What is DHT?
Men and women both have DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is a hormone that is produced from testosterone, by the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. DHT is a more potent form of testosterone, and it plays a crucial role in the development of male physical characteristics, such as facial hair and a deepening voice. However, high levels of DHT can cause hair loss in both men and women.
What causes DHT?
There are many factors involved that can cause a high level of DHT in women. These factors are hormonal imbalances, genetics, and aging. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The increase in DHT level can cause hair loss. Furthermore, some medications, such as anabolic steroids and certain types of birth control pills, can also cause an increase in DHT levels.
How DHT Causes Hair Loss in Women?
In women, DHT can cause hair loss by contracting the hair follicles. The miniaturization of the hair follicles is caused by the binding of DHT to the androgen receptors in the hair follicles. This binding prompts a process of follicular miniaturization, which causes the hair follicles to become progressively smaller, as a result producing thinner and shorter hair. Finally, the hair follicles become more shrink that they are unable to produce hair at all, leading to hair loss.
Natural DHT Blockers
There are various ways to reduce the impact of DHT on hair loss in women. One approach is to use medications that block the production of DHT. Alternatively, natural DHT blockers can be used to control the DHT level and prevent hair loss. following are some of the most important natural DHT blockers.
- Saw Palmetto
- Pygeum
- Stinging Nettle
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Green Tea
- Biotin
1: Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is one of the well-known and natural supplement that is commonly used to block DHT production. The active ingredients in saw palmetto work by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT. Saw palmetto blocks the production of DHT which can help prevent hair loss in women. Saw palmetto is commonly used in hair care products and can also be taken as a dietary supplement. So it depends on you whether to use the hair care products having Saw palmetto or take them as a dietary supplement.
2: Pygeum
Pygeum is another natural supplement that can help block DHT production. Pygeum, also known as Pygeum africanum, is a natural extract obtained from the bark of the African cherry tree and is used to treat various conditions, including enlarged prostate and importantly hair loss. Like saw palmetto, pygeum works by inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha reductase, which reduces the amount of DHT production in the body. You can find Pygeum at most health food stores and is available in supplement form. The side effects of this extract are not many. one of the rare side effects of Pygeum is that it can cause an upset stomach.
3: Stinging Nettle
A stinging nettle is a well-known weed that is also used as a natural DHT blocker. As I mentioned above DHT is a hormone that can cause hair loss by shrinking hair follicles and reducing hair production. Stinging nettle works by binding to the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which reduces the amount of free testosterone in the body. When there is less free testosterone, there is also less testosterone that can be converted to DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.
By reducing the amount of free testosterone, stinging nettle can help prevent the production of DHT and promote healthy hair growth. Stinging nettle can be taken in supplement form or used as an ingredient in hair care products. Researchers have found that the benefits of Stinging Nettle are matching with those of Finasteride. we can take Stinging Nettle instead of Finasteride to avoid unwanted side effects. There are no serious side effects recorded of stinging nettle, so it is safe to use.
It is always recommended to consult with a specialist before using a natural remedy.
4: Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seed is another natural DHT blocker that has been used to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. It is Scientifically proven that Pumpkin seed oil can block DHT, it also stimulates the follicles and delivers much-needed nutrients to the scalp. Like saw palmetto and stinging nettle, pumpkin seed works by inhibiting the activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. By reducing DHT levels, pumpkin seeds can help to promote healthy hair growth.
Pumpkin seeds are rich in several key nutrients that are important for hair health, including zinc, magnesium, and essential fatty acids. Zinc, in particular, is crucial for hair growth and has been shown to block the formation of DHT in the body. This mineral is also necessary for the production of keratin, a protein that forms the building blocks of hair. Magnesium is another mineral that is important for healthy hair growth, as it plays a role in protein synthesis and helps to increase blood flow to the scalp.
Pumpkin seed can be used as a dietary supplement or incorporated into the diet by eating roasted pumpkin seeds or adding pumpkin seed oil to salads and other foods.
5: Green tea
Green tea contains a powerful antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which has been shown to have DHT-blocking properties. EGCG inhibits the activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT in the body. By reducing DHT levels, green tea can help to prevent hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.
In addition to its DHT-blocking properties, green tea is also rich in catechins and other antioxidants that promote scalp health and improve blood circulation to the scalp. These compounds are helpful to nourish hair follicles, strengthen hair strands, and prevent hair loss.
Green tea can be consumed as a beverage or applied topically to the scalp as a hair rinse. To make a green tea hair rinse, steep green tea in boiling water for several minutes then allow the liquid to cool down, and then apply it to the hair and scalp after shampooing. Massage the scalp to increase blood flow and rinse thoroughly with cool water.
6: BIOTIN
Biotin is a type of B vitamin that can help prevent hair loss in women. It is an essential vitamin for women promoting healthy hair growth and blocking the production of DHT. DHT is a hormone that can cause hair loss in women. DHT is responsible for shrinking hair follicles and as a result reducing hair production. Biotin works as a DHT blocker by reducing the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. Less conversion means less DHT. By inhibiting the production of DHT, biotin helps to promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss.
So what are the takeaways from this article.?
In conclusion, DHT is a hormone that can cause hair loss in both men and women. High levels of DHT can be caused by hormonal imbalances, genetics, aging, and certain medications. Natural DHT blockers, such as saw palmetto, pygeum, stinging nettle, pumpkin seeds, and green tea, can help to control the DHT level and prevent hair loss. These natural remedies work by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which reduces the amount of DHT production in the body. It is always recommended to consult with a specialist before using any natural remedy.
