My Answer: Ten years ago hair loss – whether man or woman – was shrouded in a lot of mystery and wives tales.  But one thing that appears to be pretty conclusive at this point is that DHT (dihydrotestosterone) appears to play a role in baldness (but a much stronger role in men vs. women).

So, DHT blockers like Shen Min have become very popular and it seems like another product appears every few weeks.

But, like any product that appears to be a godsend, I’m not completely sold on Shen Min or any other DHT blockers for that matter.

If I were you here are a few things I’d consider before making the decision.

DHT’s Role In Your Body

DHT is produced in your body with the help of an enzyme from testosterone.  And when your body produces a substance it is usually for a reason.  DHT is no different.

So yes, DHT has been linked to baldness (some also claim problems with the prostate, but the jury is still out on that I think).  But it also is a very potent androgen (more potent than testosterone in this regard) and helps maintain masculine characteristics.  So, the deepening of your voice, facial hair and body hair are a result of DHT.  This explains why DHT levels in your body skyrocketed during puberty.  It’s one of those things that helps make a man a man.

There is also some evidence that DHT plays a strong role in sex drive and muscle growth.  Again, one of the differences between men and women.

While this last point is debatable, the evidence I have seen to this point seems to support it because I see more and more reports of users of DHT-blockers saying there has been a noticeable drop-off in their sex drive.

Here is my main point:  DHT is a hormone.  When you start messing around with hormones in your body – whether it’s a prescription drug or a ‘natural supplement’ like Shen Min you are likely to have side effects.  Personally, I would not take the risk.  And this is coming from another man that is bald just like you.

Another point to consider is that DHT, unlike testosterone, can help mitigate estrogens effects in your body.  This is something few men know about, or understand.

You see, just because testosterone is a ‘mans’ hormone (again, it isn’t, women have testosterone too) you must understand that it can be converted to estradiol.  Which is an estrogen.  DHT, on the other hand, cannot be converted to estradiol.

Also, Shen Min is systemic.  That means you take it by mouth and it has effects throughout your body.  If I were to look at a DHT blocking product I would rather it be applied topically to the scalp to minimize the whole-body effects of blocking DHT.

But, whether that product would be effective or not is another question for another day.