Hair loss is a concern that affects millions of people, and while it’s often seen as an inevitable part of aging, it can also signal underlying hormonal imbalances. One of the main culprits behind hair loss is an excess of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair follicle shrinkage. Fortunately, DHT blood testing can help identify if DHT is the root cause of your hair loss, allowing you to take proactive steps toward treatment.
At Youth Revisited, we make it easier than ever to book your DHT blood testing and start addressing your hair loss at its source. In this blog, we’ll explore how DHT testing works and the right treatment options to regain a full, healthy head of hair.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a powerful androgen derived from testosterone. While DHT plays an essential role in male and female development, excessive levels of DHT can shrink hair follicles and shorten the hair growth phase, leading to thinning and hair loss, particularly on the scalp. This process is most commonly seen in androgenetic alopecia, or pattern hair loss.
By measuring your DHT levels through DHT blood testing, you can pinpoint whether high DHT levels are contributing to your hair loss. This is a crucial step in choosing the right course of action for effective treatment.
A DHT blood test provides a precise measurement of the DHT hormone in your body. If your test results show elevated DHT levels, it indicates that DHT might be causing hair follicle miniaturization, leading to thinning hair. Early detection through DHT testing can help you avoid further hair loss and explore treatment options before the condition worsens.
By identifying the root cause of your hair loss, DHT blood testing allows for personalized and targeted treatment plans, rather than wasting time on ineffective solutions.
Once you know that DHT is the cause of your hair loss, you can take several steps to reduce its effects and promote healthy hair growth. Some of the most effective treatments include:
DHT blockers are medications or natural supplements that work by inhibiting the production of DHT in your body. Finasteride (Propecia) and dutasteride (Avodart) are common prescription medications that reduce DHT production. For a natural approach, saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil are popular DHT-blocking supplements.
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a topical treatment approved by the FDA for hair loss that helps promote hair regrowth. While it doesn’t directly reduce DHT, it can help to stimulate hair follicles and slow the progression of hair loss.
For more advanced cases of hair loss, a hair transplant may be a viable solution. A surgical procedure, such as follicular unit extraction (FUE), relocates healthy hair follicles to thinning or balding areas on the scalp.
Diet and lifestyle play a significant role in overall hair health. Ensuring that you get adequate vitamins, minerals, and proteins—such as biotin, zinc, and vitamin D—can help nourish your hair from the inside out. Regular exercise and stress management techniques can also help maintain hormonal balance, further supporting healthy hair growth.