what is dht hair loss

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a hormone that plays a key role in the sexual development of people assigned male at birth (AMAB) . It is an androgen, which is a sex hormone that contributes to the development of male characteristics, such as body hair. DHT is also associated with hair loss, specifically male pattern baldness, which is caused by the miniaturization of hair follicles due to the hormones impact on testosterone production throughout the body. Increased DHT activity at hair follicles is partly responsible for this hair loss, in addition to other factors, including genetic ones. DHT promotes hair growth by stimulating mitosis in the early anagen follicle, but increased growth pressure due to advanced DHT levels can lead to hair loss. DHT blockers, such as finasteride, can be used to combat hair loss by blocking the effects of DHT.