Introduction
Quick Navigation
If you have been doing searches on what causes either men or women to lose their hair, you found out the cause for it would be due to a genetic issue involving the DHT hormone, or dihydrotestosterone. That is why, when it comes to effective hair loss treatments, they must contain properties that block DHT. However, the idea of having to take a prescription DHT blocker is one to rely on at the last resort.
There are several natural DHT blockers for hair loss that cause fewer side effects. However, that does not mean they are entirely free of side effects, either. Let’s first look at how DHT causes hair loss in men and women and then the natural DH blockers.
How Does DHT Cause Your Hair To Fall Out?
Suppose you wonder why men and women, especially women with PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome where they have higher than average testosterone levels, lose their hair. In that case, there is a simple explanation for it. When androgen levels, including DHT, become high, they not only cause the follicles to become smaller but end the hair growth cycle quickly.
When that happens, your hair becomes weak, thin, and brittle. Therefore, it begins to fall out quickly. In addition to that, DHT causes the hair follicles to take much longer to grow in new hair after the old hair strands fall off. That is why, fortunately, there are natural DHT blockers that both men and women can use who struggle with hair loss.
What Are The Most Effective Natural DHT Blockers For Hair Loss?
DHT blockers do not only come in the form of prescriptions such as finasteride and minoxidil. There are plenty of natural blockers as well that may be just as effective. However, some natural DHT blockers might work better for one person than the other. It is an individual thing. What are these natural blockers? Let’s talk about them right now.
- 1. Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is the nettle root that often treats benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, after studies on the natural herb treatment on hair loss, it does work. Stinging nettle works by closing off the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which promotes DHT production. At the same time, it helps to maintain normal testosterone levels.
The side effects of stinging nettle can include lowering blood sugar, which can cause hypoglycemia. Therefore if you are diabetic or hypoglycemic, you will need to talk to your doctor before taking it. It can also lower your blood pressure and increase urine production, which can put more stress on the kidneys.
- 2. Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a tiny palm tree in Florida, which is a powerful natural DHT blocker. You can get saw palmetto in many forms, such as in the extract form or powdered form. Like the stinging nettle, saw palmetto also blocks off the 5-alpha reductase enzyme.
However, the side effects from saw palmetto to expect are thinning blood as well as sexual dysfunction. That means you must talk to your doctor if you plan on taking saw palmetto for blocking DHT. They will advise you not to take it if you plan to have surgery in the following week or have a blood clotting disorder.
- 3. Lycopene
Lycopene is a carotenoid, a potent antioxidant as its purpose is to ruin free radicals, which you know causes cell damage. In addition to that, conducted studies concluded that lycopene could also control DHT production. Foods such as tomatoes, apricots, watermelon, grapefruit, and pink guava contain this antioxidant. There are no side effects to expect from lycopene.
- 4. Caffeine
You can thank your morning coffee for helping you stop hair loss as caffeine helps promote hair growth and blocks DHT. More studies still must be conducted on how effective caffeine is when it comes to completely blocking the receptors. However, so far, the findings do show that caffeine has DHT blocking properties.
Typical side effects that come from caffeine are insomnia, being hyper, and being jittery. Therefore, stick to drinking your coffee in the morning.
- 5. Pygeum
Pygeum comes from the African cherry tree bark, and the primary use for it is for relieving benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms. However, studies concluded that Pygeum could also block specific DHT receptors and have some other anti-androgenic features.
Side effects of Pygeum are not very common. However, the ones reported listed that indigestion and nausea resulted from taking Pygeum extract.
You can also consume DHT blocking properties when it is meal or snack time as well.
Foods That Contain DHT Blocking Properties
You will also be happy to know that some foods contain DHT blocking properties that will not produce too many side effects. The foods known to have DHT blocking properties are pumpkin seeds as well as green tea. Soy is another one that blocks DHT. However, the thing to keep in mind about soy products is that they contain isoflavones that can inhibit thyroid production. Therefore, if you have an under-active thyroid or hypothyroidism, do not take soy products. Soy also contains phytoestrogens that mimic estrogen effects, causing problems for men and women if consumed in more massive amounts.
Foods such as black pepper, bone soup, and sesame seeds also contain DHT blocking properties. Therefore, if you have a craving for a bagel, then go for the one with sesame seeds on it.
Let’s not forget about foods rich in biotins such as bananas, berries, fatty fish such as salmon, and liver can help you when it comes to blocking DHT.
There are also topical DHT blockers that are quite popular.
What Are The Topical DHT Blockers?
Topical DHT blockers are quite popular as well, and you will find shampoos, for instance, designed for blocking DHT. Essential oils such as lavender oil, tea tree oil, and ketoconazole contain properties that will help prevent hair loss from happening.
These essential oils can help with hair growth stimulation, as well. If you want to find a shampoo that blocks DHT, most drugstores and supermarkets sell them. You can also buy them from your local salon or Amazon.
However, if you are unsure whether or not you have an allergy or a sensitivity to anything topical, you will want to do a patch test on your skin area. Examine how your skin reacts to it. If you are showing signs of rashes or hives, then you cannot use them.
Conclusion
Hair loss in men and women is due to the production of DHT, which is the result of aging and genetics. Those with hair loss often resort to prescription medication such as finasteride and minoxidil to stop the hair loss. However, these drugs come with many side effects. And that is why going the natural route can reduce the side effects you would experience with those prescription drugs.
There are some side effects with natural DHT blocking remedies. However, most foods that contain the properties and topical solutions do not cause too many unpleasant or severe side effects. However, before trying any natural remedy, you need to talk to your doctor first.