Home: |
Articles: |
Health Directory: |
Ask a Question: |
MediFind: |
Yoga: |
Vitamins: |
Health Tips: |
Herbs: |
Contact Us

DHT Blockers

Posted By: Anonymous	Rated:
Rate This Article

DHT or dihydrotestosterone, with the full name of 5a-Dihydrotestosterone (5a-DHT) is a metabolite of the hormone testosterone. DHT is part of a class of compounds known as androgens, which are part of the process of stimulating and controlling the development of maintenance of male characteristics. DHT is three times more potent than testosterone.

It is most known for its connection to male pattern baldness, hair loss and prostrate problems and its contribution to female hair loss.

Some hair loss experts report that as much as 95% of hair loss can be contributed to DHT. This has led to the development of DHT Blockers as a principle strategy for controlling hair loss. While there are pharmaceutical hair loss treatment options, like Propecia; many worry about potential side effects. Pregnant women should not even touch broken Propecia pills due to the severe risks for birth defects and damage to the fetus.

There are a number of natural DHT blockers on the market which manufacturers claim have less adverse side effects. These products may be sold as liquid extracts, soft gels or hair products such as DHT blocker shampoo.

Saw Palmetto is one of the most popular of the natural DHT blockers. It is reported to be an effective anti-androgen. It works by lowering levels of DHT in the body as it blocks 5 alpha-reductase. It also blocks receptor sites on the cell membranes which are required for the cells to absorb DHT. The majority of users of Saw Palmetto report no adverse side effects, it is well tolerated but in some cases minor side effects such as stomach irritation, nausea and feelings of indigestion have been reported. Many believe that the minor side effects can be avoided if Saw Palmetto is not taken on an empty stomach.

Extracts from the bark of an evergreen tree found in the mountains of central and southern Africa, known as Pygeum has been found to have DHT blocking properties. Pygeum has had effective results in treating prostrate enlargement and while many believe it will surpass Saw Palmetto in effectiveness as a DHT blocker, it has yet to be used in clinical trials specifically for hair loss.

Nettle root extract is also popular as a natural DHT blocker. The stinging nettle plant, found in temperate and subtropical areas of the northern hemisphere has also been effective in the reduction of enlarged prostrate glands, which has lead hair loss experts to predict it will be effective in hair loss treatment and prevention.

Other options emerging in popularity as natural DHT blockers include pumpkin seed oil, which is believed to be most effective in age-related hair loss. Pumpkin seed oil breaks down DHT in the liver. Green tea reduces DHT and is believed to both stop hair loss and foster re-growth of new hair. Emu Oil which contains high levels of linolenic acid has been shown to be an effective anti-androgen. Soy Isoflavones regulate cholesterol (as does Green Tea). Cholesterol produces the enzyme 5-alpha reductase which then converts to DHT.

Finasteride or Propecia is the only approved pill for hair loss, but the natural options are believed to mimic the effects without the dangerous risks of Propecia.

Article Last Modified Friday, October 2, 2009

Natural Ways to Protect Your Immune System
Home Remedy for Prostate Problems
Breast Cancer Facts & Awareness
DHT Blockers
Breast Cancer Symptoms

Remedies

Rate*
Email*
Comments

DHT Blockers

Related Pages