Nowadays, everyone is searching for a method to prevent hair loss and quickly and organically restore their hair. It is hard to believe that DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels could be one of the reasons for hair loss in some males and females.
Androgen is a sex hormone and DHT belongs to androgen that contributes to the development of male sex characteristics including body hairs. However, it might also cause you to lose your hair more quickly and prematurely. Therefore, preventing high DHT is crucial for both your health and your hair.
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What is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?
Dihydrotestosterone is a sex hormone responsible for developing male sex characteristics such as body hair, voice change, etc. An enzyme named 5α-reductase is responsible for the catalyzation of testosterone to DHT.
DHT is more powerful than testosterone and plays a vital role in male-pattern baldness. When too much DHT flows through the bloodstream, it binds to cell receptors in the hair follicles, skin, prostate, and coronary arteries causing deficits in cell growth and efficiency. It can result in hair follicle shrinkage and hair loss.
What Are the Symptoms of High DHT Levels?
Symptoms of increased body hair, facial hair, adult acne, sweating, aggression, sleep apnea, high red blood cell count, or high blood pressure could suggest high DHT levels. In that case, you may want to get your DHT levels checked by your doctor.
Some other symptoms of high DHT levels are listed below:
- Acne
- Growth of pubic and facial hair
- Amenorrhea
- Androgenetic alopecia
- Enlarged prostate
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
How Can High DHT Levels Be Harmful?
Excess DHT causes an imbalance of hormones in both males and females and shows various symptoms. For example, high DHT levels contribute to high levels of androgens, which cause acne-related problems. It can also shrink hair follicles which could cause further complications on hair loss. In Addition, people using anabolic steroid drugs may have high levels of DHT, which can cause hair loss.
High DHT Levels In Females:
High DHT levels in females cause various symptoms such as female pattern hair loss, increased acne, increased growth of facial hair (hirsutism), etc. In Addition, high DHT levels can also cause the development of unwanted hair on the back, face, and chest, and excess androgen hormones in women called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Finally, due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia, DHT levels can affect your cortisol production.
Consider seeing your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms; you may be suffering from high DHT levels. Your doctor may recommend a diet change or follow a PCOS diet, that helps to lower DHT levels.
High DHT Levels in Males:
High DHT levels cause hair loss in a typical male pattern known as androgenetic alopecia. In Addition, it can cause enlargement of prostate tissues and result in an enlarged prostate. High DHT levels are also responsible for the high levels of androgens, which cause facial acne.
How Do I Get My DHT Levels Tested?
A blood test most commonly measures DHT levels, but the saliva panel test is more accurate. Specialists can only perform these tests. DHT is the primary androgen of the prostate gland.
Conventional Medications To Block DHT
Conventional DHT blockers, called 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), are suitable for treating an enlarged prostate and scalp hair loss. These DHT blockers are essential in hormone therapy in transgenders. Further 5-ARIs also treat excessive hair growth in women or hirsutism. 5-ARIs block the conversion of testosterone to the more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone in androgen-associated disorders. Below there are a few medications to aid in balancing your DHT levels.
Some DHT blockers commonly used in conventional medicine are listed below:
- Alfatradiol
- Dutasteride
- Epristeride
- Finasteride
Alfatradiol:
Alfatradiol (brand names Ell-Cranell Alpha, Pantostin) is used in Europe to treat pattern hair loss. It is also known as 17a-estradiol and is usually sold as Avicii, Avixis, Ell-Cranell Alpha, and Pantostin. It is a stereoisomer of the endogenous steroid hormone and estradiol.
Dutasteride:
Dutasteride is sold under the brand name Avodart. It treats enlarged prostate and scalp hair loss. Taken orally, it also reduces DHT levels in men with prostate cancer up to 97 to 99%. Unfortunately, it can also show some side effects, including sexual dysfunction, breast tenderness, and depression.
Epristeride:
Epristeride is used in China to treat enlarged prostate and is available under the brand names Aipuliete and Chuanliu. It is taken orally and reduces the DHT levels in blood up to 25 to 54%. In Addition, it treats scalp hair loss, enlarged prostate, and acne.
Finasteride:
Finasteride is sold under the brand names Proscar and Propecia. It treats hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia in men. It decreases DHT production in the prostate gland and scalp by up to 70%. It is available as a generic medication. Unfortunately, some rare side effects are also observed, including sexual dysfunction, breast enlargement, and depression.
Holistic DHT Blockers
Natural substances are employed to make holistic DHT blockers. They are additionally employed to delay male pattern baldness. Natural DHT blockers similarly block DHT to drug DHT blockers, despite the fact that the pattern of hair loss in women differs from that in males.
There are two types of DHT blockers:
- Internal DHT blockers
- Topical DHT blockers
Holistic Effective DHT Blockers:
- Pumpkin seed oil
- Stinging nettle
- Lycopene
- Green Tea
- Caffeine etc.
- Onions
- Spearmint
Pumpkin Seed Oil:
Pumpkin seeds contain many essential minerals, which include zinc, magnesium, and iron. In Addition, they have a unique amino acid called cucurbitacin that helps in hair growth. Linoleic acid and Oleic acid also help in improving hair quality and texture. They can be included in your preferred salad. To stop hair loss, apply suitably diluted pumpkin seed topically to the scalp.
Stinging Nettle:
When applied to the scalp, stinging nettle work well as a DHT blocker. That nettle root extract can also lessen the signs of prostate hyperplasia, commonly known as an enlarged prostate.
Lycopene:
Lycopene is present in tomatoes which inhibits 5 alpha-reductase. As a result, it gives distinctive red pigment to various fruits, e.g., tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruits, etc. It also functions as an antioxidant and aids in the regulation of DTH.
Green Tea:
It is an antioxidant that contains polyphenolic compounds or catechins that protects your hair from internal and external damage.
Caffeine:
It helps promote hair growth by extending the growth phase of hair follicles. Therefore, it is considered one of the effective treatments for hair loss.
Onions:
Can help to reduce DHT levels and stop the shrinking of the hair follicle via a central component called quercetin.
Spearmint:
Spearmint tea has been shown to reduce DHT to stop the damage to hair follicles. Spearmint and mint can also aid in reducing body weight, especially around the midsection, improving ovulation, and decreasing ovarian cysts, in women with PCOS. Spearmint can be taken as a tea, supplement, or liquid tea that can be massaged on the scalp to control hair loss.
What Are the Benefits Of Naturally Blocking DHT?
Natural DHT blockers have various advantages. For example, blueberries are rich in vitamin C and contain flavonoids which increase blood circulation in the scalp.
Avocados are considered to be one of the best natural DHT blockers. They contain proteins, oils, and high levels of antioxidants that help in hair growth.
Similarly, pumpkin seeds, carrots, bananas, mushrooms, etc., are beneficial natural DHT blockers. They provide the body with healthy nutrients to aid in hair growth.
A decrease in adverse side effects of consuming holistic DHT Blockers and a low-cost option make this an easy, affordable option to decrease your DHT levels.
Can Natural DHT Blockers Be Effective?
As seen, palmetto can lower blood pressure and induce nausea, indigestion, thinner blood, and increased urine output, DHT blockers can also have some undesirable side effects.
Some adverse effects of DTH blockers are also listed below:
- Loss of libido
- Inability to ejaculate
- Low sperm count
- Vomiting
- Rashes
- Fever etc.
If you have high DHT levels and are exhibiting signs of high DHT, it is imperative that you consult with your doctor.
What Else Can I Do To Stop Or Reduce My Hair Loss?
Getting 7-8 hours of sleep is crucial and can help you regrow your hair as well, as naturally reduce your cortisol (stress hormones). Hair loss can also result from too much stress. High cortisol levels can be associated with hair loss.
ALSO READ: Eat 10 Quality Foods To Lower Cholesterol Level
In Conclusion:
DHT conversion from testosterone to the stronger DHT can be prevented with DHT blockers. Many countries manufacture DHT blocker drugs such as Alfatradiol, Dutasteride, Epristeride, and Finasteride. Additionally, natural food- and herb-based internal and external treatments for hair loss reduce DHT levels and promote hair growth. High DHT levels, however, can potentially impair the reproductive system’s functionality and result in a variety of harmful side effects.
Both males and females are impacted by high DHT levels. Adrenal hyperplasia, polycystic ovary syndrome, and hirsutism are all possible symptoms in females with high DHT levels.
Male-pattern baldness and an enlarged prostate are two conditions that may affect men with high DHT levels. Both conventional drugs and natural DHT supplements can help you lower your DHT levels, maintain thicker hair on your head, and maintain better health.
