Role of DHT in Hair Loss
A chemical called Dihydrotestosterone, more commonly referred to as DHT, is a key factor in hair loss. DHT can cause hair loss in both men and women.
DHT is the resulting product of direct contact between the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, found in the skin and the scalp, with the hormone testosterone. Some men are born without this enzyme and it has been noted that they do not develop hair loss.
DHT builds up around the follicle and eventually kills the follicle and the hair. In other words, DHT takes over the receptor cell and sends false signals to the functioning cells responsible for proper hair growth.
DHT is essentially the active ingredient or catalyst for the hair loss process. DHT binds with the receptor sites of genetically vulnerable follicles and gradually degrades the follicles ability to produce healthy hair. This eventually results in baldness in the affected areas.
Men typically lose hair first in the temporal area, second in the crown, and third, in the vertex or top of the scalp. This is due to the concentration of sweat glands that carry DHT in these areas.
At this point, the only truly effective medically proven way to stop the hair loss process is to lower DHT levels.
Propecia inhibits the conversion of testosterone to Dhydrotestosterone. Propecia can effectively lower DHT levels in the scalp by as much as 60 percent when taken on a daily basis.
This 60 percent reduction in DHT has proven to stop the progression of hair loss in 86 percent of men taking the drug during clinical trials. 65 percent of trial participants had what was considered a substantial increase of hair growth.
Propecia works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into DHT. By reducing the DHT present in the scalp the thinning process is slowed and some times even reversed.
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