DHT and Finasteride

To better understand the benefits of Finasteride,
it’s helpful to first consider the hair loss effects of DHT.

PRODUCTION OF DHT: THE HAIR KILLING HORMONE

DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is the male hormone, or androgen, that is responsible for genetic/pattern hair loss. DHT is produced from testosterone by a very interesting group of enzymes, 5-alpha reductase 1, 2, and 3.

The reason these enzymes are so interesting is that certain families in the Dominican Republic, deficient in 5-alpha reductase, do not develop prostate enlargement or male pattern baldness! This observation, made in the late 60’s, ultimately revealed the specific androgen responsible for prostate enlargement and hair loss, namely Dihydrotestosterone or DHT.

DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is the male hormone, or androgen, that is responsible for genetic/pattern hair loss. DHT is produced from testosterone by a very interesting group of enzymes, 5-alpha reductase 1, 2, and 3.

DHT MEDIATED HAIR FOLLICLE MINIATURIZATION

In men with androgenetic hair loss, the normally present DHT causes the genetically predisposed follicles within the thinning pattern to shrink. This DHT mediated process is called miniaturization.

FINASTERIDE 1 MG (Propecia)

A​​n FDA approved medication developed by Merck, called Propecia (Propecia is 1 MG of Finasteride), reduces the conversion of Testosterone to DHT. Reducing DHT production, by around 70%,​ ​can prevent and reverse the balding effects of this hair killing hormone.

REVERSING HAIR LOSS

In many patients with moderate thinning, Finasteride treatment can reverse the miniaturization effects of DHT. Blocking DHT production allows damaged atrophic hair follicles to regain healthy length and diameter, restoring volume and coverage.

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Proscar & Avodart

These medications that block DHT production, more completely, are used to treat enlargement of the prostate gland.

PROSCAR (FINASTERIDE 5 MG)

DHT is also responsible for enlargement of the prostate gland. Proscar is FDA
approved for the treatment of prostate enlargement, referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.

Proscar is not approved for the treatment of hair loss, however, it may be used “off-label” in select patients.

AVODART (DUTASTERIDE 0.5 mg)

Avodart inhibits the 5-alpha reductase enzymes, in a more complete fashion,
reducing DHT production by ~95%. Avodart is FDA approved for the treatment of prostate enlargement.

Avodart is not FDA approved for the treatment of hair loss, however, it may be used “off-label” in select patients.