Thanks Mark!

I took a quick look at the video. The presenter uses mechanistic data through mega-dosing in mouse models as a means to show that nettle root can inhibit 5-alpha reductase, and thereby lower DHT. Here at Perfect Hair Health, we caution against taking this approach of hypothetical modeling, and for dozens of reasons:

Using the same logic of the presenter, I could build the case that almost anything causes hair loss or promotes hair growth. That’s not to say stinging nettle doesn’t do anything; I’m sure it does something. But the presentation wasn’t very compelling – at least to the degree needed for us to update any information here.

Having said that, we’ll have an article on stinging nettle soon!

Best,
Rob

Hey Quique,

Based on what I’ve read and watched of both Christopher Walker and Danny Roddy, they tend to apply a lot of research on hair shedding disorders and animal molting to androgenic alopecia (AGA). This is why they come to the conclusion that DHT isn’t necessarily the problem.

If we focus our research on just androgenic alopecia, a defining characteristic of the condition is hair follicle miniaturization. This is NOT observed in hair shedding disorders (i.e., telogen effluvium from hypothyroidism). Where AGA does overlap with these conditions is that AGA and hair shedding disorders also show elevated telogen:anagen ratios. But again, hair shedding disorders don’t show hair follicle miniaturization.

In hair shedding disorders, research doesn’t generally implicate DHT. In hair follicle miniaturization, DHT is absolutely implicated.

Having said that, DHT doesn’t explain all aspects of AGA pathology. So, it’s not like DHT captures every single reason why hair follicle miniaturization takes place. For instance, there are women who develop female pattern hair loss and yet cannot produce any androgen activity.

For these reasons, research is now focusing not only on DHT as a mediator of hair follicle miniaturization, but also on PPAR pathways and retinoid receptors. I’d recommend diving into this article for a few alternative explanations:

https://perfecthairhealth.com/androgenic-alopecia-aga-characteristics-causes-unknowns/

As far as eliminating PUFA – it’s nearly impossible to do, and I’ve never seen a single case where it’s improved pattern hair loss outcomes. Having said that, we should absolutely minimize our exposure to oxidized PUFA – at least to benefit overall inflammation.

Best,
Rob

Hey Shivam,

Thanks for sharing the study. I’m a big fan of its corresponding author – Bruno Bernard – who’s a lead researcher at L’Oréal and who I’ve communicated with a few times regarding his other studies and my first paper.

Taurine might certainly help as a topical. The key is to find a way in vivo for amino acid to uptake to the hair follicles. Wounding + taurine might be an effective strategy for downregulating TGFB-1 expression during the healing process and promoting better scar tissue resolution. Have you experimented with taurine at all?

For what it’s worth, I don’t think oral taurine would be very useful. Taurine is a byproduct of methionine – one of the most readily available amino acids found in our diets and synthesized within our bodies. The key here is to get taurine to the right places (the hair follicle), and to find a way for our hair follicles to utilize it.

Best,
Rob

Hi Rob! What do you think about this?: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18489269

I think it might be a good idea to increase taurine consumption, preferably through natural sources.

Rob,

I enjoy your articles. Do you have a brand you recommend for both Saw Palmetto oil and pumpkin seed oil?

I am planning on taking the suggested 325 mg of saw palmetto and 400 mg of pumpkin seed oil daily but wanted your advice on this as well.

Thanks!
Jason

I went through your article in search of some relief. My sister is 28 years old and has had PCOD since the start of her puberty and she started losing her hair 10 years back and because of lack of treatment available back then we could not do much except for homoeopathy. Last month she got her DHT tested for the first time and the results are too high (1210 pg/ml). Her Insulin and Testosterone is under the normal range. We have tried PRP but it did not help. Doctors have refused to do Hair Transplant on her because of the negligible success rate of it on women. Her endocrinologist refused to prescriber her any medicine for DHT as he is unable to understand if her insulin and Testosterone is normal, then why DHT so out of range. Would DHT blocker help her in any way? If yes what kind would you suggest and where can I purchase it from?

Also, I am 4 years younger to her and am extremely worried for her now and I too have started losing some hair from the crown but my DHT is under the normal range and am awaiting my Thyroid results.

Will be really glad if you could help in any way.
Thank you

Hey Melissa,

I’m sorry to hear about your situation. The good news is that I think your hair loss is likely more related to 1) stress, 2) the medication / steroids, or 3) both. In these cases — particularly for women — the hair loss is usually 1) non-scarring, 2) independent of androgens (like DHT), and 3) totally recoverable, and within a few month window.

As a result, I don’t think a DHT blocker would be as relevant for your case. If you continue to experience hair fall without resolve, I’d look into making a dermatology appoint to determine what’s going on (for example, telogen effluvium or alopecia areata). Otherwise, hair loss from corticosteroid injects is extremely common!

If your problems persist, please reach back out.

All my best,
Rob