DHT and Its Impact on Hair Loss

Explore the role of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in hair loss and how you can improve patient care for conditions like androgenetic alopecia.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent male sex hormone, plays a crucial role in hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss). According to Medical News Today, this condition affects millions of individuals in the U.S., including 50% of males over the age of 50 and females, especially post-menopause. DHT is produced by converting testosterone through the enzyme 5-alpha reductase and is more potent than testosterone. It significantly influences male puberty, including genital development and body hair growth. Both males and females produce DHT, impacting various physiological functions.

Hair growth undergoes three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest). While DHT stimulates body hair growth, it can lead to hair follicle miniaturization on the scalp, causing hair to become shorter, thinner, and lighter, ultimately resulting in pattern hair loss. High DHT levels shorten the hair growth cycle and prolong the resting phase, leading to hair thinning. DHT binds to androgen receptors on hair follicles with higher affinity than testosterone, driving the miniaturization process and subsequent hair loss. We’ve crafted a lab test to analyze DHT levels, as well as other biochemical factors, concerning hair loss. Learn more about our Hair Loss panel here. 

Dietary adjustments, such as consuming pumpkin seeds and onions, and lifestyle changes, like reducing stress, may help lower DHT levels, though more research is needed. DHT is essential in hair growth and loss, with high levels linked to pattern hair loss. Understanding DHT’s role allows targeted treatments to inhibit its effects, potentially preserving hair growth and mitigating hair loss in affected individuals.

A DHT panel can aid physicians in diagnosing and managing androgenetic alopecia and other DHT-related conditions. By measuring DHT, you can better understand the hormone’s role in a patient’s hair loss and develop targeted treatment plans. Learn more about our DHT panel here.