Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen, which is a hormone that helps develop sex-based characteristics in humans – especially those assigned male at birth. While initially it is a necessary part of the development of secondary sex characteristics, too much DHT can lead to hair loss in some people.
DHT is naturally occurring androgen… but there are cases when a person might have it in excess. For example, in post-menopausal women, DHT can be a problem that leads to hair growth on the face and hair loss on the scalp.
Can You Flush DHT Out of Your Body?
A number of foods can help reduce DHT in your body. So yes, you can reduce your DHT… but the body does not really flush it. It just stops making as much of it.
Healthline suggests that one of the most important foods for lowering your DHT levels is green tea. Green tea is processed differently that black tea, leaving more of its plant’s primary chemical – epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG helps prevent the formation of DHT and has been shown to stimulate hair growth.
Lycopene, a primary component in tomatoes, has also been shown in studies to help reduce DHT. And that same Healthline article touts the healing properties of turmeric. So, a good tomato-based curry might be a great option to help your thinning hair.
Other foods that may have a positive impact by lowering your DHT include edamame, pumpkin seeds, and onions.
Is Green Tea a DHT Blocker?
Yes, sort of. Green tea has a number of health benefits – including weight loss and brain health. But EGCG specifically has been found to protect hair follicles from the attacks of DHT and helps prevent hair loss from DHT.
But the news is not all good. Recent studies attempting to determine the efficacy of green tea supplements in preventing hair loss have not shown the supplements to be beneficial and have shown that they may increase liver damage in post-menopausal women. Post-menopausal women are likely to suffer from DHT-related hair loss.
Is Coffee a DHT-blocker?
If you do not like curry or green tea, coffee may be another option for fighting DHT… but not if you drink it.
A Healthline article from 2019 shows that washing your hair with cold brew can leave your hair softer and healthier, and wash away some DHT. Studies showed that (in both men and women) washing your hair with coffee can help prevent hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
RHRLI Are the Experts in All Forms of Hair Loss
While Green Tea and Coffee might help slow your hair loss, you might not want to waste all your cold brew in the shower or drink tea all day long. There are other ways to slow or reverse hair loss and hair thinning. RHRLI can help you determine if your hair loss is due to DHT, lifestyle, stress, or other reasons. Our team will help you find the right treatment or procedure to give you back a fuller, healthier head of hair. Call us today for your free consultation.