The Truth About DHT: Why Blocking it Could Be Key To Preventing Hair Loss
With hair loss becoming a common search term on these internet streets, the phrase DHT-blocker is slowly becoming a household name. But what is DHT? And, more importantly, why are we trying to block it? Wellness is our specialty, so we are so glad you asked…
When we say DHT, we are referring to Dihydrotestosterone, an androgen, and it is a potent form of the male hormone testosterone. It is produced when the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase (5AR) sees a testosterone hormone and decides to break one of its bonds and add on a hydrogen atom. You can think of it as testosterone 2.0.
From an evolutionary perspective, the 5-alpha reductase enzyme and the production of DHT have played essential roles in the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics, hair patterns, sebum production, muscle mass, bone density, and even certain behaviors. These functions have contributed to reproductive success, physical resilience, and the ability to adapt to various environmental challenges throughout human evolution. However, when we have an overproduction of the 5AR enzyme, which is typically predetermined by our genes, it's time to put on the figurative boxing gloves and fight back. We have to bust out the DHT blockers to keep the enzyme very mindful–very demure.
DHT’s Effect on Hair: Follicle Miniaturization
The primary mechanism by which DHT affects hair is through follicle miniaturization. This process involves the shrinking of hair follicles, particularly in the scalp. When DHT binds to androgen receptors in hair follicles, it disrupts the normal hair growth cycle in the following ways:
- Shortened Anagen Phase: The anagen phase is the active growth phase of the hair cycle. DHT shortens this phase, meaning that hair spends less time growing and more time in the resting phase.
- Follicle Shrinking: DHT causes hair follicles to become progressively smaller with each growth cycle. This shrinking results in thinner, shorter, and weaker hair strands, commonly referred to as "vellus" hair, which is almost invisible and lacks the density of healthy hair.
- Disruption of Hair Growth Cycle: The cumulative effect of DHT is that hair follicles may eventually become dormant, leading to permanent hair loss in the affected areas.
My guess is your goal is not to shrink your follicles, so let’s talk about defense mechanisms. Finasteride and dutasteride are the leading pharmaceutical DHT blockers, and while they show promising results in men, it is not quite as effective for women. And the following side effects are a hint as to why it’s not FDA-approved for us:
- Hormonal Changes: Finasteride can alter hormone levels in women, potentially leading to side effects such as irregular menstruation and changes in breast tissue.
- Decreased Libido: Similar to men, some women taking finasteride have reported decreased libido and sexual dysfunction.
- Mood Changes: Some women report mood swings, depression, or anxiety while on finasteride, although this is less commonly documented than sexual side effects.
- Breast Tenderness or Enlargement: Gynecomastia (breast tissue growth) and breast tenderness can occur as finasteride may affect the balance of hormones, including estrogen.
- Potential Teratogenic Effects: The most concerning side effect in women of childbearing potential is the risk of teratogenicity (birth defects). If a woman is pregnant or becomes pregnant while taking finasteride, it can cause abnormalities in the external genitalia of a male fetus. Due to this, even handling broken or crushed tablets of finasteride is discouraged in pregnant women. Finasteride is also present in semen and could potentially harm a growing fetus, so the use of condoms while on this medication is strongly recommended.
- Hair Shedding: Similar to the initial "shedding" phase men experience when starting finasteride, women may also notice an initial increase in hair loss before improvement occurs. This can be distressing but is often temporary.
Blocking DHT Naturally
Wellness is a lifestyle that naturally incorporates preventative behaviors to help support long-term health. Thankfully, nature provides the nutrients that help keep our body’s immune system strong. These natural DHT blockers offer a holistic approach to hair wellness, working to reduce DHT levels without the side effects associated with synthetic medications:
- Saw Palmetto: Derived from the berries of the saw palmetto palm tree, this natural remedy has been used for centuries to support various aspects of health. Saw palmetto is believed to inhibit the activity of that sneaky 5AR enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT, which we mentioned earlier. By limiting this conversion, saw palmetto may help reduce DHT levels in the body, potentially preventing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth. Studies have indicated that its effects, while not as strong as prescription medications, offer a natural alternative for those looking to address hair thinning and support hair wellness.
- Pumpkin Seed Oil: Rich in phytosterols and zinc, pumpkin seed oil has become a popular natural remedy for supporting hair health. Phytosterols are plant compounds that may block the conversion of testosterone to DHT, thereby helping to maintain healthy hair growth. Additionally, zinc is known to support hair strength and may play a role in reducing DHT production. Some clinical studies have shown that regular use of pumpkin seed oil may contribute to an increase in hair thickness and density over time.
- Green Tea: Known for its many health benefits, green tea contains potent antioxidants called catechins, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) being the most notable. EGCG has been studied for its potential to inhibit 5-alpha reductase activity, which could help reduce the amount of DHT in the body. This property makes green tea an excellent addition to a hair wellness routine, either consumed as a beverage or applied topically in hair care products.
- Pygeum Africanum: Extracted from the bark of the African cherry tree, pygeum has been traditionally used to support prostate health and has shown potential as a natural DHT blocker. It is believed to possess anti-androgenic properties, which means it may help balance hormone levels, including reducing DHT. Pygeum is often used in combination with other plant-based DHT blockers for a more comprehensive approach to maintaining hair health.
- Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in various bodily functions, including hair growth and maintenance. Some studies suggest that zinc can help inhibit 5-alpha reductase, thereby limiting the production of DHT. Ensuring adequate zinc intake through diet or supplementation can support overall hair wellness. Foods rich in zinc include oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and lentils, making it relatively easy to incorporate into a balanced diet.
- Beta-Sitosterol: This plant sterol is naturally found in a variety of plants, nuts, seeds, and vegetables. Beta-sitosterol may help block the production of DHT by inhibiting the action of 5-alpha reductase. It is often included in natural supplements aimed at promoting hair health and is considered one of the more effective plant-based DHT blockers due to its ability to mimic the action of cholesterol in the body, which may interfere with DHT production.
- Stinging Nettle Root: Stinging nettle root contains compounds that may bind to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that regulates the availability of hormones like testosterone. By binding to SHBG, stinging nettle root could potentially reduce the amount of free testosterone available for conversion to DHT. It is often used in herbal supplements targeting hair loss and prostate health due to its multifaceted approach to hormone regulation.
While most studies on natural DHT blockers focus on men, this doesn’t mean these ingredients are ineffective for women. Researchers often avoid including women due to the variability introduced by the menstrual cycle, but DHT is not exclusive to men. Even with lower testosterone, women can still produce DHT through the conversion of other androgens and the activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. Therefore, incorporating these plant-based substances into your diet or hair care routine can offer a natural, effective way to support healthy hair growth for both men and women.
Sources:
DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and its link to hair loss (medicalnewstoday.com)
Biochemistry, Dihydrotestosterone - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
Finasteride Use During Pregnancy | Drugs.com
The Ultimate Guide to DHT Blockers for Women (hshairclinic.co.uk)
Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Natural Drugs - PMC (nih.gov)
Serum Zinc Concentration in Patients with Alopecia Areata - PMC (nih.gov)
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