Key Takeaways
- DHT is a hormone that can cause hair loss in both men and women.
- DHT blockers may slow or limit hair loss for some individuals, and may help slow the progression of hair loss in some individuals.
- Blockers are generally tolerable for most people to use, though individual results may vary, and some side effects may occur.
If you start noticing your hair thinning, you may be looking at treatments to support regrowth, such as DHT blockers.
The science behind DHT blockers can be complex, but at Gro Clinics, we can help you gain clarity. In this article, we'll take a look at what DHT blockers are, their benefits, and side effects.
What is DHT?
Dihydrotestosterone (or DHT) is a type of male sex hormone. A byproduct of testosterone and the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, DHT acts during puberty to develop body and facial hair, as well as deepen your voice. As you age, however, DHT production may cause some adverse side effects for your hair.
How does DHT cause Hair Loss?
DHT attaches to your hair follicle receptors, causing them to become smaller. This shrinking of your follicles may lead to hair thinning, and with time may even stop the production of new hairs, causing both male and female pattern baldness. Your genetic predisposition can influence DHT-related hair loss (also known as androgenic alopecia), and its seriousness can vary over time.
DHT Hair Loss Timeline
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Late teens to early 20s: Minimal to no hair loss in males, with only a very slight maturing of the hairline, if anything. There may be a slight temple recession, but this may be imperceptible. While studies do show that DHT production is high at this age, it is the hair follicle sensitivity to DHT that affects hair loss.
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Early to mid-20s: Early recession at the temples or crown may become apparent, resulting in a noticeable adult hairline. Follicles, which are sensitive to DHT, begin to miniaturise, leading to some recession.
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Mid-20s to early 30s: Recession at the temples becomes more evident, and crown thinning may start to occur. This recession and thinning are attributable to the continued miniaturisation of follicles, which affects hair density in vulnerable areas.
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Early 30s to mid-40s: Continued DHT exposure may cause noticeable thinning at the front of the hair and crown, and may become especially apparent by middle-age.
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Mid-40s to mid-50s: People may see advanced hair thinning, accompanied by a general loss of hair density. As people get older, more show the effects of accumulated DHT sensitivity over time, which may result in clearer signs of thinning and recession.
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Mid-50s and beyond: While DHT production itself may decrease at this age, individual sensitivity may increase and cause late-stage hair loss. Some individuals will display clear balding and thinning, or even total hair loss.
What Are DHT Blockers?
DHT blockers are substances that may be effective treatments for certain individuals with androgenetic alopecia. They inhibit DHT production by slowing its conversion from testosterone. This, in turn, slows down the miniaturisation of hair follicles, a process in which hair follicles shrink over time.
Are DHT Blockers Safe?
For most people, DHT blockers can be tolerated well, especially when compared with other treatments used to combat hair loss, though some side effects may occur in individual users.
Rather than requiring invasive surgery, DHT blockers address hair loss at a hormonal level. It is recommended that women who are pregnant (or trying to become pregnant) avoid using DHT blockers. This is because blockers can increase birth defects in male babies.
To give yourself peace of mind and ensure safety, it's always best to consult with a doctor before using any DHT blockers.
Types of DHT Blockers
Natural blockers
Several foods and beverages have gained a reputation as natural DHT blockers, including:
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green tea.
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pumpkin seed oil.
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saw palmetto.
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coconut oil.
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turmeric.
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edamame.
Each of these is thought to block the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which produces DHT. Though research into these foods is promising, further evidence and clinical studies are required to establish whether they are a reliable way to naturally reduce DHT.
Pharmaceutical blockers
Pharmaceutical DHT blockers come in two key forms: those that block 5-alpha-reductase enzymes, and those that halt the effects of DHT on hair follicles. These blockers are usually in the form of oral pills, topical applications, and shampoos, and are prescribed by a doctor.
One example of a prescription medication used in the management of androgenetic alopecia is finasteride. This medicine works by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme and is available only following consultation with a practitioner. Clinical studies suggest that the use of blockers, such as finasteride, effectively reduces the amount of DHT in the body.
All medications carry potential risks and side effects. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.
The Benefits of DHT Blockers
With consistent use (and in accordance with prescription instructions), DHT blockers may reap many benefits for users.
Prevent hair follicle shrinkage
DHT blockers work by reducing your scalp's DHT levels, which may help prevent your hair follicles from shrinking further. In some individual cases, hair regrowth may be supported through the use of prescribed blockers.
Halt further hair loss
In addition to preventing your follicles from shrinking, DHT blockers may slow or stop further hair loss from happening in some individuals. Instead of seeing hair fall over time, shedding rates can be slowed in some individuals.
Maintain existing hair
Stopping DHT helps to support and maintain your existing hair. Blockers work best when stimulating regrowth in follicles that are active but have started to shrink. Over time, some users of DHT blockersmay experience stabilisation of hair loss or regrowth, depending on the stage and underlying cause of hair loss.
Support for hair transplants
DHT blockers may play a supporting role when undergoing a hair transplant. Often, blockers are used to support the maintenance of non-transplanted hair growth. Clinical research has shown that the use of finasteride post-transplant can improve the chances of graft survival, as well as support hair density, with minimal adverse effects.
Side Effects of DHT Blockers
Results of DHT blockers may vary between individuals and side effects are possible.
Hormonal changes
Some men have reported experiencing a lowered libido and sexual dysfunction (including ejaculation problems) when using medically prescribed blockers. They’ve also reported reduced sperm concentration, although these changes can be reversed if you cease using the medication. Women using blockers may experience menstrual irregularity and breast tenderness, as well as the risk of birth defects for male babies.
In general, these effects are most pronounced in people taking oral blockers. Anybody with any pre-existing hormone conditions or other concerns should always consult with their doctor before undergoing any medication regimen.
Fatigue
One of the more commonly reported side effects of blockers, fatigue can lead to concentration problems, as well as a lack of energy. An increase in fatigue from DHT blockers may vary between individuals and may resolve within weeks or months after use is discontinued.
Scalp irritation
Some users of topical blockers (such as shampoos, sprays, and ointments) have experienced scalp irritation. By switching products, reducing their frequency, and using hydrating shampoos, scalp irritation can be reduced without eliminating the beneficial effects of blockers.
Unwanted hair growth
In a very small number of users, DHT blockers can cause increased body hair growth. This is an extremely rare occurrence, and results may vary with individuals. When reporting changes to body hair composition, some users of blockers note that their body hair thins as their scalp hair increases. Clinical studies have shown that finasteride may be used as a secondary treatment for hirsutism, as a result of its body hair reduction properties.
Depression
Some patients note the symptoms of depression when using blockers. This represents an extremely small number of users, and most will report no such mental health effects. Though results may vary and nothing can be definitively guaranteed, many people see the positive effects of DHT blockers on hair regrowth and report improved well-being.
If you're at all concerned about the effects of your treatment, always consult with your healthcare professional.
DHT Blockers at Gro Clinics
When considering using DHT blockers to fight your hair loss, it's best to do so under the guidance of qualified healthcare practitioners. At Gro Clinics, consultations with qualified practitioners who can discuss appropriate treatment options where clinically indicated, so you can find a solution that best supports you on your hair regrowth journey.
Contact Gro Clinics to book a consultation with a qualified practitioner to discuss treatment options for hair loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are DHT blockers?
DHT blockers are a variety of natural, oral, and topical treatment options that are used to lower DHT levels and prevent hair loss.
What do DHT blockers do?
Depending on the type used, blockers work by attacking the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which creates DHT. Others attack DHT itself at the hair follicles by stopping follicles from shrinking and promoting healthy hair growth.
Who cannot take DHT blockers?
DHT blockers should not be taken by pregnant women or by people with pre-existing hormonal issues that could be exacerbated by the use of blockers.
Do I need to see a doctor for DHT blockers?
Yes, you do. The most effective and legal DHT blockers, such as finasteride, are available via a doctor's prescription only. At Gro Clinics, our doctors can prescribe the most appropriate blockers for your circumstances and guide you on using them while on your hair regrowth journey.
What are the side effects of DHT blockers?
Side effects of DHT blockers may include hormonal changes, fatigue, scalp irritation, unwanted hair growth, and depression. These side effects may only affect a minute portion of blocker users, and individual results may vary. Anybody who is concerned about the effects of blockers should have a thorough consultation with their healthcare provider before use.
Can DHT blockers make you infertile?
In some cases, reduced sperm counts have been reported. These effects may improve after discontinuation of the medication, though individual responses vary.