When it comes to hair loss, the term “DHT blocker” is bound to show up in your search results. But, what is a DHT blocker, and do DHT blockers work in reversing hair loss?
This article aims to answer these questions and discuss a few different ways of incorporating DHT blockers into your daily routine.
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What Is DHT And Why Does It Cause Hair Loss?
The acronym DHT stands for dihydrotestosterone which is a hormone derived from testosterone. DHT has two sides to it. On one end, it is partially responsible for why men develop a deep voice, grow body hair and muscle, plus it’s related to having a healthy sex drive.
On the other end, DHT is also partially responsible for men losing their hair. Why? Scientists have discovered that when DHT converts to testosterone at the hair follicles, it causes androgenic alopecia, more commonly known as male pattern baldness.
What Are DHT Blockers And How Do DHT Blockers Work?
DHT blockers are designed to block DHT from binding to receptors in your scalp before it’s too late and triggers hair loss. It is crucial to note DHT blockers are not going to stop male pattern baldness completely. But, they can slow hair loss down and possibly prevent further hair loss from occurring.
Now let’s take a look at the different methods of blocking DHT that you can integrate into your everyday schedule.
Prescription Medicine Used As DHT Blockers
Prescription medicine can be used for utilizing DHT blockers. For example, Finasteride is a medication that helps inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT. It can be consumed orally or used as a topical solution. Regarding DHT blockers for women, the female equivalent to Finasteride is Spironolactone, which can also come in oral and topical forms.
Shampoos and Conditioners Used As DHT Blockers
Obtaining a prescription may be difficult for some people. Still, DHT blocking shampoo and conditioning is an option much more readily available. The key ingredients to look for in these products are either ketoconazole, saw palmetto, or Pyithione Zinc. All of which can help block DHT and stimulate hair growth.
RELATED: Why Is My Hair Falling Out? Hair Loss Causes & Treatments
Vitamins Used As DHT Blockers
While multivitamins are good to take for general health, if you want to use vitamins to help block DHT from causing hair loss, biotin supplements are your go-to option. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that biotin can help counteract hair thinning and also increase hair growth. Other vitamin supplements such as iron and zin are also worth considering trying.
Natural DHT Blockers
When it comes to reversing hair loss, many are interested in the all-natural approach. If that’s you, one of the best options for natural DHT blockers is pumpkin seed oil. While other natural options such as lycopene or rosemary oil have shown little efficacy, studies have indicated pumpkin seed oil as an effective supplement for combatting hair loss. One study found that participants experienced a 40% increase in hair growth after consuming 400mg of pumpkin seed oil for two years.
Foods That Act As DHT Blockers
The final way to block DHT without disrupting your daily schedule is to eat foods that act as DHT blockers. Foods rich in zinc, such as kale or spinach, and foods rich in lycopene, such as carrots or tomatoes, can be added to your daily meals as a simple way to help block DHT from causing hair loss.
If you have questions about DHT blockers or any of the conditions discussed here, connecting with a doctor in a discrete setting has never been easier.
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For questions, inquiries, or appointments, don’t hesitate to contact us. Get personalized support and insight from top-tier physicians available 24/7.
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