How Does DHT Influence Hair Loss?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) plays a crucial role in androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss) by negatively affecting hair follicles. Here's how DHT interacts with hair follicles and contributes to hair thinning and loss:

DHT Binding to Hair Follicle Receptors:

• DHT is derived from testosterone when the enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into DHT.

• Hair follicles, especially those in areas prone to pattern baldness (such as the scalp), have androgen receptors that bind to DHT. When DHT binds to these receptors, it triggers changes in the follicle's behavior, particularly in genetically susceptible individuals.

Follicle Miniaturization:

• The primary effect of DHT on hair follicles is miniaturization. When DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles, it gradually causes the follicles to shrink in size. As the follicles shrink, the hairs they produce become thinner, weaker, and shorter.

• Over time, the miniaturized follicles produce vellus hairs, which are thin, fine, and light-colored, eventually leading to a nearly invisible or bald appearance in affected areas.

Shortening of the Hair Growth Cycle:

• The hair growth cycle consists of three phases: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting/shedding phase). DHT shortens the anagen phase, meaning that hairs spend less time growing and more time in the resting or shedding phase.

• As a result, hair growth becomes more sporadic, and the growing hairs do not reach their full length or thickness before they fall out.

Reduced Blood Supply to Follicles:

• DHT may reduce blood flow to the scalp, depriving hair follicles of essential nutrients and oxygen. This further weakens the follicles and inhibits their ability to produce healthy, robust hair.

Follicle Dormancy:

• Over time, the continuous presence of DHT can cause hair follicles to enter a dormant state, where they stop producing hair entirely. In advanced stages of androgenic alopecia, the hair follicles become permanently inactive.

Specific Areas Affected:

• Not all hair follicles are equally sensitive to DHT. Hair loss typically begins in DHT-sensitive areas such as the temples, crown, and frontal hairline in men. In women, hair thinning usually occurs on the crown and leads to a general decrease in hair density.

• Follicles in areas like the back of the head are typically less affected by DHT, which is why hair transplant procedures often use follicles from this region.

Genetic Predisposition:

• The sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT is largely genetic. Individuals with a genetic predisposition to androgenic alopecia have follicles that are more sensitive to the effects of DHT, while others with less sensitivity may not experience significant hair loss even with elevated DHT levels.

Conclusion:

DHT negatively affects hair follicles by binding to androgen receptors, leading to follicle miniaturization, a shorter hair growth cycle, reduced blood supply, and eventual dormancy of the follicles. This results in progressive hair thinning and baldness, particularly in genetically predisposed individuals. Blocking DHT through treatments like finasteride or dutasteride can help prevent or slow down this process.

Steel City Men’s Health and Testosterone is a clinic that provides safe and affordable testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and weight loss to men and women in Pueblo, Colorado. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment to discuss treatment don't hesitate to call, text, or email [email protected] or (719) 669-4223.