Does Testosterone Cause Hair Loss?

Does testosterone cause hair loss? Testosterone is one of the most important elements in a man’s body. It’s responsible for bone strength, muscle mass, motivation, focus, hair growth, and overall wellness. Without the proper amount of testosterone, many health issues can occur.

There are different types of testosterone and these may result in hair loss – find out more about testosterone and hair loss here…

Testosterone types

Free testosterone

This hormone is connected to receptors and absorbed by cells to carry out specific functions and isn’t bound to any proteins in the body.

DHT (dihydrotestosterone)

DHT is made by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase found in the skin, hair, and prostate. As it binds to hair follicles resulting in a reduction in size, hair thins and eventually sheds.

Reasons for hair loss

Too little testosterone is known to cause hair loss, and genetics are considered the primary factor when it comes to male pattern baldness. If genetics dictate that you experience early balding, an increase in testosterone will generally not help with this.

High testosterone hair loss is just one of many causes with high levels of androgens in the body producing excessive DHT. Stress can have very negative effects on the body extending to hair shedding, and it can also be simply the effects of the natural ageing process.

Treating testosterone hair loss

There are several medically approved treatments that are effective in hair loss caused by DHT, and these are defined as either inhibitors or blockers:

Biotin

This is a derivative from Vitamin B that turns nutrients into energy – used by cells to carry out their functions. The protein Keratin is mainly associated with hair and production can also be enhanced by biotin, encouraging hair growth and preventing hair loss.

B Vitamins

B Vitamins are essential to maintain a healthy scalp and hair. Lack of these vitamins may result in hair thinning and hair loss – as they enhance the blood flow to follicles, they can prevent this from happening.

Finasteride

This particular medicine binds to the 5 alpha-reductase enzymes stopping the DHT hormone from doing so. This oral medicine has a high success rate in hair regrowth in men.

Minoxidil

This DHT blocker helps widen blood vessels to enhance blood flow, and when applied can help increase blood flow directly to hair follicles, improving hair growth.

Testosterone replacement therapy

Testosterone injections can be a solution to low testosterone hair loss. Contrary to media posts that suggest an increase in testosterone leads to an increase in the production of DHT, testosterone replacement therapy studies show that no hair loss will be experienced as a direct result. On the rare occasion that this happens you should speak to your doctor.

Hair replacement systems

Professional stylists from trusted hair salon Cochrane & Co, for example, will give you all the advice and support you need with regard to hair replacement systems – a solution for male pattern baldness. Specialising in high-definition hair replacement your individual needs will be paid special attention to, and your desired look will be created to increase self-esteem and boost confidence.