Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

See Also: Hair Loss - Male Pattern Baldness - Female Hair Loss - Hair Loss Advice - Regaine

What is DHT?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is found in both men and women. It is a metabolite of testosterone and is classified as an androgenic hormone. In simple terms, this means that dihydrotestosterone helps to stimulate and control the development of masculine characteristics. In men it is found primarily in the hair follicles, testes and prostate gland. DHT is a major contributing factor to receding hair and prostate problems in men.

DHT and Hair Loss

As mentioned before, DHT plays a major role in male pattern baldness. It is also one of the main causes in female hair loss, although female pattern baldness is a much more complex and can have many causes.

DHT is a potent hormone and can adversely affect hair located on the head (strangely enough, DHT actually promotes hair growth on the face and body). The exact way in which dihydrotestosterone causes hair loss is not yet fully understood. It is suggested that DHT weakens the hair root and prematurely ends the hair follicles' growth cycle, leaving it dormant.

DHT Blocking

Luckily, there are some products that may help reduce the negative effects of DHT on the scalp. These products contain ingredients that prevent dihydrotestosterone from penetrating the hair. They often come as a shampoo, serum or supplement.

Below is our range of DHT blocking products.