{"id":840,"date":"2020-10-26T03:45:07","date_gmt":"2020-10-26T03:45:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/3.0.36.243?p=840"},"modified":"2022-09-22T15:14:22","modified_gmt":"2022-09-22T07:14:22","slug":"understanding-male-hair-loss-and-your-options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/andsons.com.my\/blog\/understanding-male-hair-loss-and-your-options","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Male Hair Loss and Your Options"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you a man who is experiencing hair loss? Read on to know more! Hair loss in men, or Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) is more common than you may think. Around 50 per cent<\/a> of men develop MPB at some point in their lives. However, medical and technological advancements are the saving grace to slowing down hair loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MPB is often linked to a hormone with powerful androgenic properties, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Essentially, DHT helps in the development of \u201cmale\u201d characteristics. At this juncture you may probably be thinking \u201cHow is DHT then linked to MPB?\u201d<\/em>. In this post, we delve deeper into what DHT is about, the function it plays in your body and your options to move forward with life confidently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, What Exactly is DHT?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

DHT is an androgen<\/a> \u2013 a group of sex hormones found in men. Androgens contribute to the development of body hair, and the growth of the penis, scrotum and testicles. In summary, it is one of the few hormones that makes a man, well… A man<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

DHT, an essential hormone for growth of hair on a man’s chest and back, also happens to be the same hormone causing MPB. Wait, what?<\/em> Yes, a little difficult to believe but it’s true. Your body produces DHT when testosterone mixes with an enzyme known as 5\u03b1-reductase. You can find 5\u03b1-reductase in the oil glands of a hair follicle<\/strong> and in tissues such as skin, liver and prostate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For people facing with MPB, this DHT hormone can bind to the receptors in your hair follicles. When this happens, hair follicles, which are the anchors of your hair to the skin, shrink and grow weak. \u2018Miniaturisation\u2019 occurs where the hair growth cycle shortens due to contracting follicles. This gradually impedes the growth of individual hair, leading to MPB over time. Doesn’t it now make sense that the most effective way to stop further hair loss would be to block DHT? But how do I do this?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One method would be to use a DHT-blocking shampoo or to spray DHT-blockers on your scalp. However, this is only good for treating the surface of the problem. A more effective treatment option would be to target the root cause by blocking DHT at the source. Finasteride is a medication designed to halt the conversion of testosterone into DHT. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Relationship Between Finasteride and DHT<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology<\/a><\/em> shows that Finasteride<\/a> and Minoxidil<\/a> are two of the most effective treatments to combat MPB. Known to be a 5\u03b1-reductase inhibitor, Finasteride binds itself to the enzyme, preventing your body from producing DHT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun fact: Finasteride was originally designed as a treatment modality for enlarged prostates. The drug creator Merck and Co.<\/a> later found that it has a dual purpose of treating MPB. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To effectively block DHT in mitigating hair loss, the recommended dosage for men is 1mg per day. In some instances, the daily use of Finasteride can also trigger damaged miniaturised hair follicles by DHT to regrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is not recommended to stop taking Finasteride abruptly as the hair loss may go back to the way it was before treatment. Learn about the type of Finasteride available in Malaysia<\/a>, as well as what happens if you stop taking it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the Side Effects of Using DHT-Blocking Products?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Side<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Most men using Minoxidil or Finasteride as DHT blockers are unlikely to experience any noticeable side effects. Using a topical solution like Minoxidil may only affect you at surface level. However, using Finasteride may affect your body on a molecular level, hence here are some important factors for your consideration:<\/p>\n\n\n\n