Modern scientific studies have identified that alopecia
is caused by the presence of the chemical dihydrotestosterone
(DHT) on the hair follicles, limiting its ability to produce
new strands of hair.
What is DHT?
This hormone is the main contributing factor to the development
of Alopecia, or male patterned baldness. It is manufactured
in various parts of the body, including the liver and
skin, when testosterone is broken down by the enzyme 5
alpha reductase. The enzyme occurs abundantly in the skin
where hair follicles are located. Testosterone levels
in the body increase significantly among males from puberty
through to middle age.
The result is an increase in DHT which binds itself to
the hair follicle and affects the follicle's ability to
produce hair. Often a shorter, weaker 'vellus' hair is
produced, resulting in the 'baby fluff' that usually replaces
the bald spot.
DHT is also produced by stress, caffeine, genetics, hormonal
imbalance and masturbation.
It is believed that the areas on the scalp mostly affected
by Alopecia - around the crown and on the upper forehead
- are most susceptible to DHT because of genetic 'wiring'
and lack of adequate blood supply.
As yet, no medical process has successfully identified
means of breaking down excessive DHT in the hormonal system.
