Hair Miniaturization

Hair Miniaturization: Understanding the Effects of DHT

While the balance between fact and fiction surrounding hair loss continues to sway back and forth, there are certain contributing factors that are set in the scientific stone, so to speak. One such factor is the impact related to DHT, which leads to thinning hair and eventually hair loss.

So how exactly does DHT (dihydrotestosterone) affect your hair? Imagine your scalp is a garden and your hair follicles are like flowers. DHT, in this scenario, would be the gardener – as it is a hormone that normally plays a role in stimulating hair growth.

However, an excess of DHT or having follicles that are sensitive to it would basically be like the gardener being too aggressive; constantly pulling plants out by their roots. The flowers (hairs) now grow back thinner and weaker as a result. With continued exposure to high levels of DHT, follicles can even stop growing hair altogether.

Let’s break it down and look at some ways you can combat the effects of DHT on your hair…

How Does DHT Form?

Your Science Lesson for the Day

It starts with an enzyme called 5-Alpha Reductase (which we’ll call 5AR because that name is ridiculous). This enzyme, found throughout the body, interacts with and converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Put simply, a hydrogen atom is added to the testosterone molecule, and DHT is formed.

Since the 5AR enzymes are prevalent in the scalp, this conversion takes place in an area of the body that clearly impacts the growth of hair on your head. Without intervention, elevated levels of DHT production can have a severe impact on the health of your hair whether or not you’re genetically susceptible to the effects of DHT – more on that in a minute.

How is this Impacting My Hair?

DHT is a more potent hormone than basic testosterone and, as a result, can bind more easily to hormone receptors in your hair follicles. Technically speaking, this also means it can bind more easily to such receptors throughout the body, but in the interest of hair loss, we’re focused on those follicles.

When DHT binds to the receptors in your hair follicles, it’s essentially triggering a response that prematurely sends the follicle into the telogen (shedding) phase. Repeated binding of DHT to your follicles’ receptors disrupts hair growth cycle in a big way. Now you’re getting shorter growth periods for your hair and longer rest periods, resulting in your follicles producing finer, weaker hair and eventually no hair at all, in many cases.

What if I’m Not Genetically Susceptible to the Effects of DHT?

Quite often, the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to hair loss is genetics. Everyone will look to their parents and make a judgment as to whether or not they are predisposed to suffer from hair loss.

While genetics can tell us a little bit about how sensitive your hair follicles might be to DHT, it is not the be-all, end-all. This is to say, you don’t need to be genetically predisposed to problems with DHT to suffer from follicular miniaturization. Hormone levels, age, general health and lifestyle can all contribute to how your follicles react to DHT.

What Can I Do About DHT-related Hair Loss?

When you visit a dermatologist or your family doctor about hair loss, nine times out of ten they will recommend finasteride (Propecia) or minoxidil. There’s nothing wrong with this recommendation, as they are both viable options for stabilizing hair loss and promoting new growth. With that said, we encourage people to gain a full understanding of side-effects and downsides to those options, as well as alternative options they might not have been aware of.

Finasteride

Finasteride (also commonly known as Propecia) is an oral medication that aims to block the conversion of testosterone into DHT. It also reduces the sensitivity of your follicles to DHT. It does this by inhibiting the activity of the 5-Alpha Reductase (5AR) enzyme. It’s an effective treatment for male pattern baldness, although there are drawbacks to it that must be considered…

• Sexual Side-effects – First and foremost, finasteride has the potential to cause sexual dysfunction. Effects such as decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. A major point of consideration.

• Adverse Effects – Like many medications, finasteride can cause dizziness, headaches, rash, and allergic reactions. While it’s not the worst thing out there, it’s undoubtedly annoying.

• Long-term Use – Finasteride is a long-term medication, meaning that once you’re on it – you’re on it for good. If you should choose to go off of the medication, it could result in swift hair loss.

So again, this could be a solution to one problem, while simultaneously opening up others. It’s food for thought and reason enough to consider all of your options, such as the next one…

Minoxidil

Much like finasteride, minoxidil (often referred to as the brand name Rogaine) is a medication that’s proven to be effective in promoting hair growth in both men and women. In this case, it is a topical application that is available without a prescription. Much like its oral counterpart, however, minoxidil comes with some items to consider.

• Ongoing Use – Like finasteride, minoxidil requires ongoing use as long as you want to continue combatting hair loss and promoting new growth.

• Irritation of the Scalp – Some folks experience scalp irritation, itchiness, and dryness when using minoxidil, especially with a higher concentration of the medication.

• Not a Cure – The whole idea of minoxidil is to treat hair loss and promote regrowth, although it doesn’t, in any way, address the root causes of your hair loss – hence the need for ongoing us of the treatment.

• Initial Shedding – Some users of minoxidil have experienced excess shedding immediately after beginning the treatment. While this isn’t a big deal and won’t continue, it can certainly add a degree of panic to an already sensitive situation.

Minoxidil is a viable treatment and has shown to have some benefits in combating DHT on the scalp.

Alternative DHT Treatments

There are many natural alternatives for medications like the ones mentioned above. The benefit of a natural alternative being that they are a little less harsh on the scalp and often come with fewer side effects. Many readily-available vitamins and supplements have been shown to inhibit, or at the very least, minimize the activity of the 5AR enzyme.

Some of the more obvious, hair-related nutrients with this property would be:

• Vitamin D
• Zinc
• B-Complex Vitamins

Although there are some lesser-known supplements that have been shown to reduce the activity of 5-Alpha Reductase:

• Saw Palmetto – An herbal supplement derived from the fruit of a Saw Palmetto plant.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Found most commonly in fish and flaxseed oils.

• Green Tea Extract – Rich in antioxidants, and good for a nice little boost of energy!

Additionally, there are readily available topical treatments right here in the clinic. Topical treatments work to prevent DHT from binding to the hair follicles, reducing the chances of miniaturization. Furthermore, these shampoos and lotions have anti-inflammatory properties.

Reducing inflammation on the scalp should always be the first step to stabilizing hair loss. Du Brule Hair Clinic has several treatments available that aim to do exactly that. Call or visit us online today to book your free consultation and begin your journey to great hair health!