Does Minoxidil block DHT?

No, Minoxidil doesn’t block DHT, but that doesn’t mean it doesn't work for treating hair loss; it just helps differently.

This article will explore how Minoxidil works for male pattern baldness and whether any treatments block the DHT hormone.

What causes hair loss?

Hair loss can affect both men and women and can be caused by many factors, such as stress, poor diet, or an illness, or it can be hereditary (passed down in your family's genes).

The most common type of hair loss is hereditary, caused by hormones and genetics. It is sometimes referred to as androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness.

Usually beginning with a receding hairline at the temples and thinning at the crown, male pattern baldness has a regular progression. Partial or total baldness may result as the condition worsens. Men over 30 are more likely to experience this process; however, it can start as early as the late teens or 20s.

According to one study, 42% of men aged 18 - 49 experienced moderate to extensive hair loss. Ranging from 16% for men aged 18-29 to 53% for men aged 40-49. 

Hereditary hair loss can be inherited from one or both parents and is mainly influenced by genetics despite the widespread assumption that it originates from the mother, both sides of the family can contribute to the condition. 

Many men experience hereditary hair loss, a regular part of ageing that often impacts their self-esteem and confidence.

What is DHT?

Hereditary hair loss is caused by an increase in Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone produced from testosterone. When hair follicles are sensitive to DHT, hair loss occurs.

DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink over time, resulting in shorter, thinner hair. The follicles eventually stop producing hair, causing noticeable hair loss.

How does DHT cause hair loss?

This is a detailed description of how men's hair loss is caused by DHT (dihydrotestosterone):

1. Conversion of Testosterone to DHT

The primary male hormone, testosterone, exists naturally in the body. An enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into DHT, a more potent variant essential for male development, particularly during puberty.

2. Sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT

Men genetically susceptible to hair loss have hair follicles that are more sensitive to DHT. This inherited sensitivity, which can come from either parent, primarily contributes to male pattern baldness.

3. DHT attaches to follicles in hair

DHT binds to androgen receptors on the scalp and other hair follicles, resulting in miniaturisation or shrinkage of the hair follicles over time.

4. The shrinkage of hair follicles

The follicles start to weaken and shrink as DHT continues to impact them. Each growth cycle results in lighter, shorter, and thinner hair. Vellus hair, which resembles the soft hair on some body areas, is eventually produced by the follicles.

5. Hair growth stops

After prolonged exposure to DHT, hair follicles shrink, so they cannot produce hair. The follicles are still alive but inactive, meaning no hair grows out of them.

6. Hair loss pattern

Hair loss usually starts around the temples and crown of the head in a distinctive "M" shape. These regions enlarge as hair loss worsens, frequently resulting in total baldness on the top of the scalp while the sides and back continue to have hair.

Why does DHT affect some men more than others?

DHT does not have the same effect on all men. Genetics, DHT levels, and the sensitivity of their hair follicles to the hormone all affect the extent of hair loss.

Treating hair loss

Although hereditary hair loss cannot be cured, several therapies can help reduce its progression or promote hair growth. Oral drugs like Finasteride and topical therapies like Minoxidil are available options. Hair transplant operations are also available for people looking for long-term fixes.

Does Minoxidil block DHT?

No, it doesn’t affect DHT. It just increases the blood flow to the follicles to keep them going as long as possible.

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a hair loss treatment marketed under the brand Regaine. It is available in solution, foam, and spray form. Off-label, you can also buy oral Minoxidil tablets and capsules. 

Does Minoxidil work?

Minoxidil works for male pattern hair loss by:

• Enhancing circulation to the scalp delivers more nutrients to hair follicles nutrients. 
• Reducing the hair's resting phase allows it to transition into the growth phase. 
• Minoxidil enhances the thickness and fullness of existing hair. 
• Awakening inactive follicles to promote new hair growth.

Where to buy Minoxidil in the UK

Minoxidil treatments are available online from Oxford Online Pharmacy, and the price starts at £21.94 for the generic topical solution.*

This Minoxidil liquid is also available as a branded version, Regaine, and is available without a prescription, meaning you can put it in your basket and check out only a few moments later. 

Once your order has been approved, your medicines can be delivered as soon as the next day.

What treatment for hair loss is a DHT blocker?

Finasteride 1mg tablets are the most commonly used treatment for hair loss because they successfully block DHT overproduction. They are followed by the branded version of Finasteride, Propecia 1mg tablets.

If you do not get on with Finasteride or Propecia tablets, your doctor may consider prescribing Dutasteride off license. This will be down to the discretion of your prescriber. 

What is Finasteride?

Men use Finasteride to treat hair loss caused by male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia. 

You can buy Finasteride 1mg tablets online as a hair growth treatment from Oxford Online Pharmacy.

After you complete the online doctor's consultation, a GMC-UK registered doctor may issue a hair loss prescription.

Finasteride tablets can slow down or even stop hair loss; some men experience increased hair growth. This treatment is primarily accepted as one of the most effective.

Finasteride is the generic version of Propecia, containing the same active ingredient at a much lower price.

How does Finasteride work?

Your body makes testosterone, which is turned into another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The more testosterone you have, the more DHT your body makes.

Normally, about 10% of the testosterone in your body is converted to DHT each day. Once DHT is made, it moves through your bloodstream and attaches to special receptors in your body.

An enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase helps change testosterone into DHT. DHT is crucial during puberty and affects body hair, voice, muscle growth, hair loss, fat distribution, and mood.

Finasteride 1mg tablets are taken orally and focus on blocking the body's natural production of the DHT hormone, which stops hair growth.

Where to buy Finasteride tablets

Finasteride 1m tablets can be purchased online from Oxford Online Pharmacy. The price starts at £13.94 for 28 tablets.*

As this is a prescription-only treatment, you must complete a 2-minute online consultation to assess your suitability for these tablets. 

Then, a GMC registered doctor checks the consultation, and if they are satisfied that this solution is suitable for you, they will issue a free-of-charge online prescription. 

Once your order has been approved, your medicines can be delivered as soon as the next day.

Other types of DHT blockers

Dutasteride and Topical Finasteride spray are other medicines that work by blocking DHT. 

Dutasteride 0.5mg capsules are a prescription-only tablet used off-label for treating hair loss.

Finasteride, Minoxidil, and tretinoin spray is a prescription-only treatment that is off-licensed and used to treat hair loss.

An off-license medicine can be prescribed without official approval; the prescriber's judgment regarding potential patient benefits is the basis for this decision.

Off-label means that the person prescribing the medicine wants to use it in a different way than that stated in its licence.

Even though these medicines are off licence, they are safe to use if prescribed by a registered doctor.

Are there any natural DHT blockers?

There isn’t any supporting evidence to suggest any natural DHT blockers available. However, some studies have indicated that Saw Palmetto may help prevent hair loss by blocking the activity of 5-alpha reductase (sex hormones). 

It may also reduce DHT levels in hair follicles; however, the results are very mixed, and large-scale research is needed to prove this fully.

Another study on food and nutrition reported some evidence that certain foods, such as nuts, kale, white mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes, stinging nettles, pumpkin seeds, and more, may help block DHT. However, evidence that these foods block DHT is lacking.

*Prices are as of 20.12.2024 and are subject to change.

References

1. Medical News Today. Minoxidil.
2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Minoxidil: Mechanism of action and clinical efficacy.
3. Healthline. DHT blocker foods.
4. NICE.Information for the public on medicines.