DHT and Hair Loss: The Medical Link Explained by StrideRx

Your Hair and DHT: What the Doctors Say

Seeing your hair thin is frustrating. You’re not alone. This is likely androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness). It is the most common reason for hair loss globally.

The problem is the hormone DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). We must look at the exact science of how it damages hair.

1. DHT: The Core Problem

DHT is natural. It’s an androgen hormone.

• DHT = Testosterone’s stronger cousin.
• Testosterone (T) is the primary circulating androgen.
• The Conversion: An enzyme, 5-alpha-reductase, turns testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
• Its Strength: DHT is extremely potent. It binds to the androgen receptor (AR). DHT binds about four to five times stronger than testosterone. It stays bound three times longer.

The Scalp’s Reaction

Androgen effects differ based on the body area. On the scalp, the result is hair loss. This is specific to genetically sensitive people.

2. Follicle Miniaturization: The Mechanism

The loss happens because of follicular miniaturization. This is the key medical sign of androgenetic alopecia.

How the Damage Occurs:

1. Binding: DHT enters cells in the hair follicle. It binds the androgen receptor (AR).
2. Shrinkage: When DHT binds to your follicles, signals start. This causes the hair follicle to progressively shrink.
3. Shortened Cycle: Excess DHT is bad news. It shortens the anagen (growth) phase duration. This cycle change is permanent.
4. The Result: The growth phase shortens. Hair fails to reach its full length. Hair gets thinner, weaker, and sheds faster.

The Pattern: Why Temples and Crown?

Follicles at the hairline & crown are most sensitive to DHT. This is why hair loss begins there. Follicles on the sides & back are usually resistant. This is why they stay longer.

3. Proven Medical Treatment Options

The goal is two-fold: stop the damage and promote new hair. Two drugs are FDA-approved for pattern hair loss.

Treatment 1: Finasteride

This is a prescription medication. It stops DHT production.

• How it works: Finasteride targets the type II 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. It is an inhibitor. It stops T from becoming DHT (Source: NIH, 2024).
• The Effect: It lowers DHT production (Source: Ad Copy). A 1 mg dose reduces scalp DHT by about 60%. It slows hair loss.
• Duration: Treatment must continue. Stop the drug, and lost hair returns within one year.

Treatment 2: Minoxidil

This is a topical application. It stimulates growth.

• How it works: Minoxidil’s full mechanism isn’t clear. But it works directly on the follicles.
• What it does: It stimulates follicles for thicker regrowth. Specifically, it:
  • Reverses follicle miniaturization.
  • Increases blood flow.
  • Pushes follicles into the growth phase.
• Timeline: Use it regularly. Expect two to four months before seeing results.

Remember: Early treatment = better results.

When to Consult a Doctor

Pattern baldness is progressive. It requires action.

See a doctor if:

• Hair loss is persistent.
• The thinning matches the DHT pattern.

At StrideRx, we offer online consultations. Licensed Indian doctors specialize in DHT-related hair loss. We create a personalized, science-backed treatment protocol for you. This includes Finasteride, Minoxidil, or both. Treatment is delivered discreetly.

Stop worrying about your hair and start treating it. Book an online consultation with StrideRx today.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

References:

• Cleveland Clinic. Minoxidil (Rogaine): Hair Loss Treatment. Retrieved from my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18238-minoxidil-topical-solution-or-foam. (Cited as Cleveland Clinic, 2021).
• Journal of Dermatology / IJORD. Management of androgenetic alopecia: a review. Retrieved from ijord.com/index.php/ijord/article/view/1191.
• Mayo Clinic. Finasteride (oral route) – Side effects & dosage. Retrieved from mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/finasteride-oral-route/description/drg-20063819. (Cited as Mayo Clinic, 2025).
• Mayo Clinic. Hair loss – Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926. (Cited as Mayo Clinic, 2024).
• NCBI / NIH. Male Androgenetic Alopecia. Endotext. Retrieved from ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278957/. (Cited as NCBI, 2023).
• NCBI / PubMed Central. The Hormonal Background of Hair Loss in Non-Scarring Alopecias. Retrieved from pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10968111/. (Cited as NCBI, 2024).
• NIH / Consensus. Mechanisms of finasteride action in androgenetic alopecia. Retrieved from consensus.app/search/mechanisms-of-finasteride-action-in-androgenetic-a/AtgX3VGxR4u8OYiXn_mPLA/. (Cited as NIH, 2024).