What is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?
Men who experience genetic pattern baldness can suffer the first stages of hair loss by the time they reach 30 years of age. Some men may notice a receding hairline as early as their mid-teens. Though male pattern baldness is prominent in the United States, with up to two-thirds of men experiencing hair loss by their 60s, not much is known as to the cause of the hair loss in the first place.
Many myths exist about genetic male pattern baldness, such as excessive wearing of hats, lack of scalp stimulation, or that one’s maternal grandfather is the determining genetic factor. All of these myths are false. Genetic pattern baldness has nothing to do with external or environmental conditions, and the genetic disposition for hair loss can come from either side of the family.
Those men who have the genetic trigger for hair loss will first notice a thinning and receding of the hairline at the lateral forehead and eventually result in a ”pattern” of baldness on the top of the head. This type of hair loss is caused by a derivative of the male hormone, testosterone, called Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT.
It’s The Hormones
DHT is an important male hormone that is responsible for the primary male developement characteristics during pregnancy. It also contributes to the development of male sexual characteristics during puberty.
DHT is formed from testosterone through an enzymatic conversion in the adrenal glands, prostate gland, testes, and in hair follicles. DHT is formed daily in the human body and is important for the devleopment and maintenance of masculine characeristics.
How DHT Affects Hair
For men who suffer from genetic pattern baldness, DHT has a direct relationship with hair, and in fact, accounts for nearly 95% of hair loss. As men age, the production of DHT, also known as an “age marker,” increases. When increased amounts of DHT bind to the hair follicle, it will shrink. As each follicle is suppressed, the ability for hair to grow and reproduced is diminished. The result is a hair strand that ceases to grow out of the follicle and eventually falls out.
DHT does not affect random hair follicles on the scalp. Rather, hair follicles that are affected by DHT usually begin at the hairline on the forehead or at the top of the scalp. Follicles begin to shrink in a pattern and spread throughout the top of the scalp, forming a “horseshoe” shaped hair loss pattern.
Can The Effects of DHT Be Reversed?
Yes, DHT effects can be reversed. Since scientists and physicians know the cause of genetic pattern baldness, treatments have been developed to try to reverse the effects of DHT hair loss. Usually treatments have the best results in men who have early-stage hair loss or have lost little hair. Topical treatment creams and pharmaceuticals can be used that allow hair follicles affected by DHT to resume their original size and continue hair production.
For most men, hair loss has become an accepted social condition. However, since we know how DHT causes hair loss, men in early stages of genetic hair loss can reverse the process, at least for a period of time. Treatments must be used indefinitely or the effects of DHT will continue shrinking the hair follicles.
