Will a Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Blood Panel Accurately Predict Hair Loss?

This question comes from a member of our [tag]Hair Restoration[/tag] Discussion Forums and Social Community:

I’ve recently become concerned that my hair is thinning, and I’m wondering if a blood panel assessment which tested the level of [tag]dihydrotestosterone[/tag] ([tag]DHT[/tag]) in my blood would accurately predict my future hair loss?

Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is the hormone directly responsible for [tag]genetic hair loss[/tag]. Through a fairly simple conversion, normal, circulating testosterone can be converted to dihydrotestosterone in our bodies. When this happens, dihydrotestosterone binds to healthy [tag]hair follicles[/tag], and, unfortunately, causes these follicles to wither and eventually fall out. Knowing this, it’s easy to understand why a blood panel showing the levels of DHT in the blood could be useful in assessing potential [tag]hair loss[/tag].

In theory, this idea makes sense and could definitely give you some idea of the probability of developing some level of [tag]balding[/tag]. However, because genetic hair loss is such an unpredictable and progressive issue, it’s essentially impossible to state that your pattern, level, or probability of baldness can be predicted by a simple blood panel. The good news is that proven, preventive therapies (such as minoxidil/Rogaine and finasteride/Propecia) can help stabilize and reverse hair loss, especially when detected at an early stage.
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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

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