Androgens—such as testosterone (T); dihydrotestosterone (DHT); and their prohormones, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstendione (A)—are the key factors in terminal hair growth.
DHT, a derivative of the male hormone testosterone, is the enemy of hair follicles on your head. Simply put, under certain conditions DHT wants those follicles dead. This simple action is at the root of many kinds of hair loss. Testosterone converts to DHT with the aid of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.
Hair growth is stimulated by androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). They are the key hormones in hair growth. Testosterone tends to change thin, light hairs into larger, darker hairs. People with high testosterone levels, particularly DHT, tend to experience more scalp hair loss.
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.
You can increase it by exercising, losing excess fat, and consuming healthier dietary fats and zinc. Too much DHT may contribute to male pattern baldness, depression and hair growth in women, and prostate enlargement.
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.
The female sex hormone oestrogen makes body hair fine and soft. Androgens are male sex hormones, including testosterone, which are responsible for masculine characteristics such as facial hair and coarse body hair. A woman's ovaries and adrenal glands naturally make a small amount of androgens.
Many people want to know if hormonal hair loss can be reversed. The answer is yes! Fortunately, unlike genetic hair loss, most hair loss caused by hormonal imbalances is reversible.
While estrogen can help thin hair, it cannot completely reverse facial and body hair growth. Many trans women and other transgender people know all too well about how time-consuming daily grooming routines can be, so thankfully, there are alternative options available.
Although it's generally only prescribed as a last resort for menopausal symptoms, hormone replacement therapy is a common and very effective hair loss treatment for some women — as long as they are menopausal or post-menopausal and are not at higher risk for adverse effects from HRT.
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.
Besides androgen, the effects of estrogen on hair disorder has been well established as well. Due to high levels of plasma estrogens, pregnant women display a slower rate of replacement of spontaneous hair loss or plucked hair [22].
Biotin. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a complex B vitamin that is often touted for having hair growth benefits. And some of that hype may actually be worth it. Biotin has functions in “creating red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles,” says Dr. Green.
With hirsutism, extra hair growth often arises from excess male hormones (androgens), primarily testosterone.
The amount of dihydrotestosterone present in the body from day to day depends on the amount of testosterone present. When levels of testosterone increase, more of it is converted to dihydrotestosterone and so levels of dihydrotestosterone also increase as a result.
Foods rich in lycopene such as tomatoes, watermelons, carrots, and mangoes naturally block DHT production. Biotin-rich foods like berries, liver, legumes, oily fish, and bananas condition the skin and scalp creating an overall healthy environment for strong hair.
A DHT test requires a blood drawn from the arm. Once you've placed your order on our website, bring your test requisition form to a laboratory that is closest to you. Find convenient locations using our lab locator. The results of your test will arrive confidentially to your HealthLabs.com account.
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.
Biotin doesn't block DHT, but it can still lend a hand in promoting hair growth.
The most straightforward way of achieving this is through an oral 5-alpha-reductase (5αr) inhibitor. As the name suggests, these medications inhibit the 5αr enzyme which converts testosterone to DHT. Without a functioning enzyme, DHT levels in the blood plummet which is quickly reflected in the scalp.
Lower estrogen and progesterone levels: Estrogen and progesterone stimulate hair growth, which is why pregnant women—who are producing extra levels of these hormones—tend to experience thickening hair during their pregnancy.