DHT-Hormone Therapy & Hair Loss

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DHT and Hair Loss: Understanding the Connection

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that plays a pivotal role in the narrative of hair loss, particularly male pattern baldness. To understand the correlation between DHT and hair loss, it’s essential to first grasp the biology of hair growth and the role hormones play in this intricate process.

What is DHT? DHT is a derivative of testosterone, the male sex hormone. It is produced when testosterone interacts with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is found in various tissues, including the hair follicles. While DHT is vital for the development of male characteristics during puberty, it can become a cause for concern in the scalp as men age.

Product Photo by Author Men’s Hair Serum: https://www.abradleyalexanderwolfproduct.com/store/products/e95cbcf2-df22-4172-b377-5510c4c2b760

The serum shown above has 5-alpha reductase inhibitor attributes naturally. No chemicals or synthetics or toxins. Click the link under the photo to learn more.

DHT’s Role in Hair Loss In genetically predisposed individuals, hair follicles can become sensitive to DHT. When this happens, the following occurs:

1. Follicle Miniaturization: Hair follicles sensitive to DHT gradually shrink, causing the hair to thin and eventually stop growing. This process is termed miniaturization. The longer you remain without hair producing follicles, the longer it takes for any product to produce hair from your follicles. Our Serum will do it, the only question is how long it will take and how many follicles will activate.
2. Shortened Growth Phase: The hair growth cycle has several phases — the anagen (growth) phase, catagen (transitional) phase, and telogen (resting) phase. Elevated DHT levels can shorten the anagen phase, meaning hairs fall out quicker than usual. Our Serum is designed to stop hair fall while simultaneously stimulating new growth.
3. Increased Hair Fall: The accelerated shedding of hair, combined with thinner growth, leads to visible bald patches, often starting with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown.

Is It Just a Male Problem? While DHT is commonly associated with male pattern baldness, women are not entirely exempt. Female pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) can also be influenced by DHT, though the patterns and progression differ. In women, thinning typically occurs over the entire scalp rather than localized areas like in men.

Product Photo by Author Women’s Hair Serum https://www.abradleyalexanderwolfproduct.com/store/products/f9843fa2-8a6f-449b-812d-1dcd54c176cb

Hair loss in women can be the result of various factors, ranging from genetics to lifestyle choices and medical conditions as well as pre-natal issues or menopause. Here are some common reasons why women might experience hair loss:

1. Androgenic Alopecia: Also known as female pattern hair loss, this is the most common type of hair loss in women. It’s similar to male pattern baldness but tends to manifest as thinning primarily at the crown of the head.
2. Telogen Effluvium: This condition refers to temporary hair thinning rather than specific bald spots. It often arises due to sudden or severe stress, post-pregnancy hormonal changes, significant weight loss, or certain medications.
3. Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss. It can cause small, round patches of hair loss, or more widespread hair loss.
4. Hormonal Changes: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid disorders can lead to hair loss due to hormonal imbalances.
5. Traction Alopecia: Chronic tension on the hair, due to hairstyles like tight ponytails, braids, or extensions, can lead to hair loss, primarily around the temples and along the hairline.
6. Nutritional Deficiencies: A deficiency in essential nutrients, especially iron, biotin, zinc, and protein, can lead to hair loss.
7. Medications and Treatments: Certain medications, including some antihypertensives, anticoagulants, and chemotherapy drugs, can cause hair loss as a side effect.
8. Underlying Medical Conditions: Diseases such as lupus, certain infections, and other conditions can cause hair loss.
9. Harsh Hair Treatments: Overuse of treatments like hair coloring, bleaching, straightening, or perms can weaken hair and lead to breakage and loss.
10. Poor Hair Care Practices: Overbrushing, using high heat frequently, and not protecting the hair from sun damage can also lead to thinning and breakage.
11. Trichotillomania: This is a psychological condition where a person pulls out their own hair due to stress or anxiety.

5-alpha reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride and dutasteride, are medications that block the activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a potent androgen that has been linked to hair follicle miniaturization and androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss) in genetically susceptible individuals.

For hair loss in women, here’s how 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may play a role:

1. Androgenic Alopecia in Women: While androgenic alopecia is commonly associated with men, women can also suffer from this patterned hair loss, albeit often with a different distribution of hair loss. Elevated levels of androgens, including DHT, can play a role in female pattern hair loss, especially in cases associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). By reducing DHT levels, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can potentially slow or stop the progression of hair thinning in some women.
2. Safety and Efficacy: The use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors in women is more controversial than in men. While the drugs like these might be beneficial for postmenopausal women with hair loss, they are generally not prescribed for women of childbearing age. This is because they can cause birth defects in male fetuses if taken during pregnancy.
   Our hair serum cannot be used while pregnant as it can cause premature contractions, but up until that time it has zero side effects adn is the safest stuff on the planet.
3. Side Effects: Just as in men, women taking 5-alpha reductase inhibitor pharmaceutical drugs can and often do experience unwanted side effects, although they may be different or less common. Some potential side effects in women might include changes in libido, mood changes, and other hormone-related effects. Our hair serum is applied topically and is not systemic, saving on the kidneys and the liver and more.
4. Alternative Treatments: For women with hair loss, other treatments, such as minoxidil ( also a topical medication), might be more commonly prescribed or recommended. However, in certain cases, especially where elevated androgens are a concern, a doctor might consider the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors or other anti-androgen medications.
5. Alternatively for women that are menopausal, a hormone replacement therapy could be beneficial.
6. Women with pre-natal hair loss shouldn’t use our our our hair serum as the only known side effect is early contractions as one of the ingredients was once used to cause contractions for birthing women. This is the only warning on our labels.

Most medications are systemic, must go through the liver and kidneys and are systemic as well as synthetic. Our hair serums are bioavailable and made with usda certified organic premium ingredients and are not systemic as they are applied topically.

In conclusion, while 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride, can potentially benefit some women with hair loss due to androgenic alopecia, their use needs careful consideration, monitoring, and a comprehensive discussion about risks vs. benefits.

Combatting DHT-Induced Hair Loss requires treatments that target DHT’s role in hair loss:

1. Finasteride (Propecia): An oral prescription medication that inhibits 5-alpha reductase systemically thorughout the body, thus reducing DHT levels at the scalp overall. While it’s primarily prescribed for men. This medication has many undesired side effects, https://ro.co/health-guide/finasteride-side-effects/ including a lack of masculinization for those in puberty stages or on hormone therapy intended to masculinize which you can read at this link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24555-dht-dihydrotestosterone

Our products do not inhibit or block DHT, necessary for many desired and enjoyable aspects of our lives. It merely prevents it from binding where it is applied topically.

1. Minoxidil (Rogaine): An over-the-counter topical treatment can help stimulate hair growth. It’s suitable for both men and women, however keep in mind that Minoxidil was originally a high blood pressure medication. It’s role in hair loss is merely being an anti-inflammatory. Inflammation does complicate hair growth. That being said, minoxidil and Rogaine have nothing in them that nourishes or hydrates the hair once growth begins. Consequently the hair becomes brittle and breaks, therefore in spite of some growth, it remails unhealthy, thin and with fly away frizzy hair due to premature and unnecessary breakage. Our Serums are full of vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, fat’s and omegas.
2. Natural DHT Blockers: Some individuals turn to natural remedies, like saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, and nettle extract, believing they can help block DHT production. However, comprehensive studies on these treatments’ effectiveness are still ongoing.
3. Hair Transplant Surgery: For those looking for a more permanent solution, hair transplant surgery can relocate DHT-resistant hair follicles to balding areas, and while it can be successful, it is expensive and, like anything else, can fail to take and even leave permanent scarring which means those follicles will never ever produce again.
   Our Serum is an affordable, all natural, option.

Conclusion DHT’s role in hair loss serves as a reminder of the intricate dance between genetics, hormones, and aging. While DHT-induced hair loss might feel inevitable for some, the growing arsenal of treatments provides hope for those seeking to regain a fuller head of hair.
The even better news is: Our product lines give you everything you need to be successful, including access to us at anytime to answer questions to further ensure your success with our products.

Visit us today to learn more:
www.abradleyalexanderwolfproduct.com