Dehydrogenase Testosterone - An Overview

Introduction

Hair is a filament that consists mainly of keratinized, dead cells. The hair structure consists of two parts that are,

1. Hair shaft.

2. Hair follicle.

The hair cycle and the structure of the hair follicle are highly affected by hormones. Androgens may influence the hair follicles based on the location of the body. The location of androgen production is related to enzymes in the hair structure. Androgens are sex steroid hormones with specific locations of production. Sources of androgen are the adrenal glands, the ovaries, the testes, the brain, and the placenta in pregnant women. Estradiol may alter the hair follicle growth and cycle by binding to the estrogen receptors. Endocrine regulation of the hair includes the following hormones such as,

1. Androgens.

2. Sex hormones:

• Estradiol.

• Progesterone.

• Prolactin.

• Thyroid gland hormones.

Other hormones:

1. Corticotropin releasing.

2. Adrenocorticotropic hormone.

3. Cortisol.

4. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone.

5. Galanin.

Hormonal effects on the hair at different stages of the life of women include:

1. Reproductive age.

2. Pregnancy.

3. Menopause.

Skin can be considered an endocrine organ because it may show the expression of associated hormone receptors.

What Is Dehydrogenase Testosterone?

Androgenic alopecia refers to the male pattern of balding. It is one of the primary causes for men to lose their hair and get older. Women can also experience this pattern of hair loss, but it rarely occurs. Sex hormones are considered one of the crucial underlying factors responsible for male pattern hair loss. Dehydrogenase testosterone is an androgen, a type of sex hormone precursor that leads to the functioning of the male sex hormones. Therefore, including body hair, one loses one's hair earlier and faster. Treatments are available for slowing down the male pattern of baldness but specifically targeting DHT. This article explains how DHT is related to hair and testosterone and how one can stop or at least delay the male balding pattern.

What Does Dehydrogenase Testosterone Do?

DHT is derived from the testosterone hormone in both women and men. DHT is the androgens or hormones contributing to male sex characteristics after puberty, which include,

• Increased body hair and muscles.

• A deep voice.

• Changes in the fat that is stored around the body.

• Growth of the penis, testicles, and scrotum as sperm production begins.

As one gets older, these testosterones and dehydrogenase testosterone have many other benefits, such as maintaining overall muscle mass and promoting fertility and sexual health. Men usually have more testosterone present in their bodies. About ten percent of the testosterone in all adults is converted into DHT with the help of the 5 - alpha reductase enzyme. Once it starts free-flowing through the bloodstream, DHT links to the receptors on the hair follicles in the scalp, which make them shrink and may become less capable of supporting a healthy head of hair. DHT has a potential to harm that goes beyond the hair, especially high levels of DHT cause the following condition such as,

• Prostate cancer.

• Enlarged prostate.

• Slow healing after an injury.

• Coronary heart disease.

What Causes Having Too Little Dehydrogenase Testosterone?

DHT at high levels may cause an increase in the risk of certain conditions, but a deficiency of DHT may cause problems in sexual development as one goes through puberty. Low levels of DHT may cause a delay in the onset of puberty in all sexes. Low DHT has many effects in women, but in men, DHT may cause the following such as,

• Changes in body fat distribution cause conditions such as gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in a male).

• Incomplete or late development of the sex organs such as the testes or penis.

• Increases the risk for the development of aggressive forms of prostate tumors.

What Is the Connection Between DHT and Balding?

Hair in the body grows out of structures under the skin known as follicles that are essentially tiny capsules, each containing a single strand of hair. The growth cycle of hair within the follicle goes through a period of time that normally extends from two to six years. Even if one cuts or shaves the hair, the hair will regrow from the root of the hair within the follicle. High levels of DHT may shrink the hair follicles and shorten the growth cycle of the hair to grow hair that is thinner and more brittle and falls out faster. DHT also takes longer to grow new hair once the old hair falls out.

How to Reduce DHT?

Plenty of medications are available for DHT-related hair loss. Two main types include:

1. Blockers: Prevent the DHT from binding to the receptors in one's hair follicles, which can allow DHT to shrink the hair follicles.

2. Inhibitors: These may reduce the body's production of DHT.

• Finasteride: This is an oral medication for keeping DHT from binding with them for making the hair follicles from shrinking.

• Minoxidil: Minoxidil is known as a peripheral vasodilator. This helps to widen and loosen the blood vessels so that the blood can easily get passed through. Mostly used as a blood pressure medication can also promote hair growth when applied topically to the scalp.

• Biotin: Vitamin H or vitamin B that helps to turn some of the food and liquids that one consume into energy one's body can use. Biotin may also help boost and maintain keratin levels, a type of protein present in the nails, hair, and skin. Some studies mentioned that keratin might help the hair regrow and keep the existing hair from falling out. And biotin is also found in yolks of eggs, whole grains, and nuts.

• Pygeum Bark: Pygeum bark is an herb extracted from an African cherry tree and is usually available as an herbal supplement taken orally. And also, it is a potentially beneficial treatment for enlargement and prostatitis due to DHT blocking ability.

• Pumpkin Seed Oil: Studies show that pumpkin seed oil is an effective DHT blocker.

• Caffeine: Caffeine can promote hair growth and also can help in preventing hair loss by,

1. Extending hair growth phase.

2. Promoting keratin production.

3. Making the hairs grow longer.

• Vitamin B6 and B12: Vitamin B deficiency, especially B - 6 or B- 12, may cause several symptoms, including hair loss or thinning hair.

What Are the Side Effects of DHT Blockers?

Some of the documented side effects of DHT blockers include:

• Rashes.

• Vomiting.

• Erectile dysfunction.

• Feeling sick.

• Too early ejaculation or too long ejaculation duration.

What Are the Other Causes of Hair Loss?

• Alopecia Areata - Autoimmune condition where the body attacks its hair follicles on the head or anywhere in the body.

• Thyroid Conditions - When the thyroid produces too much or too little thyroid hormones can result in scalp hair loss, and certain thyroid hormones help to control the body's metabolism.

• Lichen Planus - Autoimmune condition which attacks the body's hair follicles.

• Scalp Infections - Fungal infections like tinea capitis, also called ringworm of the scalp. It can make the scalp irritated and scaly and cause the hair to fall out of infected follicles.

• Celiac Diseases - Celiac disease is a condition in which digestive dysfunction results from eating gluten, a protein found in bread, oats, and other grains. Hair loss is a symptom of this autoimmune condition.

• Bamboo Hair - Bamboo hair occurs when one has thin hair strand surfaces that look segmented and knotty in contrast to the smooth appearance. A common condition symptom is a genetic disorder resulting in excessive skin shedding and irregular hair growth.

Conclusion

DHT is the major cause of male pattern baldness and is linked to the natural genetic predisposition to hair loss and to natural processes in the body that cause hair loss at one age. Plenty of treatments for reducing hair loss are available, including treating the underlying medical condition of imbalanced hormones.