DHT for Beginners

Androgenetic alopecia, commonly referred to as male pattern baldness (MPB) or female pattern baldness (FPB), is the primary cause of hair loss and was partially understood until only recently.  For many years, scientists thought that MPB was caused by the predominance of the male sex hormone, testosterone.  While testosterone is at the core of the balding process, it is now known that Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) a derivative of the male hormone, is the primary agent responsible for premature hair loss.  Abundant amounts of DHT constrict the follicle and (if left untreated) hair loss will be permanent.

What is Type II 5-alpha reductase :

Testosterone converts to DHT with the aid of the enzyme Type II 5-alpha reductase , which is held in a hair follicle's oil glands.  Scientists now believe that the amount of circulating testosterone is the not the problem but the level of DHT binding to the receptors in the scalp follicles is of immense concern.  DHT shrinks hair follicles making it impossible for healthy hair to survive.  Simultaneously, the galea aponeurotica membrane in the scalp thickens, becoming inelastic and restricting blood circulation.  Eventually, the follicle atrophies to a point where hair growth is no longer possible.  The normal rest-grow cycle of the hair follicle is altered and follicles remain dormant for the majority of the time.  As a result, hair falls out at the same rate, but is not replaced.  Eventually, all the hairs revert to the rest phase and a bald spot, or baldness results.  (The atrophied follicles are not necessarily dead, however, and may be induced to resume growth with stimulation.)