There’s a lot of debate surrounding the relationship between testosterone and hair loss.
Some experts believe that there is a clear connection, while others maintain that there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the research on this hair growth topic and try to answer this healthy hair question once and for all.
How Does Testosterone Affect Hair?
Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles in men and by the ovaries in women.
It is responsible for the development of male characteristics, such as facial hair growth, deep voice, and muscle mass.
Testosterone levels naturally decline with age.
Some research has suggested that lower testosterone levels may be a factor in hair loss, hair thinning, and pattern baldness.
Is Hair Loss A Sign Of Low Testosterone?
Hair loss is not necessarily a sign of low testosterone levels.
In fact, it is estimated that only around 20% of men who experience hair loss have reduced testosterone levels.
Many other factors can contribute to hair loss or hair growth, such as genetics, age, stress, sex hormones, and nutrition.
Testosterone levels can also fluctuate due to regular changes in the body, such as during puberty or pregnancy.
Why Does Testosterone Cause Hair Loss?
The exact mechanism by which testosterone causes hair loss is not fully understood.
However, it is thought to be related to the hormone’s effect on the hair follicles.
Testosterone can act as a DHT blocker, shrink hair follicles, and make them produce thinner, shorter hair strands.
Over time, this can lead to male pattern hair loss or female pattern baldness.
Some research has also suggested that testosterone may increase the production of compounds called DHT blockers, which might disrupt the body hair growth cycle.
The Link Between Hair Loss And Testosterone In Men
There is a clear link between hair loss in men and testosterone.
The majority of men who experience hair loss or hair thinning have high levels of testosterone.
In one study, nearly 70% of men with male pattern baldness had high testosterone levels.
Testosterone levels are also significantly higher in men experiencing male hair loss than those who have a full head of hair.
Can Testosterone Injections Cause Hair Loss?
Testosterone injections or testosterone replacement therapy are commonly used to treat low testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction.
However, there is some evidence that these injections can cause hair loss.
In one study, men who received testosterone injections experienced significantly more hair loss than men who did not receive the injections.
The exact mechanism by which testosterone injections cause hair loss or male pattern baldness is unknown, but it is thought to be related to the hormone’s effect on the hair follicles.
Will Hair Loss From Testosterone Grow Back?
If high levels of testosterone cause hair loss, it is likely that hair regrowth will occur once the testosterone levels are normalized.
In one study, men who received treatment to lower their testosterone levels experienced an improvement in their hair loss.
However, it can take several months for the hair regrowth and recovery of hair follicles.
How Do I Stop Hair Loss From Testosterone?
If you are experiencing hair loss and think it might be due to high testosterone levels, you should see a doctor that can treat testosterone hair loss.
They will be able to test your male sex hormone levels and give you the appropriate hair growth treatment.
Treatments for hair loss from testosterone include prescription medication, lifestyle changes, and surgery.
To learn more about balding, hair growth, and hair loss treatment, listen to John Goss’s expert podcast, which provides a simple three-step approach for treating hair loss.
Summary
In men, testosterone is responsible for various functions in the body, including hair growth.
When there is an imbalance of testosterone in the body, such as low testosterone levels, it can lead to hair loss or male pattern baldness.
Testosterone injections are one way to treat a hormonal imbalance, and while they may help improve other sexual function symptoms, they may also cause hair loss.
Fortunately, once treatment is stopped, the hair loss will usually stop too.
If you are experiencing hair loss due to low testosterone levels, speak to your doctor about possible treatment options that can help restore scalp hair balance and combat hair loss.