What Is DHT

DHT stands for Dihydrotestosterone (a male sex hormone) which is the resulting product of direct contact between the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, formed primarily in the prostate gland, testes and  hair follicles. The DHT or dihydrotestosterone is a by product of testosterone found both in males and to a lesser extent in females.

DHT and Hair Loss

DHT hair loss affects both men and women. It is considered to be the no.1 cause of hair loss in men and women.  In excessive amounts, DHT will attack hair follicles. This causes the hair follicle to shrink and weakens existing hair as a result. The hair will inevitably fall out and new hair will not grow in its place because of the attacked hair follicle is now too small. This can very quickly lead to large bald patches.

AR=Androgen Receptors; DHT=Dihydrotestosterone

Hair loss process:

1. The enzyme 5 Alpha-Reductase converts Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone
2. DHT binds to Androgen Receptors
3. DHT causes increased hair loss and gradual miniaturization of the hair follicle.
4. Over time the hair follicles die and the scalp becomes visible.

DHT hair loss in men occurs in patches while women it happens through thinning of the hair.  This is more common in male than in females because men have more testosterone. It is a main cause of balding among men while women not.

Men who lost more their hair then others had higher levels of DHT in their system. They also had increased numbers of DHT receptors in their hair follicles. These two things allow DHT to eventually “squeeze the life out” of hair follicles. This is why some men have Male Pattern Baldness while others didn’t.