• November 28, 2023
  • Dr. Joshua Wee

Last updated on June 3, 2024

Before delving into the world of hair loss and its remedies, DHT might not have been on your radar. Yet, as you start your quest for answers, the terms “DHT” and “DHT blockers” suddenly inundate your search results. Questions begin to emerge, ranging from a basic “What is DHT exactly?” to doubts about its potential to halt balding, perhaps even a regretful thought about biology class neglect.

While we can’t rewind your biology education, we’re here to shed light on DHT and DHT blockers.

In simple terms, DHT, short for dihydrotestosterone, is a male sex hormone. It binds to receptors in your scalp, triggering hair loss associated with male pattern baldness (or androgenic alopecia) in genetically predisposed men. DHT blockers, as the name suggests, are medications and supplements designed to inhibit DHT.

Eager for more insights? Stay with us as we unravel the details.

 

So, what exactly is DHT?

DHT is an androgen, a male sex hormone derived from testosterone in specific tissues like the prostate and testes. It’s crucial for developing and maintaining male characteristics, including deepening of the voice, facial hair growth, and muscle development.

Conversion of testosterone to DHT occurs via 5α-reductase, an enzyme housed in the oil glands of hair follicles.

For those genetically inclined towards male pattern baldness, DHT binds to follicle receptors, causing the follicles to shrink (or miniaturise) and eventually cease producing new hair altogether.

While genetics are proven to significantly impact male pattern hair loss, the reason why it appears in some families and not others remains a mystery.

 

How long does DHT sensitivity take to cause complete baldness?

The silver lining here is that baldness isn’t an overnight occurrence. To understand this, let’s break down the four continual stages of hair growth:

  • Anagen Phase: The growth phase lasting two to six years.
  • Catagen Phase: A brief transition phase spanning a few weeks.
  • Telogen Phase: A resting period of about three months.
  • Exogen Phase: Shedding phase resulting in the loss of 100-150 hairs daily.

 

Hair sheds during the exogen phase when new hair growth pushes out the old one.

With androgenic alopecia, follicles diminish in size due to DHT’s influence, shortening the anagen phase (less time for hair growth) and elongating the telogen phase (more resting time for follicles sans hair production).

However, baldness is a gradual process typically evolving over several years.

This means there’s a window to counteract DHT’s follicle-shrinking effects. The sooner action is taken, the more hair can potentially be preserved.

This is where DHT blockers enter the scene.

 

Tell me more about DHT blockers, please.

Certainly! While the internet presents a plethora of “DHT blockers,” one stands as clinically proven: prescription medication. This medication effectively inhibiting DHT, halting further hair loss, including receding hairlines. Its mechanism involves binding to the 5α-Reductase enzyme, preventing your body from producing DHT altogether.

 

Do DHT blockers really work?

Certainly! DHT blockers indeed showcase significant efficacy in treating hair loss. An investigation conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology affirmed the effectiveness of this particular prescription medication in blocking DHT.

Not only does it arrest hair loss, but it also exhibits potential for stimulating future hair growth. A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology revealed that as many as 83% of men taking this medication maintained their original hair follicle counts, while 66% witnessed some degree of regrowth.

These statistics prove promising for both halting hair loss and fostering healthy regrowth.

 

Is it possible to naturally reduce DHT?

Not everyone inclined to reduce hair loss opts for a prescription, which is entirely understandable. The internet teems with claims asserting various products—from shampoos to supplements to emu oil—as effective DHT blockers.

 

While certain potential natural DHT blockers—such as biotin, pumpkin seed oil, green tea, and saw palmetto—have gained popularity among men facing male pattern hair loss, their performance in clinical studies has been somewhat mixed.

 

Despite the buzz surrounding natural treatments, prescription medication remains the DHT blocker backed by the most robust scientific evidence.

 

So what is this prescription medication?

DHT stands as the primary culprit behind male pattern baldness. While numerous products claim to be DHT blockers, only certain prescription medications have been clinically validated. And without sounding too boastful, we believe we’re the optimal destination to acquire it. Our NHCmd range was specifically formulated to block DHT and restore hair growth.

 

The NHCmd Range:

NHC Nutri Mix

$90 Prescription Medication Cost

Doctor-formulated nonprescription supplements with Zinc Picolinate, Biotin, Tyrosine, Methionine, Sodium Chloride, Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Saw Palmetto are formulated to fortify the hair shaft and the hair root.  The hair loss vitamins maintain shiny healthy hair and provide the proper nutrients for your hair.

NHC2MD

$110 Prescription Medication Cost

Prescription-formulated hair loss medication compounded with NHC Nutrimix© formulation. The two key medications in combating hair loss have been approved by TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration). Both these medications work alongside each other to tackle hair loss. Reverses the miniaturisation of follicles. Increases blood flow around follicles. Stimulates follicle movement to the growth phase. Extends each follicle’s growth phase.

NHC3MD

$110 Prescription Medication Cost

Dual Prescription formulated hair loss medication compounded with NHC Nutrimix© formulation. The two key medications in combating hair loss have been approved by TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration). Both these medications work alongside each other to tackle hair loss. Reverses the miniaturisation of follicles. Increases blood flow around follicles. Stimulates follicle movement to the growth phase. Extends each follicles growth phase. Two medications act synergistically in treating hair loss given that they act differently. One helps hair growth by directly stimulating the hair follicle. In contrast, the other works by blocking the action of the potent male hormone dihydrotestosterone or “DHT”.

NHC4MD

$110 Prescription Medication Cost

A topical foam formulation of NHC3 MD Reverses the miniaturisation of follicles. Increases blood flow around follicles. Stimulates follicle movement to the growth phase. Extends each follicles growth phase. Two medications act synergistically in treating hair loss given that they act differently. One helps hair growth by directly stimulating the hair follicle. In contrast, the other works by blocking the action of the potent male hormone dihydrotestosterone or “DHT”

 

Ready to take charge of your hair health?

Discover the power of proven solutions against hair loss. Whether it’s halting hair fall or fostering regrowth, our range of clinically-backed treatments, offers you a path to reclaiming confidence in your hair. Contact our friendly team of professionals on 08 9389 6000. Don’t wait—start your transformation today!

Dr. Joshua Wee

About The Author

Dr. Joshua Wee

Dr. Ern Soon (Joshua) Wee is a distinguished medical professional renowned for his expertise in hair restoration. With a passion for restoring confidence and transforming lives through hair restoration, Dr. Josh is a leading expert in the field of hair transplantation. With a Doctor of Medicine (M.D) degree from the esteemed University Putra Malaysia and extensive training in advanced techniques, Dr. Wee is committed to providing exceptional care and natural results to his patients.

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