What are the most effective DHT Blockers available in the market?
Dr. Eric Howell, board-certified dermatologist, talks about DHT blockers, how they work and which ones are the most effective to stimulate hair growth.
Table of Content:
What is a DHT blocker? | How do they work? | Do you need a prescription? | How to get a prescription? | About DHT | FAQ
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What is a DHT blocker?
Dr. Eric Howell, board-certified dermatologist says that DHT blockers are substances that inhibit the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone that is linked to hair loss in conditions like androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness). By blocking DHT, these substances can help prevent hair follicles from shrinking and potentially promote hair growth1.
Do DHT blockers work?
Dr. Howell says that DHT blockers can be quite effective in treating male androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness2.
How do DHT blockers work?
Dr. Howell says that DHT blockers work by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. By reducing DHT levels in the scalp, these blockers can help reduce hair follicle shrinkage and the associated hair loss3.
Are there different types of DHT blockers?
Dr. Howell says that there are many different types of DHT blockers, including oral prescription-medications like oral finasteride and dutasteride4, topical prescription-medications like topical finasteride or dutasteride spray solution5.
In addition to those, there are also natural supplements such as saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, and nettle that are somehow effective at reducing hair loss and can be taken orally6 7 8 .
Do you need a prescription for a DHT blocker?
Yes and no. Prescription-strength DHT blockers like finasteride and dutasteride require a prescription. Natural DHT blockers, such as saw palmetto, although less effective, do not require a prescription and can be purchased over-the-counter.
Dr. Howell says that if you are a man* and have taken a natural DHT blocker and did not get the results you were hoping for, then you should have a photo-consultation with a board-certified dermatologist and request a prescription for finasteride or dutasteride.
* Finasteride and Dutasteride cannot be used by women.
How to get a prescription for a DHT blocker?
You can get a prescription for finasteride a prescription-strength DHT blocker by having a photo-consultation with a board-certified dermatologist via Miiskin for only $59.
Are DHT blockers taken by mouth?
Yes, some DHT blockers are taken orally, such as finasteride, dutasteride and saw palmetto capsules.
Is there a DHT blocker for women?
Dr. Howell says that oral and topical spironolactone are considered an anti-androgens and can act as a DHT blocker. They work by inhibiting the effects of androgens in the body, including DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is a potent form of testosterone linked to hair loss. By blocking androgen receptors and reducing the production of testosterone and DHT, spironolactone helps mitigate the effects of these hormones on hair follicles, thereby reducing hair loss and promoting hair growth in women with androgenetic alopecia.
Are there topical DHT blockers?
Yes, Dr. Howell says there is a topical version minoxidil + finasteride (for men), dutasteride + minoxidil (for men) and spironolactone + minoxidil (for women) available through Skin Medicinals which can be purchased with a prescription.
He also added that there are some topical DHT blockers sold over-the-counter in the form of shampoos, creams, and lotions that contain saw palmetto10 or ketoconazole11. These products are believed to reduce DHT levels when applied directly at the scalp.
About DHT
What is DHT?
Dr. Howell says that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone derived from testosterone, which is a key androgen hormone that plays a crucial role in the development of male characteristics. DHT is created from testosterone by the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This transformation occurs in various tissues throughout the body including the skin, liver, and prostate.
DHT is crucial for male sexual development. It helps differentiate sexual organs of the fetus and continues to influence bodily changes like prostate growth and hair development during adolescence and adulthood. It’s involved in the development of male sexual characteristics during puberty, such as facial hair, body hair, and the growth of the prostate. In adults, DHT supports male sex drive and helps maintain muscle mass.
However, DHT is also implicated in certain health issues. It’s known to be a contributing factor in the development of conditions like androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is why medications that inhibit the production of DHT, such as finasteride and dutasteride, are used to treat these conditions. They work by blocking the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, thereby reducing the production of DHT12 13.
What does DHT do?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) has several important functions in the body:
Development of male characteristics: DHT is crucial for the development of male sexual characteristics during puberty. This includes the growth of facial and body hair, deepening of the voice, and development of the genitals.
Skin, hair, and prostate health: DHT acts on the skin and is involved in the production of body and facial hair. It also plays a significant role in the health and enlargement of the prostate gland. High levels of DHT can contribute to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlargement of the prostate gland.
Hair follicle health: DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles and can cause them to shrink, which affects their ability to sustain normal hair growth. This action is a primary cause of androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness.
Sebaceous gland activity: DHT influences the activity of sebaceous glands in the skin, which produce oil. This can affect skin conditions such as acne.
Muscle maintenance: DHT is thought to help maintain muscle mass and contribute to muscle growth, strength, and function14 15 .
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Frequently asked questions about DHT Blockers
What is the best DHT blocker shampoo?
Dr. Howell says that the best DHT blocker shampoo typically depends on individual needs and responses, but popular options often include those containing ketoconazole, saw palmetto, or other herbal extracts known for their DHT-blocking properties. These shampoos are marketed to reduce hair loss and support hair growth by reducing scalp DHT levels. When choosing a shampoo, it’s important to consider personal hair type, scalp sensitivity, and specific hair concerns.
Is blocking DHT harmful?
Dr. Howell says that blocking DHT can be advantageous for treating conditions like male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia, where DHT’s role is detrimental.
However, the use of DHT blockers is associated with potential side effects. These can include sexual dysfunction, characterized by reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, lower ejaculate volume, mood changes, and could have an impact on muscle mass. The severity and frequency of these side effects vary significantly among individuals, with some experiencing minimal effects and others finding the side effects severe enough to stop treatment. This variability makes it important for individuals considering DHT blockers to consult healthcare professionals and carefully weigh the benefits against the potential risks.
What is a natural DHT blocker?
Dr. Howell says that natural DHT blockers include substances like saw palmetto, pumpkin seeds, and green tea, coconut oil, onions, turmeric, and edamame beans are believed to reduce the production of DHT naturally16.
How to reduce DHT naturally?
Dr. Howell says that to reduce DHT levels naturally, you can consider dietary changes and supplements such as saw palmetto, green tea, pumpkin seeds, and foods rich in zinc. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet can also help.
Will reducing DHT regrow hair?
Dr. Howell says that reducing DHT can help stop the progression of hair loss and potentially regrow hair, particularly in those with androgenetic alopecia. However, if you stop taking the medication, hair loss will resume, therefore the hair loss will only stop as long as you stay on the medication.
Can dutasteride and finasteride regrow hair?
Yes, both dutasteride and finasteride can regrow hair by blocking DHT. Dutasteride is generally more potent, inhibiting more DHT, which may lead to better results in some cases.
Does coffee block DHT?
Dr. Howell says that there is some evidence suggesting that the topical application of caffeine, which is found in coffee, can help block DHT and stimulate hair growth when applied topically. However, drinking coffee is unlikely to have a significant impact on DHT levels17.
Does zinc block DHT?
Zinc is thought to inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, making it a potential natural DHT blocker. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.
What reduces DHT the most?
Dr. Howell says that prescription-strength DHT blockers like finasteride and dutasteride are the most effective at reducing DHT levels and are commonly used in the treatment of hair loss. You can get a prescription by having a photo-consultation via Miiskin.
How to know if DHT is high?
Dr. Howell says that high DHT levels may manifest as increased hair loss, acne, and in some cases, an enlarged prostate in men. A blood test is the most accurate way to measure DHT levels.
Does exercise reduce DHT?
Dr. Howell says that regular exercise is believed to help reduce DHT levels by improving blood circulation and balancing hormone levels, including testosterone which is a precursor to DHT.
How to check DHT level at home?
Dr. Howell says that it is not possible to check your DHT levels at home as you need a blood test to accurately measure DHT levels.
Does DHT build muscle?
Dr. Howell says that DHT is a potent androgen and plays a role in muscle maintenance and development, but it is not typically used directly for building muscle due to its effects on hair loss and prostate growth.
Do DHT blockers affect testosterone?
Dr. Howell says that systemic DHT blockers can affect overall hormone balance. They primarily reduce DHT levels without significantly reducing testosterone levels, but some impact on overall androgen activity can occur.
Key article points
- Definition: DHT blockers are substances that inhibit the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss in conditions like androgenetic alopecia, by preventing DHT from shrinking hair follicles.
- Effectiveness of DHT Blockers: DHT blockers, such as finasteride and dutasteride, can be highly effective in treating male pattern baldness by reducing DHT levels in the scalp, thereby preventing hair follicle shrinkage.
- Types of DHT Blockers: DHT blockers come in various forms, including prescription medications (oral and topical) like finasteride, as well as natural supplements like saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil.
- Prescription Requirements: While prescription DHT blockers like finasteride require a doctor’s approval, natural DHT blockers can be purchased over-the-counter, though they are generally less effective.
- Potential Side Effects: DHT blockers can cause side effects such as sexual dysfunction, mood changes, and impacts on muscle mass, making it important to consult a healthcare professional before starting treatment.
Do you need a DHT blocker prescription?
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Article References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555930/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9297965/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017725/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17509841/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7706486/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557634/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dht-blocker-foods
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3500065/
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