Serum DHT/Scalp DHT - potential method for improving sides

[JDS 17]

Hi Guys

Does anyone have any idea how much serum DHT actually affects hair follicles if much at all? If not much it would be possible to raise serum DHT levels artificially i.e. by using DHT gel which is absorbed through the skin. Theoretically this would help with side effects if not completely eliminate them.

Just an idea for discussion.

P.S. I am not advising that anyone actually attempt this or that it would work, I am just interested in the theory at this stage.

 

[Bryan]

Does anyone have any idea how much serum DHT actually affects hair follicles if much at all?

As I've said several times in the past, I think you can make a good and persuasive argument that serum DHT has little effect on hair follicles. It's the locally generated DHT which causes the lion's share of the problems.

If not much it would be possible to raise serum DHT levels artificially i.e. by using DHT gel which is absorbed through the skin. Theoretically this would help with side effects if not completely eliminate them.

I've occasionally thought about that, too, but I really don't think it would ultimately work; the reason is that I strongly suspect that DHT has its beneficial effects on the body in the same way that it has harmful effects on hair follicles: by being generated locally in all those respective tissues. DHT simply doesn't have much of a role as an endocrine hormone, regardless of whether its effect is a good one, or a bad one.

 

[JDS 17]

As I've said several times in the past, I think you can make a good and persuasive argument that serum DHT has little effect on hair follicles. It's the locally generated DHT which causes the lion's share of the problems.

I thought I had read one of your posts before stating the above. Thanks for confirming.

I've occasionally thought about that, too, but I really don't think it would ultimately work; the reason is that I strongly suspect that DHT has its beneficial effects on the body in the same way that it has harmful effects on hair follicles: by being generated locally in all those respective tissues. DHT simply doesn't have much of a role as an endocrine hormone, regardless of whether its effect is a good one, or a bad one.

I see. Is there no other way that DHT can be supplied to the target areas?

 

[DarkVctry]

As a avid bodybuilder i can agree, DHT is very benificial to the body, so why would lowering serum be a great answer to a local scalp problem.

 

[hairrific]

[quote:swhkkxjm]Bryan wrote:

As I've said several times in the past, I think you can make a good and persuasive argument that serum DHT has little effect on hair follicles. It's the locally generated DHT which causes the lion's share of the problems.[/quote:swhkkxjm]

Then why wouldn't a topical finasteride or dutasteride applied directly to the scalp work better? It would seem it would be absorb into the follicles easily.

 

[Bryan]

Then why wouldn't a topical finasteride or dutasteride applied directly to the scalp work better? It would seem it would be absorb into the follicles easily.

Obviously it ISN'T absorbed into the follicles easily, for whatever reason(s).

 

[hairrific]

I seem to remember it does not go where needed, goes right on through the follicles or scalp skin and becomes systemic, thus making the once a day finasteride pill an obvious easier and less messy choice.