Equol

Dear Doctor:

Have you heard anything about the availability of Equol on the market? I understand equol binds to dht, essentialy deactivating it as it can not bind to the androgen receptor and cause hair loss. I have heard that there are “equol producers” that are able to create natural equol through a unique gut bacteria that converts soy into equol. I have heard that there are many that are not producers. Do you know if equol is being synthesized in the lab for use? Thanks very much!

Equol is a nonsteroidal estrogen that is made in human intestines from soy foods. Its DHT blocker function is documented, but in practice it has never been completely studied as a replacement for conventional DHT blockers such as finasteride. See Equol Is a Novel Anti-Androgen that Inhibits Prostate Growth and Hormone Feedback.