Influence of Estrogens on Androgen Metabolism in Different Subunits of Human Hair Follicles

    July 2001 in “ PubMed ”
    S Niiyama, Rudolf Happle, R. Hoffmann
    TLDR Estrogens can reduce DHT production in hair follicles, but are less effective than finasteride and progesterone.
    The study investigated the influence of estrogens on androgen metabolism in human hair follicles, particularly focusing on their ability to modulate enzymes involved in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) synthesis. Scalp biopsies from volunteers were used to analyze the effects of 17alpha-estradiol, 17beta-estradiol, progesterone, and finasteride on DHT formation. Finasteride was a potent inhibitor, reducing DHT synthesis by 86% at 1 nM concentration, while progesterone inhibited it by 75%. Estrogens were less effective, with 100 nM 17alpha-estradiol and 17beta-estradiol reducing DHT synthesis by 20% and 60%, respectively. The study suggested that estrogens might inhibit DHT synthesis either by directly inhibiting 5alpha-reductase or by increasing the conversion of testosterone to weaker androgens, thus reducing the substrate available for DHT production.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Why is it that low testosterone causes hair loss as well? How can I be balding?

      in Chat  158 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation discusses the confusion over low testosterone potentially causing hair loss, with users sharing personal experiences and knowledge about hair loss treatments like Finasteride. Some users suggest that hair follicle sensitivity to DHT, not testosterone levels, is the key factor in balding, and others discuss the side effects of hair loss medications.

      community Does finasteride/dutasteride reverse aging?

      in Chat  45 upvotes 1 year ago
      Finasteride and dutasteride can improve skin texture and reduce acne by lowering DHT but do not reverse aging. They may enhance skin and hair health for some, but can also cause side effects like dry skin and sexual dysfunction.

      community Having androgen receptor density and sensitivity at wrong f*ing place

      in Satire  7 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, focusing on the use of topical minoxidil, microneedling, finasteride, and dutasteride, while debating the role of testosterone and DHT in hair loss. It also touches on the potential liver health impacts of these treatments and the genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens.

      community Creatine's effect on Hair Loss and DHT

      in Research/Science  99 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 21-year-old male managed to control his hair loss using Nizoral, RU58841, and finasteride, but experienced increased scalp itchiness after starting creatine, which subsided upon stopping creatine. Users shared mixed experiences on whether creatine affects hair loss, with some reporting negative effects and others seeing no change or defending its benefits.

    Related Research

    2 / 2 results