Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the result of conversion of testosterone in the body by enzymes. DHT is implicated in prostate enlargement in men and hair loss in young men and post-menopausal women. DHT shrinks and kills hair follicles, damaging roots and preventing regrowth. DHT-induced baldness is also known as male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. Some prescription medications, over-the-counter compounds and nutritional remedies are known to lower DHT or block the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Although it is difficult to completely stop dihydrotesterone, some substances block the enzymes that produce it and have the ability to lower DHT.

Prescription Drugs

Propecia is a prescription medication for the treatment of hair loss. It works by inhibiting the formation of DHT in the scalp. At least one year of treatment is recommended. Side effects are generally sexual, i.e. erectile disfunction and loss of libido, and go away when treatment is stopped. Finacea is a prescription cream used to treat hair loss in both men and women. It is also a treatment for rosacea. Finacea contains Azelaic acid, a natural substance produced by yeast in gluten containing foods. Sometimes combined with zinc and vitamin B6, Azelaic acid is a strong enzyme inhibitor that blocks production of DHT in the scalp, preserving and possibly repairing hair follicles. The drug finasteride (Proscar), used to treat moderate prostate enlargement, blocks enzymes that convert testosterone to DHT. Unfortunately, it may also cause impotence and reduced libido and can interfere with tests used to detect prostate cancer. Dutasteride, a prescription medication manufactured by Glaxo, inhibits both type 1 and type 2 5-alpha reductase enzymes, which are responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Dutasteride is an ingredient in Avodart, a drug used to treat prostate enlargement. It has similar possible side effects as Proscar. Women who could become pregnant and children should not touch either drug because of the developmental defects they can cause.

Nutritional Remedies

Soy foods such as soybeans, tempeh and tofu appear to inhibit the formation of DHT. They also reduce cholesterol, which produces the enzymes that convert testosterone to DHT. Drinking black tea while eating soy foods may increase benefits. A Harvard Medical School study on mice found that the combination of Chinese black tea and soy foods synergistically lowered DHT by 72 percent compared to a control group, better than either substance alone. Stinging nettle root may be as effective as the drug finasteride in lowering DHT, and the herb is free of side effects. The leaves are extremely nourishing and aid the urinary system, but the root contains the active ingredients that have long been a folk remedy for hair loss and prostate enlargement. Other herbs used to treat prostate enlargement, Saw Palmetto and African Pygeum, also are thought to work by affecting male hormones. Since they have actions similar to prescription treatments, they most likely prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

Source:

GlaxoSmithKleine

Jin-Rong Zhou, et.al, The American Society for Nutritional Sciences Journal of Nutrition, Feb 2003

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Phyllis Balch, CNC, Avery, 2004