What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Journal of Investigative Dermatology
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Journal of Investigative Dermatology
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
What Is a Natural DHT Blocker for a Woman's Scalp?
The conversion of testosterone to DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is one of the main causes of hair loss. Although estrogen counters this conversion, the onset of menopause decreases this protection in women. Fortunately, the process can be slowed or reversed with natural DHT blockers.
Treatment Goal
As hormone levels begin to decline in women, available circulating testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone, which signals hair follicles to enter a permanent state of rest. Since this conversion cannot take place without the release of enzyme 5-alpha-reductase (5-AR) Type II from hair follicles, blocking this enzyme is the primary goal.
Fatty Acids
Cimetidine for Hair Growth
Learn More
British researchers at the University of Portsmouth confirm that L-lysine plays a significant role in deterring female hair loss. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology reports that gamma-linolenic acid also appears to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase 2.
Green Tea
Green tea extract contains epicatechin-3-gallate and epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which have demonstrated the ability to prevent 5-AR release. These agents also inhibit the 5-alpha-reductase type I, the enzyme needed to synthesize DHT from testosterone.
Saw Palmetto
How to Trigger Female Hormones in Males
Learn More
Saw palmetto extract contains sterols that inhibit follicle uptake of dihydrotestosterone.
Beta-sitosterol
This plant sterol has been shown to be effective in blocking 5-AR release, particularly when combined with saw palmetto extracts.
Related Articles
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Journal of Investigative Dermatology
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
- Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images