DHT and Hair Loss

Understanding what DHT - or Dihydrotestosterone is, will go a long way in helping you understanding about female and male pattern baldness as well hair loss options.
DHT hair loss is something that affects both men and women, although as like most other types of hair loss it is much more common among men. DHT is the resulting product that is produced when there is direct contact between the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase and the hormone testosterone. This explains why hair loss in men is more common than in women, because although women do have the hormone testosterone in their bodies, it is not nearly as significant in them as it is in men.

How DHT Hair Loss is Caused

Although the basics are almost identical, the way in which DHT hair loss is caused differs from that of others. It is caused by the DHT binding to receptor sites that are located on the scalp and hair follicles, which are incredibly vulnerable in this situation. This specific hair loss problem generally causes hair loss first in the temporal area, then in the crown and finally in the vertex or top of the scalp.

Treatment

There are a number of different DHT hair loss treatments presently available, one in particular which was developed by the Xenna Corporation, and it is a localized DHT blocker that comes in a topical form which you apply directly onto the scalp, particularly on the noticeably affected areas of the scalp. It is basically designed to counteract the gradual increase in DHT production, which is what causes your hair to thin and fall out.

Another of the most popular DHT blocker products is Propecia, which, next to Rogaine, is considered as being the most effective hair loss treatment product on the market today. Propecia is an antiandrogen drug that works by inhibiting the type II 5-alpha reductase, and one of the reasons it is so commonly used is because there are relatively few side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and breast gland enlargement.

Before you choose any DHT blocker product to deal with your hair loss problem however, you should make sure that you see your doctor and have them do a full examination, so that they can properly assess your problem and accurately determine what the right treatment would be for you and your particular situation. Always remember that there is help out there, and so even though hair loss can be incredibly traumatizing you should always keep your head up and know that you will be able to feel and look like your old self again with the right treatment.

By Jaid Chambers
Published: 7/13/2007
 
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