Does Low Testosterone Treatment cause Hair Loss?
When men look into reversing Low T, they often ask, does Low testosterone treatment cause hair loss? This is a great and important question. For starters, testosterone is a male hormone responsible for the development of male physical characteristics such as body hair, muscle mass, and deep voice. It is also essential for sperm production and sexual function. However, as men age, their testosterone levels decrease, leading to a condition known as low testosterone or low T. Low T can cause various symptoms such as decreased libido, fatigue, and hair loss. In this blog, we will discuss the relationship between testosterone treatment and hair loss, why men with low T go bald, what happens when they start testosterone treatment, and what men can do to combat hair loss.So, Does Testosterone Treatment Cause Hair Loss?
One of the most common concerns of men with low T is balding. The good news is that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is unlikely to cause hair loss. In fact, studies have shown that TRT may help prevent hair loss and even promote hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). Male pattern baldness is a genetic condition that causes hair loss on the scalp, and it is primarily caused by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a derivative of testosterone that binds to hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually stop producing hair. TRT can actually reduce the production of DHT by converting it into a less harmful form. Therefore, TRT can at times be beneficial for men with male pattern baldness. However, TRT can cause hair loss in men who are not predisposed to male pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is called telogen effluvium, which is caused by an interruption in the hair growth cycle. TRT can cause a shift in the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding of hair. This type of hair loss is usually temporary and resolves once the body adjusts to the new hormone levels.Why Do Men with Low T Go Bald?
As mentioned earlier, male pattern baldness is primarily caused by the hormone DHT, which is a derivative of testosterone. However, the relationship between low T and male pattern baldness is complex. Low T does not cause male pattern baldness directly, but it can accelerate the process in men who are genetically predisposed to it. Low T can cause a decrease in hair density, which is the number of hairs per square centimeter of the scalp. This is because testosterone is necessary for hair growth and maintenance. When testosterone levels decrease, hair growth slows down, and hair follicles shrink, leading to thinning hair. Low T can also cause an increase in body fat, which can contribute to hair loss. Fat cells convert testosterone into estrogen, which can interfere with hair growth. Additionally, excess body fat can cause inflammation, which can damage hair follicles.What Happens When Men with Low T Start Testosterone Treatment?
When men with low T start TRT, they may experience various changes in their body, including their hair. TRT can cause an increase in body and facial hair growth, which is a desirable effect for many men. However, it may also cause an increase in hair shedding, especially during the first few months of treatment. As mentioned earlier, TRT can cause a shift in the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding of hair. This type of hair loss is usually temporary and resolves once the body adjusts to the new hormone levels. However, some men may experience persistent hair loss, which may require further evaluation. Men who are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness may experience an acceleration of the process when they start TRT. This is because TRT can increase the production of DHT, which can shrink hair follicles and cause balding. However, as mentioned earlier, TRT can also reduce the production of DHT by converting it into a less harmful form.There are several things that men can do to combat hair loss when on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT):
- Use hair loss prevention products: There are many hair loss prevention products available in the market, such as minoxidil and finasteride. These products can help slow down or even stop hair loss.
- Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly biotin, zinc, and iron, can promote healthy hair growth. Men should aim to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains in their diet.
- Manage stress: Stress can contribute to hair loss, so men should try to manage their stress levels through exercise, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage hair follicles and contribute to hair loss.
- Use a gentle shampoo: Using a gentle shampoo can help prevent hair breakage and damage. Men should avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals or sulfates, which can strip the hair of its natural oils.
- Get regular check-ups: Men should get regular check-ups with their doctor to monitor their hormone levels and ensure that their TRT is not causing any adverse effects.
Does Low Testosterone Treatment cause Hair Loss?
sa_admin March 8th, 2023
Posted In: Low T Info
Tags: alopecia, androgenetic alopecia, bald, DHT, dihydrotestosterone, estrogen, finasteride, hair loss, low t, male pattern baldness, minoxidil, telogen effluvium, testosterone
Causes and Modern Treatments for Hair Loss
In an independent study, Relevant Research, Inc. determined that 40% of men experience noticeable hair loss by the age of 35. By age 60, 65% of men will suffer from balding or thinning hair. For some men, the problem begins at an even younger age, as early as their 20s.
The Mayo Clinic reports that the genetic condition commonly called male (or female) pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss. Men in particular are genetically predisposed to lose their hair as they age, thanks to a sensitivity to certain sex hormones, including testosterone. These hormones are collectively called androgens.
Over time, these hormones cause hair follicles to shrink, resulting in thinner and thinner hair. Eventually, the follicles stop growing hair altogether.
What is Male Pattern Baldness
Known in the medical world as androgenic alopecia, male pattern baldness affects a majority of adult men at some point in their lives. The most common symptom of male pattern baldness is a receding hairline, especially at the temples and on the top of the head. This is commonly called a “bald spot”, but is known as vertex balding in scientific circles. For women who suffer from female pattern baldness, the condition manifests as patches of thinning hair scattered around the top of the scalp.
Regardless of gender, the cause of these patches of thin hair or bald spots are caused by the miniaturization of hair follicles. Over time, androgens cause hair follicles to literally get smaller and less able to produce hair.
The mechanism by which this occurs is complicated. An enzyme known as 5 Alpha Reductase occurs naturally in our bodies, and converts testosterone into the hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. High levels of DHT are the direct cause of hair follicle shrinkage and premature shedding of hair. DHT attaches to our hair follicles and causes them to begin producing smaller, finer hairs, and ultimately stop producing hair entirely.
The Foundation of Hair Restoration has identified three major factors in androgenic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness).
- Genetic Predisposition – Androgenic alopecia is a genetic condition, and is passed down from parent to child. The gene can express whether it is acquired from the mother, father, or both.
- DHT – Dihydrotestosterone is the direct cause of male or female pattern baldness. High levels of the hormone are a strong indicator that baldness will occur.
- Age – As both men and women age, they become more susceptible to the shrinking of hair follicles, causing baldness.
What Causes Male or Female Pattern Baldness
A number of other factors can contribute to the likelihood of baldness. Everything from lifestyle to nutrition, as well as certain diseases, can be the “final straw” that causes male or female pattern baldness symptoms to present.
- Androgenic Alopecia – This is the genetic condition that is the cause of 95% of male pattern baldness, as well as female pattern baldness to a lesser extent.
- Nutrition – Complete baldness is actually comparatively rare. Thin hair and bald spots are far more common, but poor nutrition can intensify the condition into near-total hair loss. Caloric deficiency (not eating enough), as well as deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals have the strongest correlation to baldness. Nutrients important to hair include biotin, amino acids, zinc and iron. Finally, eating excessive amounts of animal fats on a regular basis can accelerate hair loss.
- Stress – Stress is bad for our health in many ways, including bringing on hair loss. Studies have shown that stress restricts the supply of blood to our capillaries, preventing oxygen and other nutrients from reaching hair follicles. This damages the follicles over time, preventing hair growth.
- Medications – Certain medications, especially ones that affect hormone levels, can cause hair loss as a side effect. The most common drugs that have this type of effect are contraceptive pills, anabolic steroids, some hormone replacement treatments, and acne medication. Some drugs used for blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes can also contribute to baldness.
Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia
There are two medications currently approved by the FDA for use in treating androgenic alopecia by stopping or reversing the shrinkage of hair follicles.
- Finasteride (commonly sold as Propecia) – Finasteride is a prescription drug taken in pill form for the treatment of male pattern baldness. By reducing the levels of DHT in the body, it can be effective in stopping hair follicles from shrinking. Finasteride is approved for men only, and is not indicated for use by women. The drug does list multiple unpleasant side effects such as loss of libido, hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and gynecomastia.
- Minoxidil – This topical treatment has been sold over the counter since the 1990s, and is safe for use by both men and women. Minoxidil increases the flow of blood to hair follicles, making it effective in halting the early symptoms of androgenic alopecia.
- Minoxidil fortified with finasteride – This combination of the two drugs is typically used as a long-term maintenance regimen to keep baldness from occurring or returning after stopping treatment with oral finasteride. Due to the side effects associated with the oral finasteride, it is generally not advisable to take it longer than strictly necessary. By mixing finasteride with minoxidil as a topical treatment, most of the side effects are mitigated.
Treatment of General Symptoms of Hair Loss
There are also other drugs and medications intended to prevent or reverse loss of hair from other causes. These medications are prescription drugs, applied topically. Consult with a medical professional to determine which treatment is best for your situation, and to obtain a prescription.
- Ketoconazole – Developed as an anti-fungal medication, ketoconazole is also effective in reversing the effects of androgenic alopecia. The drug counters the effects of dihydrotestosterone, the hormone that directly causes male and female pattern baldness. This hormone binds to hair follicles, shrinking them and causing them to grow thinner hair, or no hair at all.
- Spironolactone – Specifically developed for female pattern baldness, spironolactone is taken in tablet form and works to lower testosterone produced in the adrenal glands and ovaries. The drug also reduces water retention, and can be applied as a topical scalp solution, although to lesser effect. This is a good alternative to finasteride, to avoid its side effects.
- Azelaic Acid – Naturally found in whole grains, azelaic acid has antibiotic properties and can destroy harmful skin bacteria. It also targets 5 Alpha Reductase, the hormone that converts testosterone into DHT. As DHT is the primary cause of androgenic alopecia, this is another great alternative to finasteride.
There are so many treatments and management regimens for baldness that is can be next to impossible for the layman to select the right one. Most of the medications listed here are prescription, and consulting with a medical professional is always the best first step in managing male or female pattern baldness. The problem of keeping hair on one’s head has been on people’s minds for many, many years. Fortunately, modern medicine is finally starting to catch up to the issue. Countering male or female pattern baldness is well within reach for most people these days. Visit your medical professional to learn about the options for your case.
Causes and Modern Treatments for Hair Loss
Saleamp Design April 8th, 2016
Posted In: Health & Wellness
Tags: alopecia, bald, balding, DHT, dihydrotestosterone, finasteride, hair loss, ketoconazole, male pattern baldness, minoxidil, receding hair, spironolactone, thinning hair
