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.
Does Low Testosterone Treatment cause Hair Loss?
8 March,2023
Hormone Therapeutics
Hormone Therapeutics
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