Most people experiencing hair loss have heard of DHT, as there’s tons of information on the Internet connecting it with hair loss.
What is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?
DHT is an androgen hormone that is known for stimulating the development of male characteristics. It’s responsible for most men’s deeper voice, hair growth, and increased muscle mass. The androgen hormone is present in both women and men, but men have much more.
The leading cause of hair loss among men and women is androgenic alopecia, which is directly linked to high levels of DHT.
How is it connected to hair loss?
Even though DHT is essential when it comes to hair growth on your armpits and legs, it can negatively impact hair growth on your head. In addition, an excess of DHT can prevent nutrients from being absorbed by the hair follicles on your head. Unfortunately, this can result in malnourished and shrunken follicles that will lead to upsetting hair loss.
DHT can also cause mild inflammation around your hair follicles, shortening the anagen phase of the growth cycle. If this inflammation occurs, your hair can fall out easier and become much thinner. Once old hairs have fallen out, it may take new hair a while to re-grow out of the follicle.
DHT doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. Some genetic factors, like a variation in their androgen receptor gene, can make some men and women more prone to hair loss caused by the hormone. This variation can increase how sensitive your scalp’s androgen receptors are, making you more likely to experience hair thinning and baldness.
For women, increased levels of DHT can also be recognized by several other symptoms. For example, females with too much DHT might develop increased hair on the body or face (known as hirsutism), an absence of menstrual periods (otherwise known as amenorrhoea), and hormonal acne on the forehead, nose, and chin.
How can you reduce DHT?
Certain medications like finasteride and minoxidil can be used to reduce DHT levels in men and women. However, living a healthy lifestyle may help to reduce DHT levels naturally. Therefore, it’s important to quit smoking, take time to rest, exercise regularly, and follow a well-balanced diet.
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