DHT: The Hormone Behind Male Hair Loss

If you're losing your hair, there's a 95% chance DHT is the reason. Dihydrotestosterone — a potent androgen your body produces from testosterone — is the primary driver of male pattern baldness. It doesn't cause hair loss everywhere. It targets specific follicles that are genetically programmed to be sensitive to it, primarily along the hairline and crown.

This site covers the DHT mechanism in detail: how the hormone works, why blocking it slows or stops hair loss, and how the available treatments compare on evidence, side effects, and cost. Every claim is cited to published research. No 'miracle cures' — just what the science actually shows. Start with how DHT causes hair loss, then see the side-by-side comparison of your options.

Essential Terms Defined

DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)

DHT is defined as a potent androgen hormone produced when the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. What is DHT? It is a hormone that is 3–5 times more potent than testosterone at binding to androgen receptors. In the scalp, DHT binds to receptors in genetically susceptible follicles along the hairline and crown, triggering progressive follicle miniaturization — the underlying cause of approximately 95% of male hair loss. DHT also plays roles in prostate function and body hair growth, which is why treatments that reduce it can have effects beyond the scalp.

DHT Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

DHT hair loss refers to the progressive thinning and eventual loss of scalp hair caused by the action of dihydrotestosterone on genetically predisposed hair follicles. It is commonly defined as androgenetic alopecia — the most prevalent form of hair loss in men. What is DHT hair loss in practical terms? It is the gradual shrinking of follicles through repeated DHT exposure, where each successive growth cycle produces thinner, shorter hair until the follicle goes dormant. This process follows a predictable pattern classified by the Norwood scale, typically starting at the temples and crown.

5-Alpha-Reductase

5-alpha-reductase (5-AR) refers to the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. It exists in two primary forms: Type 1 (found in sebaceous glands and skin) and Type 2 (concentrated in the scalp, prostate, and hair follicles). What is 5-alpha-reductase's significance for hair loss? It is the enzyme targeted by every DHT-blocking treatment — pharmaceutical finasteride inhibits Type 2, dutasteride inhibits both types, and natural compounds like saw palmetto provide milder inhibition of both Type 1 and Type 2. Reducing 5-AR activity lowers the amount of DHT produced, slowing follicle miniaturization.