***Dihydrotestosterone: Friend or Foe?

Dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT, is an androgen that is produced throughout a man’s lifetime. This hormone is produced in the adrenal glands, prostate, testes and scalp when an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase interacts with testosterone. On average, this enzyme metabolizes approximately 5% of a man’s testosterone and converts it into more potent DHT.

The Role of Dihydrotestosterone in Early Development

During puberty, DHT levels further increase to support the child’s continued development. Not only is this hormone essential in the development of the sexual organs, but it deepens the voice, triggers the growth of facial hair and causes increased body hair. To promote masculinization, DHT also inhibits the production and function of estrogen.

During male development, dihydrotestosterone is extremely important. A lack of DHT will lead to developmental issues and cause feminization. DHT is also produced in females in very small amounts. However, like males who lack DHT, females who produce too much will experience developmental problems and exhibit masculine or ambiguous traits.
Dihydrotestosterone and Male Pattern Baldness

In puberty, DHT is essential to the development of facial and body hair. In adulthood, the role of DHT changes entirely. Instead of promoting hair growth, DHT actually damages the hair follicles. This hormone is so detrimental to the follicles that it is believed to be the primary cause of male pattern baldness.

As most men age, they develop a sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone. When DHT is produced in the scalp, it attaches to the androgen receptors in the dermal papilla. The dermal papilla is the component of the hair follicle that is responsible for causing growth. When DHT latches onto the receptors, it treats the follicles as foreign bodies and makes it impossible for them to absorb vitamins and nutrients.

When the follicles are restricted of nourishment, they go through a process called miniaturization. During this process, the follicles become smaller and produce much shorter, thinner hair. Eventually, the follicles will only be capable of producing vellus hair, which is the peach fuzz that covers most of the body. Over time, the follicles might stop producing hair altogether and go dormant. Men who want to stop their hair from thinning should begin treating the problem at the first sign of hair loss.

Blocking Dihydrotestosterone from Damaging the Follicles

To prevent DHT from causing permanent baldness, many men choose to use hair loss products that block this hormone. DHT can be blocked a few different ways. Some products aim to inhibit the production of 5-alpha reductase, making it impossible to produce DHT. Other products attach to the androgen receptors at the follicles and prevent DHT from connecting. Both of these functions will drastically slow the progression of male pattern baldness and might even encourage the follicles to begin producing stronger, healthier hair.