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The Cause of Genetic Hair Loss & How to Treat It
DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a potent androgen hormone derived from testosterone.
Process: Testosterone → (converted by 5αR enzyme) → DHT.
Action: In those with genetic sensitivity, DHT binds to receptors in scalp follicles, triggering a gradual miniaturization process.
Result: Hair growth cycles shorten, hairs become thinner and shorter, and follicles eventually stop producing visible hair. This most often affects the temples, crown, and frontal hairline.
Key Point: Individuals with pattern hair loss typically have normal testosterone levels. The issue is follicle sensitivity to DHT, not hormone imbalance.
Sara’s Comment:DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is the primary cause of genetic male and female pattern hair loss. It is created when the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase (5αR) converts testosterone. In genetically sensitive individuals, DHT shrinks hair follicles over time, leading to thinning and baldness. Effective treatment involves blocking this enzyme.
This enzyme is the crucial catalyst. There are two main types relevant to hair loss:
Type I: Found in skin, sebaceous glands, and liver.
Type II: Found in the prostate, genital skin, and hair follicles.
Genetic predisposition determines how much 5αR activity you have, explaining why hair loss varies greatly even among family members with similar hormone levels.
The inheritance is polygenic (involves many genes) from both parents.
Maternal Influence: A key gene for androgen receptor sensitivity is located on the X chromosome, which men inherit from their mother. This is why the maternal grandfather’s hair is often looked at.
Paternal Influence: Many other genes regulating hair follicle function and enzyme activity are inherited from both parents.
Conclusion: You can inherit the predisposition from either side. A full family history provides the best clue to your personal risk.
Saw palmetto is a popular supplement that may weakly inhibit 5αR.
Effectiveness: Evidence for hair loss treatment is modest and inconsistent. It is not as potent or reliably studied as finasteride.
The “Natural” Myth: “Natural” does not mean “risk-free.” Supplements are unregulated, with variable potency and purity. A substance that acts on the same hormonal pathway (5αR) carries similar, though potentially less frequent, side effect risks.
Professional Guidance is Key: Self-medicating with supplements can be less predictable and safer than a medically prescribed, dose-controlled drug like finasteride monitored by a doctor.
Q: Does blocking DHT with finasteride affect masculinity or muscle growth?
A: No. DHT is not the primary hormone for masculinity or muscle development (testosterone is). Finasteride lowers DHT, not testosterone.
Q: Can women take these DHT blockers for hair loss?
A: Finasteride and dutasteride are not approved for premenopausal women due to pregnancy risks. They can be an option for postmenopausal women under strict medical supervision. The primary treatment for female pattern hair loss is topical minoxidil.
Q: If I stop taking finasteride, what happens?
A: The protective effect reverses. DHT levels will rise again, and you will likely resume losing hair at the genetic rate.
Q: Are the side effects of finasteride permanent?
A: For the vast majority, any side effects (like reduced libido) are reversible upon stopping the medication. Persistent side effects are very rare.
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Information on this website is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized medical advice. It is not intended to promote our service or imply superiority over another.
Individual results in hair restoration vary significantly and no outcome can be guaranteed. The before-and-after images shown represent possible results — not promises. We recommend seeking independent medical advice to discuss your options … Read More
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