Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is a form of the hormone androgen that occurs when an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase transforms testosterone into a more potent hormone. It appears in both men and women and it is the hormone that helps the normal development of men, sexual performance and other activities like prostate growth. DHT is essential to the body, but it cannot be considered entirely beneficial; as the hormone builds up in the head, it may start decreasing the size of the hair follicles, which ultimately results in hair loss.

What is DHT?
Dihydrotestosterone or DHT is a variant of the hormone androgen, and occurs when an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into a more potent hormone. It is present in both genders and it is the hormone that assists in the normal development of males, sexual performance and other activities such as the development of the prostate. DHT is vital to the body, but it has a side effect that is not so desirable; when the hormone accumulates in the scalp, it can begin to reduce the size of the hair follicles, which eventually leads to the loss of hair.

How DHT Triggers Hair Follicle Miniaturization
Different hair types on your head are grown in cycles of growth (anagen), resting (telogen) and shedding (catagen) phases. The growth stage may take years to completion in a healthy situation, giving so much hair that is full, strong, and thick. But when DHT binds itself to androgen receptors in hair follicles it disruptions this balance by reducing the growth phase and prolonging the resting phase. With time this disturbance means that the hair follicles get smaller, which is termed miniaturization. Miniaturized follicles result in strands that are thinner, shorter and lighter until they finally cease to produce new hair.

It is not an overnight event, and actually acts may take several years before serious effects are observed on the follicles, but once DHT has severely affected the follicles, the density of the hair will be highly diminished, and the rate of hair growth will become extremely slow.

How DHT Causes Hair Loss in Men
In men, male pattern baldness is mainly caused by DHT, a genetic disorder that usually begins with a receding hairline or loss of hair at the top of the head. Men have a higher production of testosterone and DHT so their follicles are more susceptible to shrinkage. The DHT progressive effect causes visible bald patches which in due course may grow and leave hair on the sides and back of the scalp.

Genetics has a significant role in the determination of hair loss, since an inherited sensitivity to DHT dictates the intensity with which the follicles will respond to the hormone. If the relatives of the man are balding prematurely, there is a greater possibility that he will suffer androgenetic alopecia.

How DHT Causes Hair Loss in Women
Even though the testosterone levels in women are lower than those in men, they are not resistant to DHT-thinning. Actually, female pattern hair loss (FPHL) or female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA) is a common phenomenon in many women and appears as an overall diffuse thinning, a broader parting of the hair or the lack of volume of hair instead of a receding hair-line.

Females who are genetically predisposed to DHT can find that their hair is becoming finer as they age, especially when hormones such as estrogen are decreasing like in menopause. By estrogen acting to balance the effects of the androgens, its decline can expose the follicles of the hair to the harmful effects of DHT.

Genetics and DHT Sensitivity
Not all people who are sensitive to DHT are losing hair at the same pace hence the importance of genetics. Individuals inherit differences in their genes of the androgen receptors, and this is what makes their follicles respond differently to the DHT. In others, it makes them sensitive, resulting in accelerated thinning at early adulthood, others might however, only show signs of mild hair loss in old age.

Since genetic predisposition dictates when and how much hair is lost in the process of androgenetic alopecia, early education regarding DHT is crucial to any individual who intends to take control of their hair health before the damage of follicles has become widespread.

Common Symptoms of DHT-Related Hair Loss
Hair loss caused by DHT develops over time, yet some symptoms allow men and women to identify the initial symptoms:

Men: Bare head or bald patches.

Women: Diffuse thinning of the scalp, widening of the part of the hair, and a decrease in the total density.

General: Thinning, hair shafts of a weaker nature, and a more recognisable scalp with time.

It is important to recognize such symptoms at an early stage, since when the follicles become totally unproductive in terms of hair production, further growth will be very difficult.

Hair Loss Solutions for Men and Women
The current science provided us with a more impressive image of DHT and its application in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in the UAE and globally. Therapies which are effective in the sense of treating the underlying cause, locally at the scalp, by blocking DHT are taken as highly effective. These may be oral drugs, topical preparations, and complex treatments that have few side effects but offer the best follicle protection.

Another of these products is SP2, a specialized product that is used to prevent DHT production at the scalp level, without disrupting hormonal balance throughout the body. Unlike oral medications, which influence the whole system, SP2 has a local action, so hair follicles are not exposed to the harmful effects of DHT and do not risk the appearance of systemic side effects (hormonal fluctuations).

Why SP2 Stands Out
The science-based and contemporary process of hair restoration provided by SP2 is based on accuracy and does not target the wide-ranging hormonal suppression. Using only the area that is important the scalp, SP2 enables males and females to feel safe in defending their follicles without concern of impairing their overall health. This explains why it is a good choice when one would prefer good results with fewer risks.

Lifestyle Tips to Support Hair Health
DHT is a major contributor to hair loss but lifestyle choices do have an impact on the overall health of hair. Proper diet and good amounts of vitamins, no stress, and proper care of your scalp may enhance the outcome of the treatment. Harsh chemicals must be avoided and heat styling must be very minimal and a clean scalp should also be maintained to further promote the health of hair growth.

Taking Control of Your Hair Loss Journey
The loss of hair which is brought about by DHT can be frustrating, however, knowing the science behind it can give you the power to make the right decisions. Men and women now have access to treatments such as SP2 that can specifically target DHT and be safe and effective. In case you are starting to notice thinning hair or even the early signs of androgenetic alopecia, the sooner you start using proven cures, the better chance you stand of maintaining the fullness and strength of your hair.

Try SP2 for Safe and Effective Hair Loss Treatment
DHT may be a hormone that is naturally present in the body, but the role of hair loss treatment in men and women cannot be ignored, especially in treating androgenetic alopecia in the UAE. DHT disrupts the normal growth cycle by attaching to androgen receptors of the follicles leading to miniaturization and eventual shedding. Fortunately here, there are modern remedies like SP2 and you can block DHT locally and have your hair safe without any side effects systemically.