DHT Blockers: What They Are, How They Work, and What You Need to Know
When you hear DHT blockers, substances that reduce dihydrotestosterone, a hormone linked to hair loss and prostate enlargement. Also known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, they work by stopping your body from turning testosterone into this stronger, problematic form. DHT doesn’t just cause thinning hair—it’s also tied to benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, a common condition in men over 50. If you’re noticing a receding hairline or trouble urinating, DHT blockers might be part of the solution.
There are two main types: prescription drugs like finasteride, a well-studied medication that blocks the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT, and natural options like saw palmetto, a berry extract that may gently reduce DHT levels without the side effects of stronger drugs. Finasteride cuts DHT by up to 70% in clinical trials, while saw palmetto shows more modest results—around 30% reduction—but with fewer reports of sexual side effects. People use both to slow hair loss, but finasteride is the only one approved by the FDA for this use.
DHT blockers aren’t just for men. Women with androgenic alopecia or hormonal acne may also benefit, though they need to be cautious—these substances can affect hormone balance and are not safe during pregnancy. The key is matching the blocker to your goal: if you want strong, proven results, finasteride is the standard. If you prefer a gentler, plant-based approach, saw palmetto or pumpkin seed oil might be worth trying. Neither works overnight—it takes months to see changes, and stopping means losing any gains.
What you won’t find in most guides is how DHT blockers interact with other treatments. For example, combining finasteride with minoxidil often gives better hair retention than either alone. Some people also pair them with zinc or biotin supplements, though evidence for those is weaker. The posts below dive into real-world comparisons: how DHT blockers stack up against other hair loss treatments, what side effects actually matter, and which natural alternatives have real science behind them. You’ll also see how these same compounds relate to prostate health, since the same hormone drives both conditions. Whether you’re just starting to notice thinning or have been managing this for years, the articles here give you clear, no-fluff info to make smarter choices.
