Natural DHT Blockers

Reishi, pumpkin seed oil, stinging nettle root etc.

“Natural DHT blockers” is a loose umbrella term for supplements people use for hair loss/prostate symptoms because they may reduce DHT signaling, often by inhibiting 5-α-reductase (the enzyme that converts testosterone → DHT). Examples commonly mentioned include reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), which showed 5-α-reductase inhibitory activity in lab work and anti-androgen–type effects in animal models, (1) pumpkin seed oil, which has been hypothesized to help hair loss partly via possible 5-reductase inhibition (including a 24-week RCT in men with androgenetic alopecia), (2) and stinging nettle root, which is used for urinary/prostate complaints and has literature discussing hormonal mechanisms (including proposed 5-α-reductase interactions, though overall mechanisms remain debated/unclear) (3).

In PFS/PSSD/PAS, these “natural anti-androgen” supplements are often treated as potentially high-risk triggers. Although these supplements typically are not reported to cause these syndrome, in sensitive individuals already with this syndrome, anecdotes are noted where symptoms flare and in rare cases a crash results in the lowering of baseline functioning (4).

(1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029938/

(2) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4017725/

(3) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711307000542

(4) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7231981/

Crash Anecdotes:

https://www.reddit.com/r/PSSD/comments/1b7pzo9/can_any_of_these_cause_pssd/

https://www.reddit.com/r/PSSD/comments/1fg8mk6/hey_folks_have_any_of_you_tried_stinging_nettle/

My Personal Risk Ranking:

High Risk of Permanent Worsening (for PFS/PSSD/PAS):
If you currently have PFS/PSSD/PAS, these substances may carry a high risk of worsening symptoms—potentially in a lasting way—and are best avoided.