Did you Know: Dihydrotestosterone -aka DHT- is the Cause of Hair Loss, resulting in 80% of Male Pattern Loss being DHT related?

Yes, it’s true. This hormone, derived from testosterone, attacks the hair follicle and begins a cascade of biological events that causes hair loss. So when Finasteride came onto the market, an FDA-Approved drug known to stop the production of DHT, it quickly became the most commonly known hair loss treatment for man. So in today’s article, we’re going to dive into the science and truths behind this intriguing medication. What is Finasteride's potential for rejuvenation? What are the important factors to consider before taking the leap? And how else could Finasteride affect you?

Understanding The Need: Male Pattern Hair Loss

Let's first understand the cause of male pattern hair loss. This condition, also known as androgenic alopecia, is characterized by a predictable pattern of hair thinning and loss. It starts with a receding hairline, receding temples and thinning at the crown. With advanced hair loss, all these segments meet resulting in a large bald patch on the scalp. This condition is influenced by both genetic and hormonal factors. DHT first binds to androgen receptors found on the hair follicles, this initiates a series of events that eventually lead to hair loss. 

So How Does DHT Cause Hair Loss? 

1. A Shortened Anagen: The anagen phase is the only one in which the hair is attached to the blood supply and can receive nutrients and oxygen to grow. Once a hair enters the telogen phase, it takes approximately 3-4 months until it is shed. The shortening of the anagen phase means that with each growth cycle, the hair grows back shorter and finer.
   
   
   

2. Reduced Blood Supply: DHT can also affect the amount of blood supply being directed towards the hair follicle. Without proper nutrients and oxygen, the hair cannot grow as thick or healthy.

3. Increased Inflammation: Prolonged exposure of DHT can also lead to scar tissue being formed around the hair follicles. The inflammation surrounding the hair can create an unsuitable environment for growth and could also lead to permanent hair loss in the future.

What Is Finasteride? What Does It Do?

So now that we understand how DHT causes hair loss, let’s dive into how Finasteride works to combat this hormone. This FDA-approved prescription medication works by blocking the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme from converting testosterone to DHT. Thankfully, due to finasteride’s ability to reduce DHT levels in the scalp and counteract the miniaturization process. Hair follicles are able to maintain their size and function. Promoting growth of thicker, healthier hair strands and potentially even stimulating the regrowth of hair in areas that experienced thinning. 

 

Finasteride can be very effective for many individuals but results can vary depending on how early it is prescribed to an individual. Meaning, finasteride is more effective in the early stages of hair loss. Like most medical treatments, the results will stack over time so don’t expect to have a thick head of hair after a week of the medication. It is commonly recommended to consistently take finasteride for 6 months to start seeing noticeable results. 

Benefits of Finasteride?

Finasteride has several potential benefits for individuals dealing with male pattern hair loss, as it has shown remarkable results in stopping hair loss and promoting hair growth in many men. The main benefit is its amazing ability to slow down or even reverse the process of miniaturization. Studies have shown that it can prevent further hair loss in up to 90% of users and even stimulate regrowth in about two-thirds of men. Finasteride contributes to increased hair density, improved hair coverage, and potential boost in self-confidence. Letting you feel your best. The convenience of a once-daily oral tablet, also makes finasteride a popular choice among those seeking to restore their hair.

Side Effects of Finasteride?

You might be thinking ‘that’s sounding a little too good… what’s the cache?’ Well with any prescription, including finasteride, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional to ensure it does not have any negative interactions with any other medications or medical conditions you may have. Even when cleared by a physician, side effects are always something to consider. The most common reported side effects are sexual–related symptoms, such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or reduced semen volume. In addition to sexual-related symptoms, finasteride may cause less common reactions including; breast tenderness or growth, skin rash, and changes in mood. In these instances it is best to seek medical attention immediately.  

What Is Post Finasteride Syndrome?

Most of the unpleasant side-effects can be alleviated after discontinuing the medication, however for a group of individuals this was not the case. Due to that, aPost-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) community has formed to bring awareness to other men of the risks they are potentially subjecting themselves to when trying to treat their hair loss with finasteride. PFS is still being debated by the medical and scientific communities as studies researching the link between finasteride and this syndrome have produced conflicting results, as the symptoms reported are nonspecific and often overlap with other medical conditions. 

Read this: The Recent Finasteride Disaster: An Ethical Dilemma Within Hair Wellness

Natural Ingredients In Place Of Finasteride

Fortunately, yes. Many medicinal herbs have been shown to be natural DHT blockers rather than act as a DHT Inhibitor like finasteride. So what’s the difference? 

A DHT Inhibitor works to block the production of DHT itself. As mentioned, Finasteride words by blocking the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone over to DHT. By reducing the level of DHT circulating in the body, it slows down the rate at which DHT can attack the hair follicle and cause hair loss. Although DHT is a culprit to hair loss, it still has other roles in the body. This is why altering your hormonal levels through finasteride leads to side effects.

A DHT blocker doesn’t try to alter your body's natural hormone levels. Instead a DHT blocker works to block the androgen site where the DHT typically binds to. By stopping the DHT from binding to the hair, the hair is protected from miniaturization and the DHT produced in the body can still play its role in the body without the concern of the attack on the hair. Double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stanley Okoro said that "Compared to finasteride, I prefer a good natural DHT blocker," and prescribes HairSmart's DHT Blocker to post-transplant patients as well as to women.

Read More Here: About HairSmart in The Growing Business of NonSurgical Hair Restoration

What are the wonder ingredients ban together to deliver these amazing results? Here are five clinically proven natural herbs that work just as good, if not better at treating hair loss than finasteride.

1. Saw Palmetto Berry Extract: This berry aids hair loss, as they have the ability to keep testosterone level balanced, stopping the conversion of testosterone into DHT, making it beneficial for hair growth.

2. Pygeum Bark Powder: This bark, commonly in a powder form for supplements for treating enlarged prostate and prostatitis infections, due to its ability to block DHT.

3. Green Tea Extract: Not only does green tea make for an energizing morning drink. It also helps in circulating hormones and blow flow within the body which improves overall health. A healthy body and scalp results in hair follicle stimulation as well as hair growth.

   

4. Pumpkin Seed Oil: The oil contains phytosterol beta-sitosterol, that prevents the conversion of testosterone into DHT. 

5. Stinging Nettle Root: This amazing root contains compounds such as lectins, histamine, sterols, glycosides, polysaccharides, essential repair vitamins and minerals, that all neutralize free radicals in the scalp and block DHT.

Final Words

So we’ve broken down everything you need to learn about male pattern hair loss, DHT, finasteride, and why you should consider a natural DHT Blocker. So, let’s summarize what your next steps should be in order to treat your hair loss safely and effectively.

Prevention is key. If you’re already starting to notice your hair is falling out much more than usual, or you’re even starting to notice you’ve lost some density in your hair. The key is to act fast. It is much easier to treat and reverse hair loss when caught early so get on a good natural DHT to protect your hair and your sex-life. Avoid taking finasteride unless you really don’t believe the natural route is providing you the results you desire, but at least you would be walking in being much more informed about what finasteride, the benefits, and the potential risks. 

Take control of your hair health today with HairSmart
 - Your Natural Hair Care Partner.

Also Read:

• Foods for Hair Growth
• Guide to Hair Loss Treatment