DHT in hair loss: how the hormone works

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the hormone that is the main cause of male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia. Understand how DHT works, why it causes hair loss and what treatment options are available.

Read more about Androgen Alopecia, PRP treatment, and hair transplantation.

What Is DHT?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a by-product of testosterone that is formed by an enzymatic process in the body. It is a powerful male sex hormone that plays an important role in many bodily functions, but can also cause hair loss.

How is DHT formed?

DHT is formed when:

• Testosterone is converted - By the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase
• Enzymatic process - Testosterone is converted to DHT in the hair follicles
• Locally on the scalp - The process occurs directly in the hair follicles

How does DHT cause hair loss?

The process

DHT causes hair loss by:

1. Binding to hair follicles - DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles
2. Shrinks hair follicles - Causes hair follicles to gradually become smaller
3. Shortens the hair growth cycle - Hair grows shorter and shorter
4. Eventually kills hair follicles - Hair follicles die completely and hair stops growing

Androgenic Alopecia

This is called androgenic alopecia and is the most common form of hair loss in men. It is characterized by:

• Gradual hair loss - Hair loss occurs gradually over time
• Characteristic pattern - Usually the hairline receding and/or thinning hair on the scalp
• Permanent - If not treated, hair loss is permanent

Genetic Sensitivity

Sensitivity to DHT is genetically determined:

• Heredity - If your father or grandfather had hair loss, the risk is greater
• Genetic factors - Certain genes make hair follicles more sensitive to DHT
• Can come from both sides - Genetics can come from both the father's and mother's side

Treatment options

Inhibit 5-Alpha-Reductase

To counteract the effects of DHT, you can use drugs such as:

• Inhibits the enzyme - Prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT
• Reduces DHT levels - lowers the amount of DHT on the scalp
• Protects the hair follicles - Gives the hair follicles a better chance of survival

Important: These medicines require a prescription and should be discussed with a doctor.

PRP treatments

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can help strengthen hair follicles that are still active:

• Stimulates hair growth - PRP contains growth factors that stimulate hair follicles
• Improves blood circulation - Increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the hair roots
• Strengthens hair follicles - May make hair follicles more resistant to DHT

Read more about PRP treatments at Akacia Medical.

Hair transplantation

In case of permanent loss, hair transplantation is the only way to get hair back in areas affected by DHT:

• Permanent solution - Transplanted hair follicles are taken from areas not affected by DHT
• Natural result - Hair grows naturally and can be cut and styled normally
• Restores density - Fills in bald spots and restores hairline

Read more about [hair transplant at Akacia Medical](/hair transplant).

Combine Treatments

For best results, treatments can be combined:

• Drugs + PRP - To both protect and stimulate hair follicles
• Drugs + Hair Transplant - To both protect existing hair and restore lost hair
• PRP + Hair Transplant - To optimize the outcome of the transplant

Why Choose Akacia Medical?

At Akacia Medical we can:

• Assess your hair loss - Through careful analysis understand if DHT is the cause
• Recommend treatment - Tailor-made treatment plan based on your situation
• Combining methods - Using multiple treatments for optimal results
• Long-term follow-up - Follow up and adjust treatment over time

Understanding Your Hair Loss

If you are experiencing hair loss, it is important to:

• Understand the cause - Know if DHT is the cause or if it's something else
• Start early - The earlier treatment starts, the better the results
• Have realistic expectations - Understand what different treatments can achieve

Frequently asked questions

Can DHT hair loss be prevented?

While genetic susceptibility cannot be changed, treatments that start early can help:

• Slow down the process - Prevent or slow down hair loss
• Preserve existing hair - Protect hair follicles that are still active
• Restore lost hair - Through hair transplantation

Do Treatments Work for Everyone?

Different treatments work differently for different people. That is why it is important to:

• Consult an expert - Get professional advice
• Understand the options - Know what treatments are available
• Have realistic expectations - Understand what is possible

Conclusion

DHT is the main cause of male pattern baldness, but there are effective treatment options. By understanding how DHT works and what treatments are available, you can make informed decisions about your hair care.

If you are experiencing hair loss and would like to know more about DHT and treatment options, contact us for a free consultation where we can assess your situation and discuss what treatments may be suitable for you.