HOW DOES ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA CAUSE HAIR LOSS

Androgenetic alopecia is probably the most common cause of hair loss. Every time we hear about this condition dihydrotestosterone or DHT comes to mind. Though it is true that DHT causes hair loss, this hormone have a lot essential functions in the body.

DHT is an active metabolite of testosterone. When testosterone is acted upon by 5 alpha reductase, an enzyme, DHT is produced. DHT is a potent androgen, and plays an important role in the development of the secondary characteristics in males. During puberty, DHT levels increases and causes a lot of changes in a boys body like deepening of the voice, growth of secondary hairs or body hairs, development or enlargement of the epiglottis, also known as the adam’s apple, defining and enlargement of muscles and many more. The influence of DHT on the male body literally transforms a boy’s body into a man, but it doesn’t stop there, this hormone is also responsible many sexual functions in men.

How does DHT cause hair loss?

Androgenetic alopecia is a familial type of hair loss and what it does is it genetically causes the hair follicles to become sensitive to DHT. So in reality, it’s not DHT that cause’s hair loss but the hair follicles themselves. This was noted by a lot of doctors when treating this type of hair loss, they have found that there are some patients with high levels of DHT do not experience hair loss, while other patients with low levels of DHT in their blood have moderate to advanced hair loss. So it is not the level of blood DHT that influences hair loss but the genetic weakness of hair follicles to this hormone.

How do we cure androgenetic alopecia?

These days, there is a possible cure for this type of hair loss. Recently, dormant stem cells have been found around the hair follicles. Stem cells are special cells because they are capable of renewing or rejuvenating themselves. Sadly, these stem cells dormant or “sleeping and scientist have yet to find a way to “waken up” to these stem cells.

While we’re waiting for that to develop, alternative treatment for hair loss are available to stop further hair fall and stimulate new hair growth. Remember if any of these hair loss treatment products are discontinued, hair will eventual fall again.