Ever wonder how the very root of your male pattern baldness works?
DHT or dihydrotestosterone, the main culprit for hair loss, has left men, even women and children, to suffer this upsetting condition.
DHT is a hormone that is produced when testosterone (which is also present in minute amounts in women) is converted by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. The oil glands of the hair follicles contains this enzymes, and when it is present in large quantities it binds to receptors deep in the follicle causing the hair to shrink (miniaturization) and then to shed later on.
Male pattern baldness which results from this excessive production of DHT is a genetic condition which can be inherited by either side of the family. These genetically predisposed follicles shed in patterns, maybe starting out as a receding hairline or as start at the crown of the head. These areas are the ones often predisposed to baldness, whereas the ones on the side and the back are resistant to DHT.
DHT not only cause these certain follicles to die but they also make other follicular units unable to produce a healthy growth of hair which is a far cry from the ones you previously had. For the more unlucky guys, DHT can lead them to be entirely bald.
This outcome can provide devastating effects not only on the sufferer’s appearance but other aspects in life as well. Some claim it makes them look older than their age lessening their chances in landing a job, or winning a chance with the ladies.
DHT is not all the villain that it sounds to be, in fact it plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy central nervous system, prostate and testicles. However if it is produced in excess, this is when the hair suffers.
There are a number of medications in varied forms that hinders the excessive production of DHT. If caught early on you can use hair products that are specially formulated to act on this hormone and can actually stimulate growth and help in reviving those dead follicles.
But for those who are not responsive to it, and are losing a large amount of hair, prognosis usually doesn’t go any better. They can resort to wigs, toupees or hair transplants. But most would opt for transplants as this can give a more permanent and natural outcome.
But some would ask if whether the newly transplanted hair is safe from the effects of DHT. Those in authority would answer that it is almost always a permanent success. However, as one age there can be some changes such as hair thinning, which is only natural.
Dihydrotestosterone can be unforgiving at times, but thankfully enough persistent studies and new technologies have welcomed a number of answers for male pattern baldness. From medications to the more recognized and effective hair transplant– these men can be given a new and better life outside of baldness.
