Description
Androgenic alopecia (AGA), also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss, is the most common form of hair loss that occurs in both men and women. Genetic factors and excess androgen hormone are the two main causes of AGA (1).
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent androgen hormone that plays a significant role in the development and regulation of male characteristics. It is derived from testosterone through the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. While DHT is primarily associated with males, it is also present in females, albeit in smaller amounts (2).
DHT is involved in the development of male genitalia during fetal growth, the deepening of the voice during puberty, and the growth of facial and body hair. However, DHT’s effects are not limited to these areas. It also has a significant impact on the hair follicles (2).
DHT has a strong affinity for androgen receptors in the scalp, specifically those located in hair follicles. DHT can have detrimental effects on hair follicles, especially in individuals genetically predisposed to hair loss (3).
DHT can bind to androgen receptors on the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and enter a state of miniaturization. This process is known as androgenetic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness. Over time, the affected hair becomes thinner, shorter, and eventually stops growing altogether, leading to visible hair loss (3).
Given DHT’s role in hair loss, many hair restoration approaches focus on inhibiting its production or reducing its activity. DHT blockers, such as medications or natural supplements, work by interfering with the conversion of testosterone to DHT or by arresting DHT from binding to androgen receptors. These interventions aim to halt or slow down the miniaturization process, promoting healthier hair growth and potentially preventing further hair loss.
References:
- Cho, Y. H., Lee, S. Y., Jeong, D. W., Choi, E. J., Kim, Y. J., Lee, J. G., … & Cha, H. S. (2014). Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, 2014.
- Kinter, K. J., & Anekar, A. A. (2022). Biochemistry, dihydrotestosterone. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
- Ustuner E. T. (2013). Cause of androgenic alopecia: crux of the matter. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 1(7), e64.