Hair Loss and DHT
According to medical terms DHT or dihydrotestosterone is a by product of testosterone found both in males and to a lesser extent in females. DHT is believed to be the key androgenic hormone, as its primary role is to develop a male’s primary sex characteristics during embryonic life. It is also responsible for the development majority of the secondary sex characteristics of males during their puberty stage and continues to play an important role in male sexual function in the latter years of life. DHT and Genetic Hair Loss It is essentially a genetic factor that signals the ignition of the creation of 5 alpha reductase by the hair follicle. Variables such as age also play a role in the onset or signalling of this enzyme. DHT comes from testosterone by two 5-alpha reductive isoenzymes known as Type I and Type II and is produced in the adrenal glands, the prostate, the skin and scalp. Those that come from the scalp are mostly Type II 5AR. Type I is produced in large volumes by the oil glands in the skin called the sebaceous glands. The findings of 5 AR distributions between different organs are based on findings of immunostaining practices. DHT has been shown widely in the scientific literature to be responsible in causing baldness among men and female hair loss. Characteristically, it binds strongly to the androgen receptor and been shown to be five times more potent compared to testosterone. Patterned male hair loss can also be attributed to androstanedione, and DHEA which are predominately produced in the adrenal glands. When the adrenal glands produce excessive androstanedione or DHEA, due to over stimulation or due to a tumor, there will be increased conversion to DHT within the target organs, namely the hair follicle, prostate, and sebaceous gland. Hair follicles that typically become susceptible to DHT are those located at the top, front and crown of the head. However, hair located in the sides or bottom back of the head will likely be spared from the effects. Hair typically grows approximately 1 cm every month. The cycle for hair growth could take as long as 1-2 months on the eyebrows versus 2-4 years on the scalp resulting in longer hairs on the scalp. The prolonged effect of DHT is that each follicle will decay, while the growth phase (anagen phase) will be sharply reduced. Under the influence of DHT, the follicle on the scalp become shorter and thinner and eventually stops developing, resulting in complete balding of the scalp. The size of most follicles will go down to the level they were during the time of infancy, while some will eventually cease to develop and die. This is the instance when weak hair is produced or seen in the scalp. Hair loss will sharply accelerate if the anagen phase continues to slow down and the hair that is left is thinner and finer and too weak to survive. Trying to determine if a person will develop hair loss can be achieved based on family history. Hair loss among males is passed from parents and ancestors. If your father, uncle or great grandfather experienced thinning hair, there is a good chance you will also develop this condition. |
