What Is the DHT Androgen Hormone?
Sex hormones are responsible for many bodily changes in males during puberty. One hormone in particular is responsible for both hair growth during puberty and male pattern baldness as we age. DHT is an androgen, a type of sex hormone that contributes to the development of male characteristics, such as:
- Deepening of the voice during puberty
- Increased muscle mass and body hair
- Growth of the penis, testicles and scrotum
- Changes in how fat is stored in the male body
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is derived from testosterone. DHT and testosterone benefit the male body as we age in several ways, including helping maintain sexual health, fertility, and muscle mass. The body also contains an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase (5-AR). Approximately 10% of the testosterone in all adults is converted to DHT and enters the bloodstream with the help of 5-AR.
Dangers of the DHT Hormone
Once we begin to age and DHT is active throughout the bloodstream, the hormone can link to receptors in hair follicles on your scalp and cause them to shrink and become incapable of supporting the follicle. High levels of DHT in the bloodstream can also cause other health problems, including polycystic ovary syndrome in women, and an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer in men.
DHT Hormone and Hair Loss
Hair on the body goes through a growth cycle lasting about two to six years. At the end of this growth cycle, the hair enters a dormant, resting phase before finally falling out about two months later. High levels of DHT and other androgens can shorten these growth cycles and shrink the hair follicles, causing hair to become thinner, more brittle and shed faster. DHT can also make it more difficult for your follicles to grow new hair to replace the old. Some men are more susceptible to the effects of DHT on scalp hair because of variations in their androgen receptor genes. These are the people more likely to experience male pattern baldness.
Researchers established the link between the DHT hormone and hair loss and began developing medications to reduce DHT in adults and provide a solution for male pattern baldness. Two of the most common are finasteride (Proscar and Propecia) and Minoxidil (Rogaine). However, these medications are not considered a permanent solution to hair loss as they require continuous application to be effective.
Permanent Solution to Hair Loss
The only permanent solution to male pattern baldness is a hair transplant. Grow & Glow Clinic in Bangkok provides three of the latest types of hair transplants:
FUE Hair Transplant
The Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) hair transplant involves moving healthy hair follicles from the back areas of the scalp to thinning areas by drilling tiny holes in the scalp to implant them. Because of the minute size of the holes, scarring is minimal, and recovery is quick. Most people can resume their regular daily activities the day after the procedure.
FUT Hair Transplant
One of the most popular hair transplants in Thailand is the FUT technique. The Follicular Unit Transplantation method, or strip technique, involves removing a strip of hair follicle-bearing scalp from the back of the head, separating the individual hair follicles, and implanting them into thinning areas of the scalp. This method ensures a high survival rate of the implanted follicles.
DHI Hair Transplant
We also offer direct hair implantation (DHI) hair transplants. This technique uses a special pen-like implanter device to implant individual hair follicles precisely into thinning areas of the scalp, eliminating the need for large incisions and providing more natural-looking results.
Make an Appointment at Grow & Glow Clinic
Hair loss sufferers wanting to solve their problem permanently are invited to make an appointment at Grow & Glow Clinic in Bangkok to find out more about our range of hair transplant services. We also provide eyebrow transplants and hair loss treatments. When you meet our transplant surgeon, Dr. Benz, for your initial consultation, she’ll explain our entire range of services and answer any questions you may have. Make an appointment at Grow & Glow Clinic to discover the best solution for your hair loss.
References:
- What You Need to Know About DHT and Hair Loss – Retrieved Aug 1, 2025, from: https://www.healthline.com/health/dht
