Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: The Role of DHT

Today’s fast-paced lifestyles, coupled with factors like pollution, poor diet, and stress, can wreak havoc on our hair. Hair loss in India is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors. 

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss, can exacerbate the problem. DHT is the most potent androgen that regulates hair cycling. Studies have reported that DHT plays an important role in region-specific hair growth, and altered levels of DHT affect hair growth.

All about DHT: The silent saboteur of your hair

DHT is a male sex hormone that regulates several body functions, including hair growth. While DHT is necessary for male development, excess amounts can cause hair loss, especially in genetically predisposed individuals. DHT is created from testosterone via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme transforms testosterone into DHT, a more potent androgen. For men, healthy DHT levels range from 30 to 85 ng/dL, while for women, the desirable range is between 4 and 22 ng/dL.

In people who are genetically sensitive to DHT, the hormone can bind to hair follicle receptors, causing follicle miniaturisation and, eventually, hair loss. This disorder is frequently referred to as androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness.

A hairy situation?

It's important to note that while DHT may have negative effects, which are explained below, the hormone also has certain positive effects.

Positive effects of DHT

• Sexual development: DHT is required for the formation of male sexual features such as the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and male pattern baldness.

• Muscle growth: It promotes muscle growth and strength.

Negative effects of DHT

• Hair loss: In genetically predisposed individuals, DHT can bind to hair follicle receptors, causing follicle miniaturisation and, eventually, hair loss. This is generally referred to as androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness.

• Prostate expansion: Elevated DHT levels can cause benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an expansion of the prostate gland.

• Acne: DHT can activate the sebaceous glands, causing increased oil production and perhaps contributing to acne.

What happens if your DHT levels are low or high?

It is critical to maintain a healthy hormonal balance, including DHT. While it is an important hormone for male development, high or low amounts can cause a variety of health concerns. 

High DHT levels

Elevated DHT levels can have a variety of consequences, particularly in men:

• Androgenetic alopecia: One of the most visible side effects of excessive DHT is hair loss. This hormone can cause hair follicles to shrink, resulting in thinning hair and ultimately, baldness, particularly in people with a hereditary predisposition.

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Increased DHT can cause enlargement of the prostate gland, resulting in symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, and a weaker urine stream.

• Acne: DHT can activate the sebaceous glands, causing increased oil production and perhaps contributing to acne breakouts, particularly in people with oily skin. 

Low DHT levels

While less prevalent, low DHT levels can have the following health implications:

• Delayed puberty: Low DHT levels in males can cause delayed puberty, which results in the development of secondary sex characteristics such as facial hair, deeper voice, and increased muscular mass.

• Reduced libido: Lower DHT levels may contribute to decreased sex drive and impaired sexual function.

• Reduced muscle mass: DHT aids in muscle growth and maintenance. Lower levels may affect muscular mass and strength.

Signs you need to see a doctor about DHT

If you're losing a lot of hair, especially in the male pattern, you should see a doctor. Similarly, symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or a weak urine stream may indicate an enlarged prostate, which is commonly associated with high DHT levels. Persistent acne, particularly in adults, may also be associated with elevated DHT.

Reduced sex drive and considerable muscle loss without apparent cause may also be signs of hormonal abnormalities, including low DHT.

Remember that the effects of DHT might vary greatly from person to person. For an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional.

DHT blocker side effects

DHT does not impact everyone equally. This is primarily due to genetic factors.

People with a genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia have DHT-sensitive hair follicles. This sensitivity can cause the hair follicles to shrink over time, resulting in thinner hair and eventual hair loss. Individuals who do not have this genetic sensitivity, on the other hand, may experience little or no hair loss, even when DHT levels rise.

DHT's connection to balding: A deeper dive

DHT plays a significant role in the development of androgenetic alopecia, more commonly known as male pattern baldness. Here's a breakdown of the pathophysiology:

1. Hormonal conversion: The male sex hormone testosterone is transformed into DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This conversion process takes place predominantly in the hair follicles and prostate gland.

2. DHT sensitivity: Individuals with a genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness have hair follicles that are more sensitive to DHT. This sensitivity is due to specific androgen receptors in the hair follicles.

3. Follicle miniaturisation: When DHT binds to androgen receptors, it causes several metabolic changes. These alterations result in the increasing miniaturisation of hair follicles. Hair follicles develop shorter, finer hairs over time, eventually culminating in hair loss.

4. Hair loss cycle: The natural hair development cycle consists of three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest). In individuals with androgenetic alopecia, the anagen phase becomes shorter, and the telogen phase becomes longer. This leads to a higher proportion of hair follicles in the resting phase, resulting in increased hair shedding.

DHT vs testosterone: A hormonal showdown

Testosterone and DHT are both androgens, or male sex hormones, but they serve different roles in the body. Testosterone, with the chemical structure C19H28O2, is produced primarily in the testes and plays a crucial role in overall male development. It contributes significantly to muscle mass, bone density, libido, and red blood cell production.

DHT has a slightly different chemical structure (C19H30O2) and is not produced directly; instead, it is converted from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. While testosterone supports general male characteristics and physical strength, DHT has a more targeted function; particularly influencing hair loss and prostate health. Unlike testosterone, DHT binds directly to hair follicles and is known to shrink them, leading to conditions such as male-pattern baldness. It may also affect prostate size and has been linked to acne in some individuals.

Although both hormones influence libido, testosterone has a broader role in maintaining sex drive and physical development, while DHT may also contribute to sperm production and prostate function. Understanding their distinct yet interconnected effects is key, especially when addressing issues like hair loss, hormonal imbalances, or reproductive health.

Lifestyle management for reducing DHT levels

While you can't eliminate DHT, you can implement lifestyle changes to help manage its levels and reduce its impact on hair loss. Here are some tips:

Diet and nutrition

• Balanced diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain hormonal balance.

• Limit processed foods: Processed foods often contain excess hormones and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to hormonal imbalances.

• Reduce sugar intake: High sugar intake can lead to insulin resistance, which can indirectly affect hormone levels.

• Consider a plant-based diet: Some studies suggest that a plant-based diet may help reduce DHT levels.

Lifestyle changes

• Stress management: Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance. Practise stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

• Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can help regulate hormone levels and improve overall health.

• Adequate sleep: Ensure you get enough quality sleep, as sleep deprivation can disrupt hormonal balance.

• Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact hormone levels.

Topical treatments

• Natural oils: Some natural oils, like tea tree oil and peppermint oil, have been shown to have DHT-blocking properties.

• Over-the-counter products: Look for hair products containing ingredients like saw palmetto and green tea extract, which can help inhibit DHT production.

Take control of your hair health

DHT, a powerful hormone, plays a crucial role in male pattern baldness. It works by shrinking hair follicles, leading to thinner hair and eventual hair loss. While you can't eliminate DHT, you can manage its impact through lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management. For severe hair loss cases, consult a dermatologist for personalised treatment options. Remember, understanding the role of DHT is key to taking control of your hair health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will reducing DHT regrow hair?

Reducing DHT can slow down hair loss and potentially stimulate some hair regrowth, especially in the early stages of hair loss.

2. How do I lower my DHT cycle?

There's no direct way to lower your DHT cycle. However, lifestyle changes like reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol consumption can help indirectly.

3. What foods should one eat to stop DHT’s side effects? 

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help. Soy products and foods rich in phytoestrogens may also have a positive impact.

4. How do you stop DHT hair loss fast?

There's no quick fix for DHT-related hair loss. However, certain medications can be effective. But these should always be taken after being prescribed by a doctor.

5. Which exercise reduces DHT levels?

Regular exercise can help reduce stress, which is indirectly linked to DHT levels. However, no specific exercise directly targets DHT reduction.

6. Does milk block DHT?

Milk itself doesn't directly block DHT. However, a balanced diet, including dairy products, can contribute to overall health, which may indirectly influence hormone levels.