5

What is DHT?

Middle aged man checks his receding hairline in the mirror.

It’s a very big word for something that can lead to a very big problem. Because it’s a word that comes up often in the discussion of hair loss. Usually, dihydrotestosterone is shortened to the three letter abbreviation DHT. It’s a male hormone that’s believed to play an important role in causing hair loss. If you’re seeking a permanent solution to thinning hair or hair loss, there’s a very good chance you’ve heard of DHT. But you may be wondering what it is and how it is connected to the science of hair loss.

At RHRLI we’re experts in hair loss treatment. We’re the first restoration treatment center on Long Island to offer the ARTAS® System, a state of the art treatment that will give you a healthy, natural looking head of hair. So we want to give you the facts about DHT and how it relates to thinning hair.

The Basics of DHT and Hair Follicles

DHT is a hormone that is a derivative or byproduct of testosterone, according to Medical News Today. Testosterone is turned into DHT by certain enzymes, with about 5 percent of testosterone converted into DHT. DHT is responsible among other things for creating many of the sex characteristics of males such as deep voices, increased muscle mass, and chest hair. DHT is very strong and is five times more potent than testosterone. It is also the primary androgen in adult hair follicles, and it’s the relationship between DHT and hair follicles that have an impact on male pattern hair loss.

The Relationship Between DHT and Hair Loss

The causes of male pattern hair loss are not completely understood by science, but according to WebMD, we do know that DHT does play a role in shrinking hair follicles, while hair follicles show hair growth when DHT is suppressed. We don’t know exactly why this happens. Medical News Today says that one theory is that DHT is believed to be attaching androgen receptors to hair follicles. Researchers have found that both hair follicles and skin that has been detached from areas where hair loss is present have higher levels of DHT than hair and skin from other parts of the scalp.

Women also have DHT, but they don’t have as much as men do, according to the website American Hair Loss. The process which converts testosterone into DHT also occurs in women, but even a low level of DHT and testosterone can trigger hair loss, according to WebMD. But other hormones in women can also trigger hair loss, particularly when there’s an imbalance of hormones. Some of the conditions that can give women a hormonal imbalance are pregnancy, thyroid issues and conditions that can occur because of the use of certain medication.

RHRLI Has the Permanent Solution

There are medications that can block DHT, but stopping them will bring back hair loss. If you are looking for a permanent solution to your hair loss, RHRLI can help. ARTAS® is a noninvasive hair transplant procedure that finds healthy donor hairs and transfers them with precision, leaving you with a natural head of hair. Contact RHRLI today.

Please note that the author of this piece is not a doctor and the information in this material is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or medical professional for specific information regarding your individual situation.

Subscribe for Email Updates
Every week we publish fresh new content, that is designed to be informative as well as give some great tips before and after your procedure.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply