Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen, synthesized primarily in the prostate gland, testes, hair follicles, and adrenal glands by the enzyme 5α-reductase by means of reducing the 4,5 double-bond of the hormone testosterone.

Approximately 5% of serum testosterone produced in men undergoes 5α-reduction to form the more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone. DHT has three times greater affinity for androgen receptors than testosterone and has 15-30 times greater affifinty than adrenal androgens. During embryogenesis DHT has an essential role in the formation of the male external genitalia, and in the adult DHT acts as the primary androgen in the prostate and hair follicles leading to hair loss.

An example illustrating the significance of DHT for the development of secondary sex characteristics is the congenital5-α-reductase (5-AR) deficiency which can result in pseudohermaphroditism. This condition results in underdeveloped male genitalia and prostate. These individuals are often raised as girls due to their lack of conspicuous male genitalia. In the onset of puberty, although their DHT levels remain very low, their testosterone levels elevate normally. Their musculature develops like that of other adults. After puberty, men with this condition have a large deficiency of pubic and body hair, and no incidence of male pattern baldness.

Unlike other androgens such as testosterone, DHT cannot be converted by the enzyme aromatase to estradiol. Therefore, it is frequently used in research settings to distinguish between effects of testosterone caused by binding to the androgen receptor and those caused by testosterone’s conversion to estradiol and subsequent binding to estrogen receptors.

Pathology

DHT is the primary contributing factor in male pattern baldness. However, female hair loss is more complex, and DHT is only one of several possible causes. Women with increased levels of DHT may develop certain androgynous male secondary sex characteristics, including a deepened voice and facial hair. DHT plays a role in the development and exacerbation of benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as prostate cancer, by enlarging the prostate gland. Prostate growth and differentiation are highly dependent on sex steroid hormones, particularly DHT.

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New Hair Loss Treatments

Brenden Frasiers Hair Loss Mystery

Hair loss affects many people and there are some interesting approaches to fighting the common medical condition often referred to as androgenic alopecia. Once age related hair loss begins making its appearance, people fear that with the speed they are losing their hair, they might soon become bald. Depression and self-guilt can arise from the anxiety caused by the increasing hair loss shedding. For a long time there have not been many viable options to people going through hair loss and often think nothing can be done. Recent advancements in hair loss research and scientific experiments have helped develop new approaches to hair loss and going bald. The drug minoxidil was hailed as the miracle cure when it was released under the trademarked name Rogaine. The FDA approved hair loss product has become the number one selling treatment for androgenic alopecia in America.

Many people prefer natural or organic focused attention on their hair loss and a growing demand for natural hair loss products is providing new products for consumers. Hair loss is often thought to be due to the build up a chemical called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is a derivative of testosterone a natural occurring hormone that has many effects in the body. Saw palmetto a natural growing plant originating in Florida has been shown to interact with the DHT enzyme reaction at the hair follicle to possibly help stop hair loss.

Natural remedies to cure baldness are highly effective and there are no side effects of them on you. Other medical drugs use strong chemicals which harm our hair in more than one way but in the natural cure for baldness all the medicines given to you will be made from organic substances.

A growing area of hair loss research is the use of aromatherapy for hair loss. The oils in this method are obtained from cedar wood, bay, lemon, jojoba, lavender, grapefruit, and rosemary. The massage of these oils into the scalp is the basic step of aromatherapy cure. When the oils are absorbed in the scalp, it helps in re-growth of the hair. There are even certain herbal solutions like honey, aloe, mulberries, and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) which are believed to be the best natural cures for baldness. These treatments are effective only if they are taken under the guidance of a professional. In indian traditional medicines these herbal solutions are used along with the massage therapy.

There are many products and supplements that are beneficial to hair loss and with the increasingly researched area of medicine involving androgenic alopecia, there are sure to be many more new focus on this growing area will lead to many more advancements in science and treating natural hair loss products.

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