Link between testosterone and hair loss
Testosterone is the hormone steroid which also has other advantages that I will not lose sight of eclipsing the subject of hair loss. It is important to remember that testosterone can help you with extra strength, muscular, sexual performance, energy, etc., especially as you get older and your testosterone decreases. As you will read below, testosterone is not necessarily the cause of hair loss.
Many men work hard to look their best. They spend a lot of time at home or at the gym to work and invest in supplements to maximize their performance. But unfortunately, one of the things that help to look so good sometimes has a negative impact on their appearance. A high level of testosterone can also contribute to hair loss. Many men who work vigorously sometimes lose their hair earlier and to a greater extent than those who spend their time in sedentary activities.
Testosterone and aging
Although men and women have testosterone, the hormone is best known for its role as the male sex hormone responsible for the development of characteristics such as facial hair and muscles. Produced in the testes of men, it also contributes to the development of libido and improve bone mass.
Medical research shows that there is a cycle of testosterone and testosterone levels in men decreases with age. On average, after age 40 men lose about 1% of their testosterone level per year. This can lead to:
- fatigue
- depression
- low libido
- erectile dysfunction
- and other concerns.
It is therefore very understandable that many men develop routines involving diet, exercise and supplements to stimulate testosterone production.
Testosterone and hair loss
Hormone levels and hair loss are closely linked in men. As men age, they go through a decline and a change in hormones which is similar to menopause in women. In men, this is known as andropause, also known as male menopause.
Since hormones regulate almost all bodily functions, changing testosterone levels can affect the ability of the body to regenerate hair follicles. Strictly speaking, it is not testosterone that causes hair loss, but rather a derivative of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Like many other things, the production of DHT is largely determined by genetics. DHT shortens the hair growth cycle in humans and increases the duration of rest. As time passes, the hair grow less and finally stops growing completely. Hair follicles in the front and crown of the head are particularly sensitive to the effects of DHT.
Increase testosterone levels may lead to higher levels of DHT. This leads to “baldness”. Taking supplements that increase testosterone levels, therefore, may have the undesirable side effect of initiating or increasing the rate of hair loss.
Other things to consider
There are other possible reasons for hair loss and these should be taken into account with the review of the use of testosterone supplements. Other possible causes include:
- stress
- poor nutrition
- exposure to certain pollutants
- some medications
It should also be noted that the increase in testosterone levels do not necessarily cause you to lose hair. There are many genetic factors involved as well.
Treatments and solutions
There is a whole industry that has developed around the desire of men to replace lost hair or thinning. There are supplements, creams, treatments, shampoos and many other options. But some have shown proven results. In addition, some may have undesirable side effects.
It is always best to check with your doctor for testosterone facts and other considerations, before starting any treatment, especially if you have heart or other health problems.
For many people, the benefits of increased testosterone outweigh the fact that it simply increases the chances of losing the production of hair through the effects of DHT.
