DHT by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is an androgen from testosterone through the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. 5-alpha-reductace concentrations are highest in the peripheral tissues (genital skin and hair follicles). DHT is primarily responsible for the physical changes that occur during male sexual maturation and is thought to be related to sex drive as well as erectile capabilities in men. In addition, DHT has been associated with benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) and prostate cancer.

DHT and hair loss
Male and female pattern hair loss is thought to be due to the effects of DHT on genetically predisposed hair follicles. Binding of DHT to the hair follicle results in gradual miniaturization of the hair and eventual hair loss. Finasteride is a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor approved for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. Originally approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy in 1992, its approval was expanded in 1997 to include the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men at a dose of 1 mg/day. Finasteride inhibits 5alpha-reductase, thereby prohibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which is implicated in the development of hairless in some men. Reduction in DHT results in a significant improvement in subjective and objective assessments of hair growth and density.

Natural DHT blockers

There are certain herbs that may be natural DHT blockers, but, at this time, no long term studies have been done to determine if taking certain herbs has an influence on hair growth. Saw palmetto may be a partial DHT blocker in prostate tissue.

DHT versus testosterone - how are they different?
Testosterone influences overt masculinization in the adult male, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) influences prostatic growth, acne, facial beard, and male pattern baldness. Inhibition of DHT in adults results in prostatic shrinkage and symptomatic relief in many men, without the serious side effects seen with conventional androgen-deprivation therapy.

DHT questions

Q. I, as I'm sure you're quite accustomed to hearing by now, found your "internet articles" extremely informative / content rich... and "seemingly" free of commercial "taint/bias". My query is as follows: Within the "gist" of one of yr internet articles, predominantly based on "DHT" blocking and it's effect on "BPH" (which is not my issue, yet..), the "potential" positive "side-effects" on thinning hair was mentioned, although again I must admit....it was done in such a "non-commercial / self-serving / advertisement" style as to truly make it "palatable". Anyway, a mention of a "specific" clinical trial to test the effects of these "supplements" on men with thinning hair was done...(perhaps it wasn't Dr. Sahelian's artilce, if so I apoligize profusely, as The New England Journal of Medicine was mentioned). It had two groups "propecia" vs "natural supplement".. and compared the end results I believe after 52 weeks, etc. Somewhere within the "article", it was ascertained that a certain "combination" of supplements achieved the best "results" against "propecia" in the HAIR REGROWTH / THICKENING OF THE HAIR "arena"....again, this "combination of supplements / clinical test...was specifically for THINNING HAIR not BPH. Here were the "supplements" administered as a "combination pill": Saw Palmetto, Beta Sitosterol, Lysinine, Certinin, Vitamin E, and Biotin.

Q. As a definite fan of your website's extremely informative nature, and a newly subscribed member to your newsletter, I felt compelled to submit the following query: I've noticed a "slight", though perceptible "fading" of my sex drive since implementing saw palmetto on daily basis since 04/06. The "side-effects" of Proscar / Propecia are well documented and referenced throughout the web and yr own website particularly. BUT: if both propecia / saw palmetto approach the "minimazation of DHT in the body through the now commonly agreed upon process of "5 alpha-reductase inhibition" (regardless of TYPE 1/2). THEN: why wouldn't saw palmetto account for potential "side-effects" as well, just by virtue of a reduction in one's "DHT" in the body, regardless of natural/man-made chemically concocted "means". A reduction of"dht, should result in "effects" by definition of the process. i.e.....The most common NEGATIVE side effects are reduced libido, decreased ejaculate volume and gynaecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue). i.e.....The most common positive side effects now being the well-documented "potential" hair improvement benefits. "For those who feel they need to rely on finasteride for hair regrowth or to prevent further hair loss, but wish to minimize the side effects, you could consider taking half a 1 mg pill daily as opposed to a full pill.
     A. To boost libido, try Passion Rx."

Q.  Finasteride has a dual indication for BPH and male pattern baldness albeit in different dosages due to its effect on DHT. Do the ingredients that comprise the Prostate Power Rx formula have a similar dual action on DHT in hair and prostate?
   A.