What is DHT and How Does it Cause Hair Loss? DHT, which stands for Dihydrotestosterone (5α-Dihydrotestosterone), is a male sex hormone, an androgen. 5α-reductase, an enzyme, synthesizes DHT in the adrenal glands, hair follicles, testes and prostate. Male and female adults can lose hair as a consequence of changes in the metabolism of androgen in the body - men more commonly than women. DHT plays a major role in hair loss. Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia orandrogenetic alopecia, is caused by the hair follicle's sensitivity to DHT. The follicles miniaturise (shrink), resulting in a shorter lifespan and the abnormal production of hair. How can DHT be prevented? The most well known treatment that has been proven to slow down and prevent hair loss is Finasteride (otherwise known as Propecia). Although this prescription drug has a good record with users, it does contain the high risk of nasty side-effects such as erectile dysfunction and skin irritati