What Is DHT Hair Loss, And What Cause And Treats It? from Beverly Hills Hair Restoration's blog

Excess dihydrotestosterone (DHT) interferes with the hair’s growth cycle by affecting the hair follicles leading to hair loss. So, what is DHT? It’s a sex hormone that is differential testosterone. Since the DHT hormone is one of the primary causes of male pattern baldness, one of the effective ways to prevent hair loss is to block the DHT. 

As testosterone is present in men and women, androgenic alopecia also attacks women, though the number is not as significant as males.   

Androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, affects over 50 million men in the US. It causes a receding hairline or forms an M-shape pattern of hair loss. The number of women is 30 million, which is way less than that of men. 

If you’re one of those affected by this condition, various effective treatments work as a DHT blocker. They prevent the transition of testosterone to DHT, inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone in the body. 

While agents reducing hair loss boosts confidence in a person suffering from hair loss, some of these treatments may not be safe for everyone. First, talk to your doctor before you start using them. 

Minoxidil 

Rogaine is the brand name of minoxidil that you can find over the counter and comes in two strengths; 2% and 5%. It’s a topical blocker that stimulates hair growth and enhances the growth phase. It’s one of the treatments that may help block DHT production. 

Finasteride

Finasteride is another treatment that blocks DHT production, preventing enzymes from converting testosterone to DHT. Although this also works by blocking the hormone that shrinks the hair follicles. But the initial development purpose for this agent was to treat an enlarged prostate.  

Vitamin B-12 or B-6

Most of the B vitamins play a vital role in your overall health. But can B-12 or B-6 supplements restore your hair? They may not do precisely that, but they help thicken your hair and keep it healthier by increasing the blood flow to scalp follicles. Lack of these two vitamins may cause hair thinning or hair loss. 

Since we now understand “what is DHT?” we need to know what causes it. The total amount of DHT present in the body will depend on testosterone present. When levels of testosterone rise, it causes the dihydrotestosterone to increase too. 

As hair loss is a common condition that affects most people worldwide, understand what triggers this. While DHT is an essential hormone in the human body, too much causes hair loss. Though it’s a common condition for older men, this also affects younger men from 21 years old, which can be devastating. However, DHT Blocker treatments may help reverse this condition.