Stop Male Hair Loss

In the discussion about causes of male hair loss we talked about the DHT theory. It would therefore make sense that drugs that can selectively block the actions of DHT on the hair follicle can help stop male hair loss. A solid principle that a lot of the pharmaceutical companies have invested in, resulting in a large number of DHT inhibitors

DiHydroxyTestoterone [DHT] blockers actually do not block DHT. What they do is reduce the production of DHT by acting on the enzyme that converts testoterone to DHT. The enzyme is 5-alphareductase [5AR]. By reducing the action of 5AR, the amount of DHT formed is reduced and the result of DHT on the scalp, i.e. hair loss, is hopefully stopped.

The drug companies are not the only source of DHT inhibitors. There are naturally occurring sources of DHT and we will go into the details of these in a future post.

DHT blockers are available as tablets, ointments or shampoos.

The concern with DHT inhibitors is DHT has more functions in the body than just causing male hair loss.

DHT is important for development of male secondary sexual characteristics e.g. libido, suppression of breast development, deepening of the voice, facial hair distribution etc.

In an effort to reduce the systemic effects of dihydrotestoterone inhibition, topical applications like ointments and shampoos have been developed and drugs that specifically target scalp 5-alphareductase are being researched