Hair and androgenetic hair loss is a problem that affects everyone at some point. Thinning hair, a receding hairline, and excessive hair loss are all concerns both sexes face at some point in their lives.

It’s more likely to be an age-related issue, and it will only be a matter of time before they notice individual hairs disappearing. Changes in hormone levels, especially testosterone, may also play a role in both male and female-structured hair loss.

How Can Testosterone Cause Hair Loss?

Testosterone, which is commonly known as the male sex hormone, can become increasingly scarce in older men. Wrinkled skin, slowed wound healing, and weaker bones are some of the side effects of aging, which can reduce the efficiency of virtually every bodily function.

It may also reduce the production of other crucial hormones, such as testosterone, in men.

Many aspects of health and well-being depend on testosterone’s presence. Even though it’s best known for bolstering libido and the quality of sperm, testosterone also contributes to things like bone mass, muscle mass, and muscle development. However, many men blame too much testosterone for their balding.

How Does Testosterone Contribute to Male and Female Hair Growth?

Although male and female sex hormones serve different purposes in the body, they are both important. In general, certain hormones are in charge of shaping masculine and feminine identities, regulating sexual activity and reproduction, and promoting and maintaining robust physical health.

Testosterone is the hormone that gets the most attention whenever there is a discussion about hair. In masculines, testosterone is the hormone responsible for maturation; men need enough testosterone to bulk up and develop hair on their bodies and faces.

The ovaries as well as the adrenal gland secrete a trace amount of testosterone into a woman’s body. Androgenetic alopecia, which is caused by high levels of DHT converted from androgen, can affect women even though they are less likely to suffer from low testosterone levels.

Pregnancy, some medications, the onset of menopause, and an imbalance of thyroid hormones have all been linked to hair loss in women.

Popular Forms of Testosterone Include:

• Unbound androgens, also known as “free testosterone” (free T), are androgen hormones that are not attached to any proteins. Most of the abundant testosterone in the system functions by binding to proteins. A small fraction of testosterone typically does not bind to any receptor.
• Bound testosterone is the most abundant form of testosterone in the body. It is usually bound to the albumin or sex hormone-binding globulin (SBHG).
• The hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is produced when testosterone is converted in the body. The enzyme 5-alpha reductase produces this androgen derivative, which some claim is even more potent than testosterone on its own.

DHT: What Does It Mean?

DHT is an abbreviation for the hormone dihydrotestosterone, which is to blame for many men’s frustrations in front of the mirror. In the medical community, it is often referred to as an androgen; however, this is just another name for testosterone.

Because DHT can promote hair growth at optimal levels but also lead to premature hair loss at excessively high levels, DHT blockers can be helpful. Testosterone’s primary role is to facilitate the development of adult morphology during puberty, but it continues to contribute to health and vitality well into old age.

You may be interested in learning about the benefits of DHT supplements for hair growth if you worry that your body isn’t producing sufficient DHT on its own.

Low testosterone could be to blame if you’re constantly exhausted, lacking the motivation to get through the day, and unable to work out as hard as you used to.

DHT blockers may be prescribed by doctors after a patient has been tested and is showing signs of hair loss.

Inhibiting the Hair-Growth Cycle, DHT Does So By

DHT helps hair grow by reducing the size of hair follicles. This disrupts the regular hair growth cycle and can lead to the onset of hair thinning or loss in both men and women.

Anagen Phase- Hair follicles are constantly producing new hair during the anagen phase. When DHT binds to receptors that are responsible for the hair follicles, it triggers an accelerated rate of hair shedding from the anagen phase.

Catagen Phase- The catagen phase is a transitional phase characterized by the gradual regression of hair growth. In essence, the hair follicles stop making new hair so that the hair strands themselves can untangle themselves from the follicle bases.

The existence of DHT influences the catagen phase by shrinking the follicles, making the transition to the fresh anagen phase more challenging.

Telogen phase- The hair follicles shrink and do not produce new hair during the telogen phase, which can last for months. During this time, some hairs may be driven out of the follicle, and DHT activity may extend this phase and make shedding existing hair easier.

Stress and traumatic experiences may trigger telogen effluvium, which is a condition characterized by abnormally high rates of hair shedding or thinning, in some people.

Hair thinning due to testosterone activity and male pattern baldness can have multiple causes. One possible negative effect of hormone replacement therapy is hair loss in those receiving testosterone replacement therapy.

Symptoms of temporary hair loss have been linked to the use of supplements containing testosterone and testosterone injections to treat low T. However, there is hope that symptoms pattern hair loss will improve once the hormones return to normal.

Female pattern baldness may be due to follicle hypersensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) even in women with normal testosterone levels. The hair follicle and scalp size can be easily affected by even modest amounts of testosterone and DHT, resulting in pattern baldness and poor hair growth and health.

Androgenic alopecia causes women to experience thinning hair, out in patches all over the scalp, similar to the way men experience a receding hairline.

Hair Loss and Testosterone Injections

If your doctor has determined that your testosterone levels are low, he or she may recommend therapeutic testosterone to bring them up to a more normal level.

The advantages of testosterone are substantial. Because of its anabolic properties, it promotes muscle growth and preservation. The increased production of red blood cells free testosterone may also reduce the likelihood of conditions like anemia.

Testosterone has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including stronger bones, more energy, a more even disposition, and more frequent and more satisfying erections.

Choosing therapeutic or testosterone supplements can lessen the likelihood of experiencing low testosterone symptoms such as:

• Impotence or Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
• Sexual problems stemming from a lack of libido or other factors
• Having less muscle and less muscle strength
• Problems falling asleep or staying asleep
• Suppressed Hair Loss
• Putting on weight
• Concentration issues
• Depression and other mental health problems

Testosterone is most commonly administered via injection, but it can also be taken orally, applied topically (in the form of a gel or patch), or implanted subcutaneously. According to your needs and preferences, your doctor will recommend an exogenous testosterone treatment that is right for you.

Although testosterone is not the direct cause of male hair loss itself, increasing one’s testosterone levels through injections or other means may hasten the development of more male-pattern baldness or of masculine-pattern baldness itself.

This is because 5 alpha-reductase converts a small proportion of circulating testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), as we discussed earlier.

Testosterone levels in healthy men typically hover between 300 and 1,000 ng/dL.

Injecting testosterone, using a testosterone gel, or wearing a testosterone patch all increase testosterone levels, which in turn increases the amount of testosterone available for conversion to DHT by the 5 alpha-reductase enzyme.

Male pattern baldness symptoms, such as female pattern hair loss such as diminished hair growth, or obvious thinning, may progress more rapidly due to elevated DHT levels.

Testosterone Therapy May Cause Other Side Effects

The health, well-being, and quality of life of men with low testosterone can be greatly improved through the use of testosterone therapy.

There are, however, risks associated with testosterone therapy. Such as-

• Decreased number of sperm
• Prostate enlargement
• elevated lipid levels
• Problems getting to sleep or remaining asleep
• High potential for developing heart disease
• Cardiovascular disease deterioration
• Possibility of developing blood clots

It is unclear whether testosterone therapy raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, or diseases like prostate cancer; however, it could have adverse reactions if you have a history of cardiovascular disease.

Talk to your doctor about these and other possible adverse effects of hormone therapy if you’re thinking about taking testosterone to treat low-T.

Treatment To Reduce Hair Loss

Helpful Supplements for Testosterone-Related Hair Loss

DHT inhibitors 1

Medications that inhibit the effects of testosterone and block DHT testosterone in hair loss treatment are one option for addressing this problem. Their primary function is to prevent dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from binding to receptors, preventing the thinning hair follicles from being further reduced in size. Hair loss treatments and the hormone supplements that block dihydrotestosterone (DHT) include –

• Finasteride

Finasteride, a pill taken orally, is highly effective in the treatment of both male pattern hair loss and baldness. Researchers found that finasteride increased hair growth in men with male pattern baldness and hair loss by 87%. The DHT hormone is blocked from binding to the type 5 alpha reductase enzyme, as this medication acts as a blocker.

• Minoxidil

Minoxidil also is a DHT inhibitor. Historically, minoxidil has been used to treat hypertension. A number of these patients experienced rapid hair growth as a side effect.

Typically, this medication aids in the dilation of blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow. When applied topically, topical minoxidil also helps increase blood flow and circulation to hair follicles, which stimulates hair growth.

• Spironolactone

Anti-androgen drugs like spironolactone are also effective for women experiencing hair loss. This prescription drug is effective in treating hair loss in men because it lowers testosterone levels, thus lowering the potential for DHT production in the scalp.

Supplemental biotin

Biotin is an essential vitamin for healthy hair and scalp, as it promotes keratin production and keeps follicles active. In addition to preventing hair loss and thinning, it helps strengthen hair quality. Egg yolks, whole-grain bread, nuts, fish, and meat are all good natural food sources of biotin, as are oral dietary supplements.

 Vitamin B-Complete Formulas

The hair and scalp wellness can be improved by taking vitamin B6 and B12 supplements. They are thought to improve thinning hair by stimulating the follicles to produce fuller, thicker hair and by enhancing the supply of blood to the follicles, which promotes healthy hair growth.

Purified Oil from Pumpkin Seeds

Oil extracted from pumpkin seeds is a natural treatment for hair loss that may inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It has been suggested that supplementing with pumpkin seed oil can help slow the rate of hair loss and even stimulate new growth.

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is an additional natural supplement that has been reported to help with hair loss. The enzyme responsible for making DHT can be inhibited, thereby helping to keep hair follicles robust and productive to combat hair loss. Taking this supplement can help keep your hormones in check and stop hair loss before it starts.

Additional Hair-Growth-Promoting Treatments

To guarantee an adequate intake of essential nutrients for overall health and to treat hair loss caused by health, supplements are often suggested. Specialized therapies for hair loss may be used to stimulate hair growth in extreme instances of hair loss symptoms.

1. Hair transplant

Hair transplantation is a method of restoring hair loss by moving existing hair from one part of the body hair on the scalp (the “donor area”) to the balding regions of the healthy head and scalp hair (the “recipient areas”). It’s great for hiding bald spots and making new hair growth look completely natural.

2. Laser therapy

Hair regrowth can be stimulated by laser therapy, which uses low-level lasers to heat the skin and stimulate cells. When performed by a trained cosmetic specialist, this minimally painful procedure for hair loss has fewer reported adverse effects.

3.Microneedling

Microneedling is a form of cosmetic treatment that involves inflicting tiny, controlled injuries to the scalp using a special device with very fine needles. This will cause the body to go into repair mode, resulting in increased collagen production and revitalized hair follicles.

4. Scalp Reduction

Like other invasive treatments for hair loss, scalp reduction removes skin from the scalp. This surgical procedure involves the elimination of bald spots on the scalp. The adjacent healthy scalp is then stretched and realigned. The final product may significantly conceal thinning hair or bald spots. Although it may result in some minor scarring in the long run.

5. Topical serums

Doctors may also advise the use of topical serums containing a tailored hair loss procedure for the treatment of hair thinning. To maintain healthy hair follicles and promote new cell growth, many people use the PEP Factor serum, which includes peptides, vitamins and minerals, and growth factors. Products from PEP Factor are additionally useful to treat skin issues like acne.

6. Injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-

Injecting platelet-rich plasma (derived from the patient’s blood) into the scalp may stimulate new hair growth and preserve the existing hair through the release of growth factors.

Diverse Techniques – Treatments for testosterone-related hair loss are plentiful. To make an accurate diagnosis and treat testosterone hair loss, a dermatologist will need to take a thorough look at your scalp and medical history. Both low and high levels of zinc have been linked to baldness pattern hair loss. An overabundance of zinc encourages the body to generate more testosterone and hair loss. The right medications can easily stop zinc and testosterone from causing hair loss.

To Sum Up

Both men and women are susceptible to balding when testosterone levels fluctuate. Baldness, both in men and women, can be traced back to high testosterone, because of the hormone dihydrotestosterone it produces.

Some people’s genes make them more vulnerable to the effects of this hormone, while others may naturally produce more of it. Medications that prevent DHT from linking to hair follicles are effective in halting hair loss.

Last Updated on December 25, 2023 by soubhik92@gmail.com