When you notice that your hair is becoming thinner, you often start looking for answers and quickly come across the hormone DHT. This can be confusing, because DHT and testosterone are usually linked to men. However, DHT can also play a role in the hair cycle of women. In this article, we explain how DHT works in the female body and why it may affect your hair.
What is DHT and why do women produce it?
DHT is a hormone that is made from testosterone in the body. Although testosterone is often seen as a “male” hormone, women also produce small amounts of it. This is completely normal and supports several functions, such as:
- energy balance
- muscle function
- oil (sebum) production
- the health of the skin and hair
In the skin and hair follicles, an enzyme called 5α-reductase converts testosterone into DHT. This is a natural process and part of a healthy hormone balance.
DHT is not “bad”, but some women have hair follicles that react more strongly to it. Because of this sensitivity, even a normal level of DHT can affect the hair and make it thinner over time.
How does DHT affect hair in women?
When hair follicles are sensitive to DHT, the growth phase of the hair becomes shorter. This means that the hairs grow back:
- Thinner
- Shorter
In women, this usually happens on the top of the head. The parting becomes wider, while the hairline often stays the same. This is the typical pattern of hereditary hair thinning in females.
Why hormone levels and DHT are connected
Some women are told after a blood test that their hormone levels are normal, yet they still notice thinning hair. This happens because:
- your hormones decide how much DHT can be produced
- your hair follicles decide how strongly they react to DHT
Some women have hair follicles that are naturally more sensitive, which means that even a normal amount of DHT can still affect their hair.
Causes of increased DHT sensitivity
DHT sensitivity in women can develop in several ways. It is often a mix of genetic factors, hormonal changes and the condition of the scalp.
- Genetic tendency: Some women naturally have hair follicles that react more strongly to DHT. This sensitivity is often inherited and is the main reason why DHT can have an effect, even when hormone levels are completely normal.
- Hormonal changes: Changes in hormones, such as pregnancy, menopause, stopping birth control or long periods of stress, can temporarily affect the balance. This can make the hair follicles more sensitive to DHT or cause the natural hair cycle to shift more quickly.
- A scalp that is out of balance: An irritated, dry or very oily scalp can make the hair follicles more vulnerable. When the scalp is out of balance, the follicles respond more quickly to triggers, including DHT, which can make thinning hair easier to notice.
Ingredients that help support hair follicles in DHT-related thinning
Some cosmetic hair products contain ingredients that can support the hair follicles when thinning is linked to DHT. These ingredients are often called “natural DHT-blockers”, because they help the follicles react less strongly to factors such as DHT.
Common examples include:
- saw palmetto
- red clover extract
- EGCG (green tea extract)
- beta-sitosterol
- panax ginseng
You can find these natural and gentle extracts in the Neofollics Stimulating Hair Growth product line, such as the Neofollics Stimulating Hair Growth Shampoo and Lotion. Many women prefer a mild, non-hormonal approach. These ingredients fit well into a daily hair care routine and can support the follicles without heavy or aggressive treatments.
FAQ
How do I know if I’m sensitive to DHT as a woman?
Sensitivity to DHT often shows as gradual thinning on the top of the head, while the hairline stays the same. The parting becomes wider and the hair slowly loses density. This pattern is common in women whose follicles react more strongly to DHT.
Are there products that can influence DHT?
Cosmetic products cannot block DHT, but they often contain ingredients that support the hair follicles, such as adenosine, niacinamide, saw palmetto and caffeine. These ingredients can help the follicles react less strongly to DHT and may support women dealing with DHT-related thinning.
Conclusion
DHT is a normal hormone that also exists in women, but some hair follicles respond to it more strongly than others. Because of this sensitivity, hair can become gradually thinner even when hormone levels are completely normal. By understanding how DHT works and what can increase this sensitivity, you can make better choices for your hair care. Cosmetic products with gentle, natural extracts (such as saw palmetto, red clover and EGCG) can support the follicles when thinning hair plays a role.
