Dihydrotestosterone is a strong androgen converted from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. In genetically susceptible scalps, DHT gradually shrinks (miniaturizes) hair follicles, shortening the growth phase — the central driver of male and female pattern hair loss. Most effective hair-loss drugs work by lowering DHT or counteracting its effect on the follicle.
Also known as
dihydrotestosterone
Related terms
- Finasteride
- A 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that lowers scalp DHT to slow hair loss; FDA-approved for male pattern loss.
- Minoxidil
- A topical (or off-label oral) treatment that prolongs the hair growth phase; OTC for pattern hair loss.
- Androgenetic alopecia
- The most common cause of hair thinning, driven by genetics and DHT sensitivity.