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Hormones are biochemical substances produced by various glands located throughout the body. These glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, spreading the chemicals throughout the body. Hormones are very powerful; minute amounts can have profound effects upon your body.
Read about the discovery of the relationship between testosterone and hormonally-induced hair lossTestosterone, the major male sex hormone, and other hormones that have masculinizing effects are made primarily in the testicles. It is not until after the testicles develop and enlarge during puberty that hormones can reach a level in the bloodstream sufficient to commence the balding process. In addition to the testicles, the adrenal glands, located above each kidney in men and women, produce androgenic hormones. In females, the ovaries are an additional source of hormones that can affect hair growth.
3-D Model of the Hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
3-D model of the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
The hormone felt to be directly involved in androgenetic alopecia is a derivative of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT, formed by the action of the enzyme 5-a reductase on testosterone, binds to special receptor sites on the cells of genetically susceptible hair follicles causing miniaturization and eventual balding. In men, 5-a reductase activity is higher in the balding area, which leads to the development of patterned hair loss. It typically begins with recession of the hairline and temples and/or thinning in the crown. It can start as early as adolescence or it can appear later in life. 5-alpha reductase Type II, the predominant form in hair follicles, is blocked by the hair loss medication finasteride (Propecia). The chemical finasteride binds to 5-alpha reductase molecules, preventing them from converting testosterone into DHT. The resulting decrease in the concentration of DHT results in the halting or reversal of the miniaturization process.
It is interesting to consider that while scalp hair growth is not dependent on androgens, scalp hair loss is androgen dependent.
Read about the discovery of the relationship between testosterone and hormonally-induced hair lossTestosterone, the major male sex hormone, and other hormones that have masculinizing effects are made primarily in the testicles. It is not until after the testicles develop and enlarge during puberty that hormones can reach a level in the bloodstream sufficient to commence the balding process. In addition to the testicles, the adrenal glands, located above each kidney in men and women, produce androgenic hormones. In females, the ovaries are an additional source of hormones that can affect hair growth.
3-D Model of the Hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
3-D model of the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
The hormone felt to be directly involved in androgenetic alopecia is a derivative of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT, formed by the action of the enzyme 5-a reductase on testosterone, binds to special receptor sites on the cells of genetically susceptible hair follicles causing miniaturization and eventual balding. In men, 5-a reductase activity is higher in the balding area, which leads to the development of patterned hair loss. It typically begins with recession of the hairline and temples and/or thinning in the crown. It can start as early as adolescence or it can appear later in life. 5-alpha reductase Type II, the predominant form in hair follicles, is blocked by the hair loss medication finasteride (Propecia). The chemical finasteride binds to 5-alpha reductase molecules, preventing them from converting testosterone into DHT. The resulting decrease in the concentration of DHT results in the halting or reversal of the miniaturization process.
It is interesting to consider that while scalp hair growth is not dependent on androgens, scalp hair loss is androgen dependent.