Mechanisms of Action
DHT
Dihydrotestosterone
A potent androgen hormone that drives pattern hair loss by miniaturizing hair follicles.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent androgen hormone derived from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. In genetically susceptible hair follicles, DHT binds to androgen receptors and triggers a cascade leading to follicle miniaturization — progressively shorter growth phases, thinner hair shafts, and eventually follicle senescence. DHT is the primary hormonal driver of androgenetic alopecia in both men and women. Paradoxically, while DHT shrinks scalp hair follicles, it stimulates growth in beard, chest, and body hair follicles.