DHT and Hair Loss
In many cases hair loss is genetic, which limits the potential
success of treatment options. Medications, medical disorders,
pregnancy, prostrate problems and hormonal imbalance may also
be responsible for hair loss.
A significant cause of hair loss is DHT which is a metabolite
of testosterone; as such many of the hair restoration and
hair loss products will include DHT blockers to try to prevent
the impact of DHT.
How DHT Works
An enzyme known as 5 alpha reductase is responsible for converting
testosterone, the male sexual hormone responsible for hair
growth, sex drive and muscle development into Dihydrotestosterone
or DHT. The DHT binds with androgen receptors. This process
increases hair loss and minimizes the regrowth of hair, making
the hair loss more permanent. Over time this process will
lead to pattern
baldness.
The Discovery of DHT Blockers and DHT Inhibitors
In the development of medications and treatment for prostrate
problems in men, the side effects of the medications or treatments
were often the growth of hair. This has lead to the development
of DHT blocker or DHT inhibitor based products for the reduction
of hair loss or the promotion of hair regrowth.
It is popular to use DHT Blockers and DHT inhibitors in shampoos,
hair tonics, conditioners and other scalp and hair products
to facilitate hair regrowth. Provillus
and Procerin
are both considered strong DHT blockers in the world of hair
loss.
Natural Treatment for DHT
Natural medicine advocates have a multitude of natural cures
for DHT and to promote hair regrowth.
Zinc
Zinc is considered one of nature’s best DHT
blockers. Zinc can be added to the diet in supplement
form but it is freely available in foods. Foods rich in zinc
include oysters, shellfish, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, wheat
bran and all bran cereals, pine nuts and pecans. Foods that
provide some zinc but not as much as the first list include
eggs, liver, fish, cashews and parmesan cheese.
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto is a dwarf palm plant native to the Southern
Atlantic Seaboard, most prominent in South Carolina, Georgia
and Florida. The berries of the saw palmetto are thought to
be the source of the plants active ingredients. It is believed
that saw palmetto works to stop 5 alpha reductase from converting
testosterone to DHT. Even though saw palmetto is a “natural”
supplement it has been shown to have side effects in some
people including vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea,
nausea and bad breath. For men saw palmetto can cause erectile
dysfunction, tenderness in breast tissue and a reduction of
sex drive. Due to the nature of the side effects with saw
palmetto including increased bleeding and blood thinning,
it is essential to consult your physician before beginning
any herbal supplement, but especially one which may interfere
with your traditional medications.
Pygeum Extract
The bark of the African plum tree has been used with BPH (benign
prostrate hypertrophy) with a side effect being hair growth.
It is thought to be successful in inhibiting 5-alpha reductase
and blocking the binding of DHT to the androgen receptors.
The end result is that it thought to be an effective natural
DHT inhibitor. There are reported side effects, including
stomach distress including constipation, diarrhea, nausea
and blurred vision.
Lifestyle Changes and DHT
Stress is considered to be a strong trigger for DHT related
hair loss. Daily activity, relaxation or mediation to reduce
stress are important elements to manage DHT naturally.
Eating a diet rich in dark leafy vegetables and fruits, along
with a good balance of zinc rich foods will assist in the
natural blocking of DHT. Ample intake of B Vitamins is important,
it is also important not to over do the consumption of Vitamin
A.
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