‘Does testosterone cause hair loss?’ is often asked by the male gender, but it applies for both genders. Testosterone does not induce hair loss on its own. However, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone, can trigger hair loss in individuals who are genetically predisposed to it. DHT is created when testosterone is converted into DHT by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase.
DHT can cause hair cells to contract, resulting in shorter, finer hair and, ultimately, hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, is a type of hair loss that impacts males more than women. Over 95% of men’s hair loss is a result of this disease. Usually, it begins with thinning at the top of the head and a retreating hairline before progressing to total baldness.
Not all males with elevated testosterone levels experience hair loss, and not all instances of hair loss are brought on by DHT, it is essential to remember. Hair loss may also be influenced by other elements like heredity, aging, stress, and particular medical conditions.
Higher head DHT concentrations can hasten hair loss in men who are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness. Although much lesser than in males, testosterone is present in women’s bodies as well. DHT can cause hair loss in women as well, but it is less prevalent and frequently accompanied by endocrine problems or other health issues.
High Testosterone vs. Low Testosterone
Your body’s hair develops from glands. A hair strand is contained in a follicle, a small pore located beneath your epidermis. Your hair grows for two to five years, at which point it enters a dormant period and falls out.
Hair loss can be brought on by both low and excessive testosterone levels. It’s important to realize that people with reduced testosterone levels may also have high amounts of DHT, which is a factor in hair loss. Men with male pattern baldness have been found to have reduced testosterone levels and average DHT amounts in their bodies. Even though some individuals have the same quantity of DHT as others, their genetic makeup makes their hair follicles more susceptible to DHT. That fluctuating testosterone levels are the cause of your hair loss?
Genetics and changing testosterone levels are associated with androgenetic alopecia in both males and women. It happens in a particular pattern that could ultimately lead to total baldness.
1. Male Pattern Baldness
It begins at the temples and progresses to total baldness. The onset of androgenetic alopecia in males is frontal baldness.
2. Female Pattern Baldness
The part-line is typically where hair thinning starts. It might or might not cause total baldness. Women with PCOS or those over the age of 40–50 years post–menopause are more likely to develop female pattern baldness.
Both male and female pattern baldness is associated with testosterone-related hair loss.
Female pattern baldness typically impacts women after menopause because of the increase in androgen and fall in estrogen levels. Researchers frequently connect this type of thinning to heredity.
Different Forms of Testosterone
Four distinct kinds of injectable testosterone are available and are recommended for hormone treatment.
Cypionate: This is a long-acting testosterone that takes about 8 days to break down.
Enanthate: This testosterone derivative undergoes metabolism in about 5 days.
Propionate: is a fast-acting ester that reaches its apex in circulation within hours of administration.
Aqueous Testosterone Suspension: It only lasts a few hours in the bloodstream and contains no ester.
Other Causes of Hair Loss
Alopecia, another name for hair loss, can result from several factors, such as:
- Genetic predisposition: Hair loss is more prevalent in males and can be passed down from either parent. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, is the genetically based hair loss that occurs most frequently.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, delivery, puberty, and thyroid issues, can also result in hair loss.
- Medical situations: Alopecia areata, head illnesses, and autoimmune diseases are a few examples of conditions that can lead to hair loss.
- Drugs: As a side effect, some drugs used to address diseases such as cancer, arthritis, depression, heart issues, and excessive blood pressure can cause hair loss.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Hair loss can be caused by a shortage of important vitamins and minerals such as iron, biotin, and zinc.
- Physical duress on the body, such as surgery, sickness, or severe harm, can result in temporary hair loss.
- Emotional tension can also cause hair loss, either directly or tangentially by interfering with regular hair development cycles.
- Hairstyling practices such as tight braids, ponytails, and weaves can cause traction alopecia or hair loss caused by undue strain on the hair.
In general, there are a variety of reasons why people lose their hair, and the best way to treat it is to find the underlying problem.
Treatment of Hair Loss in Male
Several drugs are successful in addressing hair loss brought on by DHT. Blockers and inhibitors are the two groups into which these medications fall.
Drugs called DHT antagonists stop testosterone from interacting with the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase. DHT blockers can aid in lowering the hormone’s output.
1. Minoxidil
Minoxidil inhibits DHT. Initially, minoxidil was a medication given to people with elevated blood pressure. Some of these patients started growing their hair out excessively as a side effect.
Usually, this medication aids in dilating blood arteries to improve blood flow. When administered topically, topical minoxidil can aid in boosting blood supply to hair follicles, promoting hair development.
2. Biotin
A derivative of vitamin B known as biotin helps your cells operate by converting nutrition into energy. The majority of the protein in your hair is called keratin, and biotin helps to increase its creation. According to studies, biotin promotes hair development while also preventing hair loss.
3. Finasteride
A dietary medication known as finasteride is successful in managing male pattern baldness. According to studies, males who used finasteride to restore their hair experienced an 87% success rate. This drug acts as a suppressor by attaching to the 5 alpha reductase enzyme and preventing it from doing what the DHT hormone would otherwise do.
4. Vitamin B
B vitamins are essential for preserving the health of your skin and hair. It has been suggested that a lack of these vitamins can cause hair thinning and ultimately hair loss. They improve blood circulation to your hair cells. B vitamins can stop hair loss even though they cannot necessarily reestablish hair development.
5. Pumpkin Seed Oil
Research indicates that using pumpkin seed oil can reduce hair loss in balding males. DHT is blocked by pumpkin seed oil, which stops hair weakening and loss.
Side Effects of DHT Blockers and Inhibitors
- Erectile failure
- Early ejaculation
- Excess adipose in the breast region
- Darkened hair on the forehead
- Rashes
- Feeling nauseated Vomiting
- Ejaculating too late
- Heart failure
FAQ – Does Testosterone Cause Hair Loss?
Q: Can taking a testosterone replacement treatment make you lose hair?
A: There is no evidence that testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) results in hair loss. TRT may promote hair growth in males with androgenetic alopecia, according to some research.
Q: Is testosterone replacement treatment effective in halting hair loss?
A: In people with androgenetic alopecia, testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) may not completely halt hair loss, but it may slow the rate at which it progresses.
Q: Is it okay to use topical testosterone for hair loss or consume testosterone supplements?
A: Using external testosterone or testosterone tablets to treat hair loss is not advised. These therapies are not successful in treating hair loss and can have negative side effects like liver injury, prostate cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Q: Can supplements or natural treatments increase testosterone and avoid hair loss?
A: There is no conclusive proof that supplements or natural treatments can increase testosterone levels and avoid hair loss. Some herbal supplements may have the ability to raise testosterone levels, but there is inadequate proof to back their effectiveness.
Q: How can I avoid hair loss if I have insufficient testosterone levels?
A: If you have low testosterone levels, it is critical to find and address the underlying reason. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, controlling stress, and avoiding harsh hair products can all help prevent hair loss.
Q: How can I prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT?
A: The body cannot transform testosterone to DHT when 5AR inhibitors are taken. Medical experts endorse drugs like Dutasteride, Topical Minoxidil, and Finasteride to address male pattern baldness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is a connection between testosterone and hair loss, it is not a simple one. The primary cause of male pattern baldness is the hormone DHT, which is produced from testosterone. However, not all males with high testosterone levels will experience hair loss, and genetics play a major part in the onset of this disease. Consult your doctor about your treatment choices if you’re worried about your hair loss.
Both males and women can develop thinning due to fluctuating testosterone levels. Male and female thinning is caused by dihydrotestosterone, which is produced by testosterone.
While some people may have large amounts of this hormone, others may be genetically more susceptible to it. To stop DHT from attaching to hair cells, effective medicines can be used.
Hopefully, this article on ‘Does Testosterone Cause Hair Loss?’ has answered all your questions and concerns.
