Tidbits: DHT and DHT Blocking

A few times each month, I will post some random hair-related information, which I’m calling “tidbits”. I spend hours each day writing responses to questions I receive on this blog, so it is a nice change of pace. For example…

I am often asked about what happens to testosterone when one takes Propecia. Testosterone levels do climb by 10% on average when men take DHT blockers like Propecia. Some men work out heavily, adding steroids, growth hormones, and DHEA, while others take even more testosterone. I am often asked about the effects of these medications on hair loss. Each contribute to hair loss caused through genetic causes when men have the gene for hair loss, but some of these medications may have a direct effect on the actual hair loss, independent of genetic factors.

Dr. William Reed, made the following comments: “If one had to guess, I would say that the gym rats are correct. I gather that about 8% of testosterone is metabolized via 5 alpha reductase. The 10% rise in testosterone does not offset the increased androgenic power of this loss of DHT (62% of serum levels … I don’t know the intracellular change in the muscle cell, i.e. if there is any type 2 5 alpha reductase in the muscle cell. If there is, then the intracellular impact within the muscle is even more marked). I don’t think Big Pharma will address this issue or bone density loss (that could also be unfavorably impacted) unless other investigators come up with the data and there seems no profit in that appening. Having said that, I think gym rats are striving for a supraphysiologic state that brings out these limitations of finasteride. Ignored are the benefits to the prostate… and to hair. It’s annoying how Life is seldom black and white.”

The question is also frequently asked about the impact of DHT blockers on those people who build muscle mass and use steroids. There are theoritical issues with regard to this area, where blocking any male hormone may reduce muscle mass, but the official information out there indicates that there are no such side effects. Frankly, I do not have an opinion regarding this, so I am passing this to my readership to make their own assessment.