In vitro, testosterone and estrogen inhibit hair growth, suggesting that scalp hair growth may be controlled by these sex hormones.
DHT is a sex hormone that is a derivative of testosterone, but excess amounts of this hormone can affect the hair follicles. DHT interferes with the hair's growth cycle, shrinking and shortening the hair making it easier for it to fall out and more difficult for it to grow back.
Too much estrogen can cause hair loss and thinning hair. Many times, an increase in estrogen is caused by perimenopause, ingesting or touching endocrine disruptor items and gaining weight. Estrogen affects the hormones, which in turn affect the ability for your hair to grow.
As with male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness comes from hormone imbalances, specifically dihydrotestosterone imbalances, or DHT. This hormone is similar in structure to testosterone, but it is significantly more potent [3]. DHT can attach to receptors on the hair follicles, causing the follicles to shrink.
DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is a normal male hormone, or Androgen, that is produced from Testosterone by a very interesting group of enzymes, 5-alpha reductase 1, 2, and 3.
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) is the key signal responsible for hair follicle growth stimulation.
DHT is a hormone that contributes to hair loss in both men and women. Green tea, onions, pumpkin seeds, and edamame, among other foods and beverages, contain nutrients that may lower DHT levels and prevent hair loss.
Biotin doesn't block DHT, but it can still lend a hand in promoting hair growth.
Will Blocking DHT Lead to Hair Regrowth? The primary benefit of blocking DHT is that it can slow or even stop hair loss. It is often considered to be the most effective way to treat hair loss because it combats one of the major causes of baldness. However, DHT blockers do not directly promote new hair growth.
Lifestyle changes, such as a healthier diet, exercise, and stress reduction will also help you get your hormone levels back on track. Once equilibrium is restored to your hormones, hair loss associated with your hormone issue should slow or cease, and in many cases, hair that was loss may be replaced by new growth.
Estrogen and Progesterone
These hormones also help with hair growth. Estrogen and progesterone can help keep your hair in the growing (anagen) phase. Therefore, these hormones can help your hair stay on your head longer and may even help your hair grow faster.
Causes of Alopecia Areata
In alopecia areata, the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing inflammation. Researchers do not fully understand what causes the immune attack on hair follicles, but they believe that both genetic and environmental (non-genetic) factors play a role.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that affects people AFAB. It happens when their ovaries create excess androgens, including testosterone, which leads to increased DHT levels. This causes a variety of symptoms, including irregular periods, excessive hair growth (hirsutism) and acne.
Your doctor can check your testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid blood levels to determine if one of these hormone imbalances could be causing your hair loss.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.
In addition to keeping your bones strong, estrogen and progesterone keep your hair healthy. A decrease in these hormones causes an increase in androgen production which causes hair follicles to shrink and contribute to hair loss.
Elevated estrogen levels are often associated with hair growth during pregnancy. However, in cases of estrogen dominance, too much estrogen can lead to hair loss.
Of the many nutrients and oils touted as natural DHT blockers, rosemary oil is one of the best proven. In a 2015 study, men applied either rosemary oil or minoxidil (an FDA-approved topical treatment for male pattern hair loss) to their scalps twice daily for six months.
Cleansing the scalp is one of the simplest, natural ways to curb the frustrating effects of DHT on the scalp. Exfoliation involves removing any present build-up from the scalp while cleaning. Dead skin and excess sebum on the scalp that may clog the pores are also cleaned.
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.
DHT blockers are safe and effective for most men. However, some DHT-blocking medications may cause side effects, including sexual side effects. The most common side effects of finasteride include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction (ED) and ejaculation issues, such as a reduction in semen volume.