Dihydrotestosterone is a vital male sex hormone that is responsible for the development of male characteristics, including sexual development, deepening of voice, growth of facial hair, increase in muscle mass, and a lot more! This hormone can be defined as a natural conversion of testosterone and thus plays an important role in the body till adolescence.
However, after adolescence, excessive production of DHT is responsible for inducing baldness and hair loss in both men and women. Therefore, DHT blockers are used to combat the negative consequences of DHT on the body. Here, you will learn everything about DHT blockers in detail. So, keep reading for more information. Also, you can visit Dr. A’s Clinic, the best hair transplant clinic in Delhi, for advanced care regarding hair loss.
The Role of DHT in Hair Loss
Are you aware of how this hormone plays a significant role in disrupting hair growth? Here’s how this hormone can trigger the loss of hair follicles:
Miniaturization
It refers to the shrinking and weakening of the hair follicles. It happens when DHT binds to the hair follicles, making them much thinner and coarse. So, if you see signs of hair breakage, you should immediately consult a verified hair specialist for the best treatments. You can consult Dr. Arvind Poswal from Dr. A’s Clinic in Delhi to avail the most effective treatment approaches in this regard.
Disrupted Hair Growth Cycle
Another way in which it can affect hair is by shortening the cycle of hair growth. It functions by extending the non-growth phase of the hair, making it stay almost without any growth. So, in this situation, an individual can suffer from stunted hair growth for a long time.
What is a DHT blocker?
Now, it’s time you learn about DHT blockers and how they function. These are treatments that prevent Dihydrotestosterone from disrupting the hair follicles. 5-alpha-Reductase is the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. Therefore, DHT blockers work by binding to the 5-alpha-Reductase enzyme, blocking the production of DHT. There are multiple types of blockers available to combat hair loss, such as oral DHT blockers, topical DHT blockers, and natural DHT blockers. Keep reading to learn more about the various types of treatments precisely.
Types of DHT blockers: Treatment Approaches
The following are the types of DHT blockers available to combat hair loss:
Oral DHT blockers
Here’s a list of the major oral DHT blockers:
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Finasteride
Oral finasteride is very effective in blocking the production of DHT by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. Oral finasteride is available in the form of tablets and helps in strengthening hair follicles. However, it should be administered only by a professional doctor.
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Dustartide
A popular topical DHT blocker available in the market is Dustartide. It works efficiently to prevent the hair follicles from breaking from the root and reduces the production of DHT. Once again, you should not consume this topical DHT blocker without a prescription.
Topical DHT blockers
The list of topical DHT blockers is as follows:
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Topical Finasteride
Similar to oral finasteride, one can use it topically as ointments and shampoos. It can decrease the amount of DHT and strengthen the hair follicles in the scalp, improving their overall texture. Topical finasteride comes with a high success rate in reducing DHT; therefore, it is highly recommended by hair specialists. If you want additional guidance on the effectiveness and efficiency of topical finasteride, you can consult a verified hair transplant surgeon. Contact Dr. A’s Clinic, the best hair clinic in town, to get the best insights on the use and application of this topical DHT blocker.
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Topical Dutasteride
If you are considering topical DHT blockers for your baldness, you can use dutasteride. It is a DHT blocker that is used topically and works to reduce the production of DHT by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme in the scalp. Using it consistently can bring significant improvements in the overall hair growth and structure in men. However, it is not yet recommended for women.
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Ketoconazole
It is an antifungal medication largely found in topical shampoos. Ketoconazole functions to block the production of DHT by inhibiting 5α-reductase. It extends the anagen phase of the hair. Therefore, it is one of the best topical DHT blockers that you can use for coping with hair loss and breakage.
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Saw Palmetto
It is another important topical DHT blocker that is extracted from Serenoa repens, a variety of palm trees. It can gradually slow down male pattern baldness by reducing the amount of DHT in the body. Saw Palmetto is usually an integral ingredient in topical shampoos. However, often it is used as a supplement as well.
Natural DHT blockers
Numerous natural DHT blockers can be used to fight hair loss. Some of the major natural DHT blockers are provided below:
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Tomato
It is one of the most effective DHT blockers used to reduce hair loss. Being a rich source of lycopene, including this vegetable in your daily diet can be very useful in preventing hair loss due to DHT. However, tomatoes come with other nourishing benefits for the hair as well. So, eating them every day, either cooked or raw, can provide you with lustrous and healthy hair!
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Green tea
It is an important natural DHT blocker that is very effective in preventing the production of Dihydrotestosterone. It consists of epigallocatechin-3 gallate, a type of antioxidant responsible for limiting the conversion of testosterone into DHT. So, drinking green tea every day in the morning can not only be a great start to the day but also help in reducing hair loss!
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Pumpkin Seed
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of the steroid Delta-7 Sterine. It is very much useful in blocking the production of DHT. Therefore, including pumpkin seeds in your daily diet can be very effective in reducing the possibility of baldness and hair loss. You can also use pumpkin seed oil in your diet by using it with salads, spreads, and other dishes.
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Egg yolk
Regular consumption of biotin can greatly decrease the level of Dihydrotestosterone in the body. Egg yolks are a very rich source of biotin. So, if you want to combat hair loss and breakage naturally, you can start eating egg yolks 3 to 4 days a week. It can work wonders in nourishing your hair inside out and strengthening your follicles from the root. However, you should not waste the egg whites as well since they comprise great amounts of protein.
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White Mushroom
If you want to use natural DHT blockers, you can start eating white mushrooms. They are a large source of zinc, which inhibits 5-AR activity and restricts the conversion of testosterone into DHT. White mushrooms are incredibly versatile, so you can add them to almost anything! Make your everyday breakfasts much more delicious and healthy by including this vegetable. You can also add kale along with mushrooms to your dish since kale is a rich source of zinc.
Other Treatments to Use With DHT Blockers
You can implement other treatments alongside DHT blockers to increase their efficiency in blocking the production of Dihydrotestosterone. The main treatments you can use with DHT blockers are minoxidil and biotin supplements. Here’s more information about these treatment approaches:
Minoxidil
You can consume minoxidil with oral DHT blockers like finasteride. It significantly increases the flow of blood to the scalp and stimulates hair growth by extending the anagen phase. Although it is not a DHT blocker, taking oral or topical minoxidil along with finasteride can significantly stop hair loss and provide hair with an overall healthy outlook. Therefore, combining this medicine with finasteride can be very beneficial in improving the health of hair.
Biotin Supplements
Another treatment that can be useful in stimulating the function of DHT blockers is biotin supplements. Since biotin is an essential vitamin for hair growth, taking its supplements can considerably reduce breakage and promote healthy hair growth. Biotin or vitamin B7 can be easily found in natural food items like eggs and nuts. However, you can also consume biotin supplements to increase the efficiency of oral DHT blockers.
Conclusion
If you want to get the best treatment for hair loss due to DHT, you can resort to the above-mentioned DHT blockers. However, before taking any topical or oral DHT blocker, you should always seek the medical advice of a specialist.
Visit Dr. A’s Clinic in Delhi for the best-tailored treatment plans under the guidance of Dr. Arvind Poswal. He is popularly regarded as the ‘Father of Hair Transplants in India’ and has a considerably impressive track record in treating patients with utmost care and accountability. So, reach out to Dr. A’s Clinic today!
FAQs
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What happens if you have too little DHT?
In women, less amount of DHT can result in problems such as delayed puberty, underdeveloped genitalia, and as a result can lead to depression. Men with low DHT can suffer from muscle deficiency and reduced body hair.
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Is coffee a DHT blocker?
Caffeine is a natural DHT blocker that can reduce the amount of Dihydrotestosterone in the scalp and prevent breakage. Using coffee masks can be useful in improving the quality and texture of hair.
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What are the signs of high DHT in men?
Certain signs can help you understand if you have high DHT. Some of the common signs are increased facial acne, hair loss, and enlarged prostate.
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Can DHT be reduced through exercise?
The production of Dihydrotestosterone can be decreased through regular physical activities. People with high DHT should ideally exercise every day as it can improve their blood circulation and promote healthy hair growth.
