristics like fat cell production in the breast, by controlling the ratio of androgens and estrogens in the body. If the amounts of DHT molecules are reduced in the system, the ratio of male and female hormones becomes out of control, possibly resulting in the prevalence of female characteristics as well as depletion of masculine attributes.