What does the acronym DHT stand for?

Before going to focus on anti DHT supplements , since they will constitute the central topic of our article, it is necessary to understand well what the acronym DHT indicates and, above all, what it is used for, so as to have clearer ideas when we go into specifics of the products.

The acronym  DHT  refers to a particular steroid androgen hormone that is produced by the gonads: dihydrotestosterone.

Androgen hormones are those hormones responsible for the typical sexual characteristics of the male sex, such as more developed muscle mass, or the lowering of the tone of voice and so on.

In the case of DHT we speak of an active form of testosterone that has various functions, especially with regard to hair, the development of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (IBP).

Among the most important functions of DHT we remember above all those mentioned below:

• DHT is a much more powerful hormone than testosterone, about five times as strong;
• DHT is of fundamental importance inside the maternal uterus as it contributes to the formation of male characteristics;
• It plays an important role in hair loss.

Today we will deal with the last point we mentioned above, that is, we will see together how DHT  is capable of influencing hair loss and we will deal with the best anti DHT products .

How does DHT work? 

So let’s see in detail how DHT is able to influence hair loss. Let’s start from the fact that, unlike other body hair, hair without the presence of DHT would continue to grow undisturbed.

According to studies in the sector, DHT would appear to bind directly to the androgen receptors of the hair bulbs found on our heads and trigger a sort of miniaturization of the receptors, thus leading the bulb to atrophy.

To demonstrate this hypothesis, the experts were able to identify a direct connection between the high presence of DHT (or dihydrotestosterone) on the skin of the scalp and baldness.

Even if this connection has been established, however, the reasons why DHT has decidedly more evident effects on some individuals rather than others are not yet clear.

In this case, other internal processes of our body could take over, including those mentioned below:

• An abnormal increase in local production of DHT;
• an abnormal increase in testosterone levels, which acts as a precursor to DHT;
• The increase in the levels of DHT receptors in the follicles;
• An abnormal increase in the levels of DHT in the body, which is then transported through the bloodstream;
• An increase in the sensitivity of androgen receptors.

It is therefore established that DHT or dihydrotestosterone is an intrafollicular hormone, i.e. it is found inside the hair follicles and is of fundamental importance in coordinating the life cycle of our hair.

As we have already mentioned, DHT has a higher activity than testosterone (about five times more) and, if we compare the amount of DHT found in the prostate with that found in the scalp, we we will notice that in the latter case it will be clearly lower.

However, if we undergo particular tests to analyze both the skin and the hair, we can realize in time that there is a risk of atrophying the hair bulbs. A problem that, if we get help from a specialist and use the right products, we could stem.

What are DHT Supplements? What are they for?

Intuitively, when we talk about anti DHT supplements , we are referring to products that have found wide use to decrease DHT levels and, therefore, have an anti -hair loss effect  .

As is the case with most food supplements, first of all we must take into account the fact that these must always be considered an aid to solving the problem and not the absolute solution.

Secondly, even if these supplements are usually made from natural ingredients, in the case of allergic or hypersensitive subjects, it is always advisable to carefully read the complete list of ingredients that you will find on the package and ask for an opinion from a specialist before taking them.

What substances are usually found in anti-DHT supplements?

As in the supplement industry, specifics are used to make anti-DHT supplements that directly affect hormone levels.

Among these substances we have above all those mentioned below:

• Beta sitoserol , famous for acting on high cholesterol levels, is essential in the creation of anti DHT supplements because it manages to act directly on an enzyme that is involved in the process of transforming testosterone into DHT (ie 5-alpha-reductase);
• Serenoa repens , which contains beta sitosterol, is often found in anti-hair loss preparations. It is a particular type of palm that is rich in fatty acids and phytosteroids. Thanks to its composition, Serenoa repens is able to counteract the atrophy of the hair bulbs, thus also limiting the formation of DHT .

What are the most effective anti DHT supplements?

Now that we know what DHT is, how it works and how it affects hair loss, and which substances are most used to counteract its activity. After this very important premise we can move on to examining the best supplements that manage to counteract the effects of DHT that we can find in pharmacies .

Among the most effective supplements that you can consider when choosing your treatment, we certainly find the following:

Hairgen Softgel®

The Hairgen Softgel® capsules are food supplements that contain the Serenoa repens extract, which we have already talked about above, and which, as we have said, helps to block the negative effects of androgen hormones on the hair bulbs. Since it is a natural extract, it has very few side effects.

In addition to Serenoa repens, within this supplement we also find Vitis vinifera, European Olea (i.e. the olive tree) and green tea which, like Serenoa Repens, has proven to be an excellent inhibitor of 5-alpha- reducted. The combination of all these ingredients of natural origin strengthens the hair and closely monitors the production of DHT, also having an antioxidant, nourishing and remineralizing function.

A pack of 90 capsules which correspond to 3 months of treatment costs 85 euros.

Anatrofine 200®

Anatrofine 200® is a type of anti-hair loss supplement particularly suitable for those suffering from dry and damaged hair. Like the previous product, this supplement is also rich in natural ingredients which allow us to reduce hair loss caused by the increase in DHT levels which, as we have seen, makes the hair bulbs decidedly more fragile and weak.

Inside this innovative anti-hair loss supplement we will find 200 grams of Serenoa repens. Other substances also take over to inhibit the atrophy of the hair bulbs, mostly sulfur amino acids, fatty acids, linseed oil and green tea. In addition to the supplement to be taken orally, it is also possible to purchase the microemulsion to be applied directly to the scalp.

The product is priced at €20.80 for a pack of 30 tablets.

Trigan®

Trigan® , like the other anti-hair loss supplements we talked about today, carries out the fundamental anti-DHT action.

Its effectiveness is made possible by the natural ingredients that compose it, among which we recall the beta sitosterol of which we have already spoken, the extract of Ganoderma lucidum which has the function of inhibiting the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme and the extract of Korean Red Ginseng, famous for its ability to increase the thickness of the follicles.

It costs 37 euros for a pack of 30 tablets.

Can there be any side effects? Are there any contraindications?

As we have seen in the analysis of each single product we talked about in the previous paragraph, they are anti-hair loss food supplements which are mainly made up of ingredients of natural origin.

Precisely for this reason, the number of side effects and contraindications is very low or even non-existent. However, to be safe, we advise you to always ask your doctor for advice before resorting to these treatments, especially if you are allergic or sensitive.