What is Testosterone and Its Role in the Body
Testosterone is a dominant male sex hormone that plays a crucial role in a number of bodily processes related to growth and reproduction. However, it also binds to receptors in hair follicles on the scalp and signals them to gradually shrink and stop producing new hairs, leading to thinning hair.
Testosterone Converts to DHT Which Causes Hair Miniaturization
The mechanism by which testosterone causes miniaturization of the hair follicles stems from its conversion into another androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT has an even higher affinity for the androgen receptors in the scalp and is considered the primary culprit behind pattern hair loss. Even men who have regular or below average levels of testosterone may still be genetically prone to producing higher levels of DHT, which binds to the hair follicles and causes them to weaken over time.
Medications Can Inhibit DHT Production
For those looking to slow down male pattern baldness, there are a few medical options that target DHT rather than reduce overall testosterone. Two FDA-approved medications used to treat hair loss are finasteride and dutasteride. These work by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone into DHT. Lower levels of DHT can help stabilize the miniaturization of hair follicles for many patients.
Laser Devices May Help Reactivate Hair Growth
Another consideration is using laser light therapy devices such as the iRestore helmet. This uses clinical-grade lasers to enhance cellular activity in the hair follicles, potentially reactivating growth and improving hair density over time. While not a cure, laser therapy is a newer treatment option patients can explore in conjunction with medication or hair transplant surgery. Tracking progress with microscopic hair analysis every 6 months allows customizing the treatment plan.
Hair Transplants Target Hair Loss Progressive Stages
Lastly, since higher testosterone or DHT levels signal the hair follicles to stop producing new growth, another option is hair transplantation. This surgical approach involves harvesting healthy hair follicles from the back and sides of the scalp and implanting the follicles into thinning areas. Transplanted hair is not as hormonally sensitive and enables many patients to regain fuller density in progressive stages of treatment. Try with natural testosterone booster supplement TestoGen here.
In closing, testosterone and its conversion into DHT is a root cause of pattern hair loss in men. Understanding the mechanisms by which this occurs allows patients to make informed decisions about risk factors and exploring medical or surgical options that target DHT’s impact. With treatments ranging from medications to laser devices and hair transplants, solutions exist to stabilize and potentially restore one’s hair.
