Increased DHT (dihydrotestosterone) can be caused by conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia), and excessive male-pattern hair growth in females (hirsutism).
It is formed primarily in peripheral tissues of the body, where it exerts its effects. Testosterone converts to DHT by the action of the 5 alpha-reductase enzyme at these target tissues. [1] This isolated synthesis at a specific target tissue makes DHT primarily a paracrine hormone.
What Are The Signs Of High DHT? Some most common signs of high DHT levels in women are: increase in male-pattern hair growth (hirsutism) and acne, depression, absent menstrual periods (amenorrhoea), abnormal changes to the genitalia, as well as pattern baldness.
So, by age 20, around 20 per cent of men may experience its onset, rising to 30 per cent of 30 year olds and 40 per cent of 40 year olds. Interestingly, figures for hair loss by the age of 50 appear to vary wildly depending on which country you are in.
It's very common in people AMAB over the age of 50. Your prostate can produce large amounts of DHT. This local DHT production stimulates normal prostate activity but also commonly leads to prostate growth.
Niacin, one of the B vitamins, promotes healthy blood flow to the scalp which keeps the follicles healthy and helps blocks DHT. This nutrient is also essential for other cosmetic purposes, such as aging and general health.
Other substances in food that naturally inhibit DHT, including L-lysine and zinc, can be found in almonds, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, and cashews. Including nuts in your diet on a daily basis can help naturally reduce your DHT levels. Zinc is also found in leafy green vegetables, such as kale and spinach.
Stress does cause hair loss, however, it is not thought to directly increase DHT levels. Instead, it affects your hair through other mechanisms – such as prompting your body to conserve nutrients for core functions, or pushing hair into the resting phase too quickly.
Conclusions: In addition to testosterone, also DHT plays an exercise-related adaptive role during high intensity aerobic exercise, but its rapid useful effects during exercise have to be determined.
Is DHT hair loss reversible? Yes, a DHT hair loss treatment can help you get your lost hair line. Though, it can only happen if you act promptly.
Aging and Testosterone-Related Changes Create 'Vicious Circle' Leading to Hair Loss. As the cushion decreases, the hair follicle must strive against higher pressure, requiring more testosterone to achieve normal growth. This "local demand" leads to a buildup of DHT levels in the scalp, but not in the bloodstream.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.
Signs of Hair Loss
While men usually see a receding hairline, women tend to lose hair from the top of their scalp. The gap on the part of your hair may widen, or you may notice bald spots when you put your hair up.
In addition to blocking DHT, caffeine is an effective anti-inflammatory. Although you likely associate caffeine primarily with the cup of coffee or tea you drink in the morning, it is a powerful health ingredient. Furthermore, caffeine can help improve blood flow.
DHT Reduction
One way that people can balance the amount of DHT in their body is to exercise. Moderate exercise three to five times per week helps regulate hormones and control DHT production levels.
DHT blockers are safe and effective for most men, so you don't have to worry about weird DHT blocker side effects like hairy palms from scrubbing these shampoos into your hair. However, some DHT-blocking medications may cause other side effects — including sexual ones.
Egg white contains avidin (protein) that binds to biotin. Eggs contain cysteine, a key amino acid for hair growth & found in hair keratin. Boiled or cooked eggs act more as DHT blocker than raw ones.
Bananas
Bananas also help maintain healthy DHT levels by helping you develop a healthy gut and prevent your body from overproducing DHT. Bananas are your go-to DHT blocking food!
Berries: Blueberries are a stronger DHT blocker that enriched with Vitamin-C and boosts the hair growth. Berries contain the flavonoids, which accelerate the blood circulation in the body and scalp.
Upon discontinuation of finasteride, DHT levels return to normal within 14 days.
Getting a blood test is the most common way to establish your DHT levels, but a saliva panel test is considered more accurate. These tests are not generally available through your GP although your doctor should be able to point you in the direction of a specialist who can run these tests for you, privately.
To stop DHT, try natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar rinse and green tea rinse, take supplements like saw palmetto and zinc, manage stress, exercise, and get enough sleep. Medications like minoxidil and finasteride, as well as hair transplant surgery, can also help.