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Understanding DHT's Role in Hair Loss and Treatment Options for Androgenetic Alopecia

Learn about dihydrotestosterone (DHT), its effects on hair follicles, and how it contributes to androgenetic alopecia. Discover treatment options like finasteride and minoxidil, which can help manage hair loss by targeting DHT and promoting hair growth.

  • what is dht and why does it affect hair?

  • Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent androgen, a hormone that is derived from testosterone through the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase1. DHT plays a significant role in the development of male characteristics during puberty, such as body hair, a deeper voice, and muscle growth.

    However, DHT is also implicated in hair loss, particularly in androgenetic alopecia (AGA), a common form of hair loss in both men and women2. The primary mechanism through which DHT affects hair is by binding to androgen receptors in hair follicles. This binding leads to miniaturization of the hair follicles, shortening the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, and consequently producing thinner and shorter hairs3. Over time, this process can result in hair follicles becoming dormant, leading to visible hair thinning and baldness.

    The AGA condition is usually characterized by a receding hairline in men and diffuse thinning over the crown in women while retaining the frontal hairline3. The susceptibility to DHT and resulting hair follicle miniaturization is influenced by genetic factors, making some individuals more prone to hair loss than others2.

    For those experiencing hair loss due to DHT, treatment options such as finasteride and topical minoxidil are often used. Finasteride works by inhibiting the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, thereby reducing DHT levels, while minoxidil promotes hair growth through other mechanisms4.

    Footnotes

    1. Izabela Urysiak-Czubatka, "Assessment of the usefulness of dihydrotestosterone in the diagnostics of patients with androgenetic alopecia," PubMed Central, 2014. ↩

    2. Mark S. Nestor, "Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia: Efficacy, side effects, compliance, financial considerations, and ethics," PubMed Central, 2021. ↩ ↩2

    3. Izabela Urysiak-Czubatka, "Assessment of the usefulness of dihydrotestosterone in the diagnostics of patients with androgenetic alopecia," PubMed Central, 2014. ↩ ↩2

    4. Mark S. Nestor, "Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia: Efficacy, side effects, compliance, financial considerations, and ethics," PubMed Central, 2021. ↩

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