Can Women Take A DHT Blocker?

Quick Summary: Can You Women Take A DHT Blocker?

Hair loss is an extremely common condition that affects millions of women around the world. Although it’s less commonly discussed than male hair loss, female pattern baldness and thinning are increasingly recognised for their psychological and physical impacts.

It is critical to understand the role of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in hair loss and how DHT blockers can help women, as in some rare circumstances, women can take DHT blockers but need careful consideration before doing so.

In this article, we will cover what DHT blockers are, how they work, and their safety and efficacy for women.

DHT and Its Role in Hair Loss

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen hormone that is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics during puberty. And although it’s mainly associated with men, DHT is also present in women in smaller amounts [1].

Higher levels of this hormone in women can cause various health issues, including:

• Hair loss.
• Excessive facial hair.
• Acne.

DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles, which shrinks them. As a result, the hair strands become thinner, and the hair growth cycles shorten.

Some women are genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. According to researchers, there are up to 40% of women who develop hair loss by the age of 50 [2].

The causes of elevated DHT levels in women are diverse and include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormonal changes, and genetic predisposition. Women with PCOS tend to have high androgen levels (e.g., DHT), which causes symptoms such as hair thinning on the scalp and excessive body hair [3].

What Are DHT Blockers?

DHT blockers are active substances that inhibit the activity or production of DHT. They mainly function through the inhibition of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase [4]. The enzyme is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into DHT. Lower DHT levels protect hair follicles from shrinking and slow down the progression of hair thinning.

There are various types of DHT blockers, including:

• Pharmaceutical drugs (e.g., Finasteride, Dutasteride).
• Natural alternatives (e.g., rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto).

The choice between pharmaceutical and natural treatments depends on individual needs, preferences, and the severity of hair loss.

Pharmaceutical DHT blockers such as Finasteride are often prescribed for male pattern baldness. However, they are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for women. Despite that, they are used off-label to address postmenopausal hair loss [5]. On the other hand, natural DHT blockers provide many benefits with fewer side effects, which makes them an ideal choice for women who are not sure about pharmacological drugs yet.

Are DHT Blockers Effective for Women?

The effectiveness of DHT blockers for women has been supported by various studies and anecdotal evidence. These blockers preserve hair density as they prevent the binding of DHT to hair follicle receptors.

For instance, postmenopausal women who were treated with Finasteride at 2.5 mg per day reported notable improvements in hair thickness and density. Similarly, topical formulations of DHT blockers (e.g., 0.005% Finasteride) have shown comparable effectiveness to oral treatments in the reduction of scalp DHT levels [6].

Safety and Side Effects of DHT Blockers for Women

The safety of DHT blockers for women varies based on the type of treatment you take. Pharmaceutical DHT blockers (e.g., Finasteride and Dutasteride) are generally not recommended for women of childbearing age due to potential risks on fetal development [8]. These medications are classified as teratogenic. This means they can cause birth defects in a developing baby. Therefore, they are only prescribed to postmenopausal women under strict medical supervision.

Common side effects of oral DHT blockers include:

• Hormonal disturbances (e.g., irregular menstrual cycles).
• Breast tenderness and swelling.
• Lowered libido.
• Headaches or dizziness.

Topical DHT blockers can be safer for women as they act locally on the scalp without any significant systemic effects. This localised action minimises the risk of hormonal side effects, which makes them a preferable option for some women.

Natural DHT blockers are generally considered safe. However, they may still cause mild side effects in some individuals. For example, saw palmetto can occasionally cause stomach upset, dizziness, and headaches [9]. Like any other treatment, make sure to consult with your healthcare provider before you start therapy.

Side effects of DHT blockers in women	Percentage of affected users
Breast tenderness or swelling	20–30%
Irregular menstrual cycles	15–25%
Lowered libido	10–15%

What Are The Alternatives to DHT Blockers?

Although DHT blockers are effective for many women, they are not the only solution for hair loss. Several alternative treatments can be explored based on the underlying cause and severity of hair thinning.

Other effective options to manage hair loss include:

Minoxidil – supports stronger hair growth.

Spironolactone – Blocks androgen receptors and reduces testosterone levels (this lowers DHT).

Laser Therapy – Stimulates cellular activity in hair follicles to encourage growth.

Lifestyle changes and dietary modifications can also play a role in the management of hair loss. Make sure to incorporate foods rich in zinc, biotin, and lycopene (e.g., nuts, seeds, tomatoes, watermelon) in order to regulate DHT levels naturally. Stress management techniques, including mindfulness and relaxation exercises, can also address stress-induced hair loss, which is a common issue for many women.

Alternative treatments for hair loss	Reported effectiveness
Minoxidil	70–80% hair retention.
Spironolactone	90% reduction in shedding.
Laser therapy	40–50% improvement in density.

Conclusion

Hair loss can be a challenging condition for women (physically and emotionally). DHT blockers offer promising solutions for managing hair thinning and promoting regrowth. Although pharmaceutical options such as Finasteride and Dutasteride are effective, they come with potential risks and are generally reserved for specific cases. Topical formulations and natural alternatives are considered safer and more accessible options for most women.

Women should explore a combination of treatments and work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of action.

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References

1- Huang, G., Bhasin, S., Pencina, K., Cheng, M., & Jasuja, R. (2022). Circulating dihydrotestosterone, testosterone, and free testosterone levels and dihydrotestosterone-to-testosterone ratios in healthy women across the menstrual cycle. Fertility and sterility, 118(6), 1150–1158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.09.011

2-Famenini, S., Slaught, C., Duan, L., & Goh, C. (2015). Demographics of women with female pattern hair loss and the effectiveness of spironolactone therapy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 73(4), 705–706. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2015.06.063

3- Krishnan, A., Muthusami, S., Periyasamy, L., Stanley, J. A., Gopalakrishnan, V., & Ramachandran, I. (2020). Effect of DHT-Induced Hyperandrogenism on the Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Morphology. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 56(3), 100. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina56030100

4- Dhurat, R., Sharma, A., Rudnicka, L., Kroumpouzos, G., Kassir, M., Galadari, H., Wollina, U., Lotti, T., Golubovic, M., Binic, I., Grabbe, S., & Goldust, M. (2020). 5-Alpha reductase inhibitors in androgenetic alopecia: Shifting paradigms, current concepts, comparative efficacy, and safety. Dermatologic therapy, 33(3), e13379. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.13379

5- Iamsumang, W., Leerunyakul, K., & Suchonwanit, P. (2020). Finasteride and Its Potential for the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: Evidence to Date. Drug design, development and therapy, 14, 951–959. https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S240615

6-Piraccini, B. M., Blume-Peytavi, U., Scarci, F., Jansat, J. M., Falqués, M., Otero, R., Tamarit, M. L., Galván, J., Tebbs, V., Massana, E., & Topical Finasteride Study Group (2022). Efficacy and safety of topical finasteride spray solution for male androgenetic alopecia: a phase III, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV, 36(2), 286–294. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.17738

7- Hirshburg, J. M., Kelsey, P. A., Therrien, C. A., Gavino, A. C., & Reichenberg, J. S. (2016). Adverse Effects and Safety of 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors (Finasteride, Dutasteride): A Systematic Review. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 9(7), 56–62

8- Agbabiaka, T. B., Pittler, M. H., Wider, B., & Ernst, E. (2009). Serenoa repens (saw palmetto): a systematic review of adverse events. Drug safety, 32(8), 637–647. https://doi.org/10.2165/00002018-200932080-00003