what is dht in hair

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that contributes to hair loss in both men and women. DHT is produced in the body as a byproduct of testosterone, and about 10% of testosterone in all adults is converted to DHT with the help of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase (5-AR) . Once it’s freely flowing through your bloodstream, DHT can then link to receptors on hair follicles in your scalp, causing them to shrink and become less capable of supporting a healthy head of hair. High levels of DHT can shrink hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle, resulting in hair loss. DHT and androgenic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern hair loss, are linked, and increased DHT activity at hair follicles is partly responsible for this hair loss, in addition to other factors, including genetic ones. DHT blockers are medications and supplements that block DHT and can help prevent hair loss.