Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) plays a significant role in the development of hair loss and is involved to some degree in all forms of hair loss in females. The journey to tackling hair loss begins with recognising the impact of hormones like DHT and Hair Loss in Females.
Understanding the relationship between DHT and hair loss can empower women to make informed decisions when looking to find potential solutions for hair health. This article aims to cover the role of DHT in hair loss, together with potential solutions. Please remember the content below is for guidance and is not intended to replace medical guidance. You are encouraged to seek out a Healthcare practitioner for proper advice and guidance.
DHT Hormone and Hair Loss
Research indicates that elevated levels of DHT shrink hair follicles, leading to shorter hair growth cycles and eventually hair loss. DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles, gradually shrinking them and shortening the hair growth cycle. This miniaturisation of hair follicles results in thinner, weaker hair strands that affect the normal hair growth cycle. Over time, this process can make the scalp hair appear thinner and in some cases lead to bald patches.
Factors Affecting DHT Levels
As we have understood above, miniaturisation of the follicles, affected by DHT can cause the hair to become thinner and less dense over time. Several factors can contribute to elevated DHT levels. This can be genetic where the elevated DHT levels are inherited and hence increasing the likelihood of higher DHT levels.
As you age, DHT levels can tend to rise, contributing to hair thinning. There can also be some conditions affecting hormone production can influence DHT levels such as increased stress or other hormonal imbalances. Stress directly increases DHT and is often a factor which goes unnoticed.
Signs of DHT-Related Hair Loss in females
It is vitally important to identify the signs of DHT-related hair loss for early intervention. Common symptoms include a gradual retreat of the hairline, often in an “M” or “U” shape or a thinning crown where there is a hair loss at the top of the head. Females experiencing elevated DHT levels and hair thinning may also notice the actual texture of the hair becomes finer and more delicate over time and an overall thinning of hair on the scalp.
DHT and Hair Loss and How to Stop
A positive outlook is that there are many treatment options worthy of exploring, including DHT blockers, food and lifestyle changes and topical products, that can help mitigate its effects.
Several approaches can help manage the condition ranging from medications to holistic approaches. Below we discuss the various options:
Medical or Surgical methods to decrease DHT levels and hair loss:
Medications can include Minoxidil (also known as Rogaine) which is commonly used to slow down hair loss and promote regrowth. However, it is important to note that side effects can include hair fall once this medication is stopped.
Some people also opt for Hair Transplants which is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting (or migrating) hair follicles from a donor area to the thinning or balding area. The success rates of hair transplants can vary and often should be a last resort especially when there are many other possible treatments to try first.
Holistic methods to decrease DHT and hair loss in females:
More holistic natural approaches can include using natural topical hair loss treatments. Treatments such as Super Grow, with its carefully selected blend of natural ingredients, can nourish the scalp and hair follicles, creating a favorable environment for hair growth. Pumpkin seed oil as a key ingredient can help slow down the DHT hormone and hair loss and in turn help strengthen hair, reducing breakage, and improve overall hair health.
A review of one’s lifestyle habits such as food intake, sleep patterns and things such as stress levels is important to correct to be able to correct any underlying imbalances. Maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep of the recommended 7-8 hours per night can support the hair health cycle.
Supplements such as Nutrafol or Hair Volume by New Nordic can also help in putting DHT related hair loss in its tracks and are certainly worth checking out. Whilst supplements should not replace food and a healthy diet, they can help to support the body to block DHT naturally and get it back into balance.
Another method that can help DHT induced hair loss in females is to consider Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). This is a non-invasive treatment that aims to stimulate hair growth by using low-level laser light. Research indicates this to be a potential treatment in the fight against DHT and women’s hair loss.
Conclusion
Dihydrotestosterone, is a potent androgenic hormone derived from testosterone. While vital for for both males and females, its role it plays in hair loss is far from helpful.
Understanding DHT and women’s hair loss is important to be able to understand the science behind why irregular hair growth patterns may be occurring. The DHT hormone binds to specific receptors within hair follicles, leading to hair miniaturisation. This process, characterised by the gradual shrinking of hair follicles, results in thinner, weaker hair strands that can progressively get worse over time if not put a stop to.
We have seen above that genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, stress and underlying health conditions can also play significant roles. In our opinion we believe that whilst there are medical or surgical options to help lower DHT levels and hair loss in women, there are many holistic approaches that can help to promote hair growth.
FAQ:
1. What is DHT and how does it cause hair loss in women?
ANSWER: DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a hormone derived from testosterone, which plays a significant role in hair thinning and hair loss in women. It can bind to hair follicles, shrinking them and shortening the growth phase of hair. Over time, this can lead to thinning hair.
2. Can women reduce DHT levels to prevent hair loss?
ANSWER: Yes, there are several approached women can consider to stop DHT levels and minimise hair loss. Several medical treatments and natural remedies exist. Saw palmetto is one such herbal extract often found in many supplements that may help. It’s also recommended to consult with a Health Practitioner or trichologist to determine the most effective course of treatment for you.
3. Is female hair loss caused by DHT more common as women age?
ANSWER: Yes, DHT-related hair loss becomes more noticeable as women age, particularly during menopause when testosterone levels fluctuate. This can lead to an increased sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT, contributing to thinning hair. However, hair loss can also occur in younger women also or those who are exposed to extreme stress. Therefore age is not a pre-determining factor but can play a part.
4. What are the signs of DHT-induced hair loss in women?
ANSWER: The early signs of DHT-induced hair loss in women often include a widening part, thinning along the hairline, or noticeable shedding. Women can also experience a general decrease in hair volume. Exploring holistic treatments and therapies should be the first point of call as often there can be an underlying imbalance contributing to the DHT and hair loss such as low protein or low iron the can be addressed. Remember to visit a Doctor who can help identify any vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
5. Can lifestyle changes help reduce DHT and improve hair growth in women?
ANSWER: While lifestyle changes alone may not completely stop DHT hair loss in females, maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep can help improve overall hair health. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially zinc (think Oysters!), can support stronger hair follicles. Additionally, managing stress through relaxation techniques such as Yoga may reduce the excess production of DHT hair loss in women.
