By Noah W Chung
Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is an androgen hormone produced by testosterone. High levels of DHT can cause hair loss problems, including androgenetic alopecia, or AGA, and male pattern baldness, SaveHealth reports.
Prescription DHT shampoos like ketoconazole reduce DHT production by targeting the hormone cycle locally at new hair growth follicles.
Over-the-counter DHT shampoos aim to lower DHT levels, often using natural products that may reduce DHT, including saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil. These shampoos may also use other hair-enhancing ingredients like biotin, keratin, and caffeine.
Studies indicate that prescription DHT shampoos are effective in treating hair loss, especially when combined with other hair loss treatments. There is limited research concerning natural DHT-lowering products.
The side effects of DHT shampoos are generally mild. They may include skin problems like itchy and dry skin.
People suffering from hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia or telogen effluvium may find DHT useful in their treatment program, especially those in the earlier stages of hair loss, since DHT shampoos can’t reverse hair loss. Men taking 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors or other hormonal hair loss medications may use DHT shampoos as part of their combination treatment.
What Is DHT, and How Does It Cause Hair Loss?
Dihydrotestosterone is a hormone. More specifically, it is a sex steroid that is produced in the gonads. As an “androgen” hormone, it plays an important part in male biological characteristics like muscle mass, the development of body hair, and deepness of voice. In men, DHT is created when an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, or 5-AR, converts testosterone into DHT in the prostate and testes. DHT attaches to the same sites as testosterone, but it is more potent and bonds for a longer period. DHT’s role in hair growth is complicated. DHT is believed to attach to hair follicles through androgen receptors, and it is…
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