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It is estimated that a whopping 20 – 50% of all men will face balding or hair loss before they’re 50 years old. I am one of them.
Now, while women tend to lose hair as well, hair thinning tends to be a male feature – hence the term male pattern baldness.
But why does that happen? Is it because of Testosterone, and if so, what will happen if I take Testosterone replacement therapy? Will my TRT stop my hair growth and actually cause hair loss?!
Fear not, friend, for I will look into the valley of baldness, and fear no evil.
(Basically, I did some research on the subject, keep reading, and I’ll teach you how to save your hair).
Key Takeaways
Testosterone and Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness refers to men losing hair in certain parts of their head and typically starts with hair thinning and a widow’s peak.
Immediately you might think that Testosterone levels are to blame – but which ones? Free Testosterone? DHT? Bioavailable Testosterone?
It’s technically all of them. While Testosterone might not play a huge role in actual hair growth, it seems to play a pretty big role in hair loss.
Figure 1: As you can see, it can be either Testosterone or DHT that leads to hair loss
When looking at scalp hair, we have to look at hair follicles. These are at the base of the hair itself, and will by and large determine hair health, length, and thickness.
If hair follicles are damaged or hurt in some way, it will adversely affect your hair growth cycle. Hair regrowth will be harder, and the hair strands themselves will be kinda sh*tty.
One way these follicles are damaged is by Androgenic Alopecia, which stems from dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – which in turn comes from Testosterone. Testosterone will convert into DHT via the 5-Alpha Reductase.
Hair Follicles and DHT
So, how does DHT cause male pattern hair loss? How does DHT even hurt hair follicles?!
DHT = hair follicles shrink
As simple as that [1]. DHT is very important to men, however, while some are necessary, too much is pretty bad. See, DHT not only causes hair loss but can also cause problems with your prostate, such as prostate cancer [2].
Your most natural reaction is probably to pop DHT blockers, right? Well, before you go ahead and do that, DHT plays a big role for men [3, 4, 5] :
As you can see, using a DHT blocker might not be the best thing, however, using some DHT blockers might work, as we can keep healthy hair and avoid health issues.
How to Combat Hair Loss?
Now that we know how hair loss works and how Testosterone levels can increase this, what can we do to somehow remedy the situation?
Well, as mentioned, some DHT blockers such as Finasteride are effective at managing Androgenetic alopecia. Male hair loss specifically is very well managed by Finas.
That said, we can also look at other methods. Minoxidil is also a great option to try and stimulate hair growth. Treating hair loss with over-the-counter supplements like Saw Palmetto could help as well, but your best bet is actually working with a healthcare provider and getting some prescription medication. More on this later.
You have to realize that hair loss can also just be genetic and some men begin experiencing thinning hair by a very young age. External factors that can worsen hair loss are:
How to increase Hair Growth?
Right, so now we know how to combat hair loss, but how do we get it growing again?! Well, the easiest method of “regrowing” hair is a hair transplant. Is that cheating, I feel like that is cheating.
There are other methods to try and increase hair growth again like Peptides and Hormone Treatments, Minoxidil, derma rollers (to increase blood flow), and correcting hormonal imbalances.
The hair cycle takes a long time to complete, and thus even when using all of the right products, hair growth might take its sweet time to take place.
TRT and Hair Loss
Many men will suffer from low Testosterone at some point in their life, seeing as Test levels drop as we age [6]. You might think that lower Testosterone levels would lead to a decrease in Androgenic Alopecia, however, low Testosterone levels have also been linked to male pattern baldness [7].
Many men will opt for TRT or Testosterone Replacement Therapy to alleviate some of the symptoms of low Testosterone. This means they simply reintroduce Testosterone from an Exogenous source with the help of medical associations.
Testosterone supplements don’t really work for this, and you would need to get Testosterone injections. Would these be a cause of hair loss?
They can be, however, if you are working with professional medical advice, you’ll most likely be prescribed something to correct a hormonal imbalance, and potentially even reverse male pattern baldness.
This is why it is important to work with a medical professional to ensure your hormones remain in the normal range.
How to Prevent Hair Loss while taking Testosterone?
There are a few things you could look at, such as a DHT blocker, Peptides, and just taking less Testosterone. If you find your free Testosterone levels remaining low, you might want to check your sex hormone binding globulin – as this can lower free Test levels dramatically.
Hair Loss Prevention Methods
In a world where Testosterone exists and hair loss in men is prevalent, there has been a ton of money poured into finding a way to cure hair loss. Thus, there are plenty of methods we can look at to combat hair loss.
Hair Loss Peptides
Peptides are simply Amino Acids that are bound with Peptide bonds. These may seem quite scary but in reality, they are very safe and effective.
There are plenty of Peptides that can help with hair loss, such as HGH, Copper Peptides, BPC-157, and IGF-1. These can be found as hair loss treatments at HRT clinics.
Hair Loss Clinics
There are plenty of clinics that can help you fight any hormonal imbalance and hair loss. The best we came across would have to be Evolve HRT Telemed. Based in the States, this online clinic not only helps with hair loss but with various other health complications as well.
Figure 3: HRT clinics such as Evolve would be able to help you with Hair Loss using various treatments
They have Peptides to treat hair loss caused by hormones, as well as hair loss shampoos and other products for common hair issues.
Hair Loss Supplements
Certain supplements have claimed to be good for combating hair loss, however, only a few really work. Something like Saw Palmento could help lower DHT, but other than that, your only good investment would be in a derma roller.
Conclusion: Does Testosterone cause Hair Loss?
There is no getting around the fact that Testosterone levels definitely lead to hair loss, whether that be high or low levels.
Hair loss in men is primarily caused by DHT, and while low testosterone levels can have other effects on the body like decreased bone mass, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and so many more, hair loss can also occur.
If your Testosterone levels are not balanced, too high, or too high, hair follicles can suffer and you will stand to develop male pattern baldness.
Can testosterone increase hair growth?
Body hair growth, yes. It is unlikely that Testosterone would cause more hair growth on the head. However, something like IGF-1 could increase hair growth.
Does balding mean low testosterone?
No, it might mean high DHT levels. Low testosterone might cause hair loss, but it is not the only cause nor is hair loss the only effect of low test levels.
How can I tell if my testosterone is low?
You might experience thinning hair, libido loss, muscle mass loss, bone mass loss, fat gain, and a poor emotional environment.
Does masturbating reduce testosterone?
Acutely, yes. Long-term, not really.
Click here to view the article.
Now, while women tend to lose hair as well, hair thinning tends to be a male feature – hence the term male pattern baldness.
But why does that happen? Is it because of Testosterone, and if so, what will happen if I take Testosterone replacement therapy? Will my TRT stop my hair growth and actually cause hair loss?!
Fear not, friend, for I will look into the valley of baldness, and fear no evil.
(Basically, I did some research on the subject, keep reading, and I’ll teach you how to save your hair).
Key Takeaways
- Both low and high testosterone can lead to hair loss
- The biggest reason men lose hair is because of high DHT levels
- There are various methods to combat hair loss from Testosterone, such as Peptides and DHT blockers
Testosterone and Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness refers to men losing hair in certain parts of their head and typically starts with hair thinning and a widow’s peak.
Immediately you might think that Testosterone levels are to blame – but which ones? Free Testosterone? DHT? Bioavailable Testosterone?
It’s technically all of them. While Testosterone might not play a huge role in actual hair growth, it seems to play a pretty big role in hair loss.
When looking at scalp hair, we have to look at hair follicles. These are at the base of the hair itself, and will by and large determine hair health, length, and thickness.
If hair follicles are damaged or hurt in some way, it will adversely affect your hair growth cycle. Hair regrowth will be harder, and the hair strands themselves will be kinda sh*tty.
One way these follicles are damaged is by Androgenic Alopecia, which stems from dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – which in turn comes from Testosterone. Testosterone will convert into DHT via the 5-Alpha Reductase.
Hair Follicles and DHT
So, how does DHT cause male pattern hair loss? How does DHT even hurt hair follicles?!
DHT = hair follicles shrink
As simple as that [1]. DHT is very important to men, however, while some are necessary, too much is pretty bad. See, DHT not only causes hair loss but can also cause problems with your prostate, such as prostate cancer [2].
Your most natural reaction is probably to pop DHT blockers, right? Well, before you go ahead and do that, DHT plays a big role for men [3, 4, 5] :
- Can help with controlling blood flow, blood sugar, and therefore weight gain
- Important for a healthy memory
- Important for sexual function and combats erectile dysfunction
- Can help increase muscle mass and strength?
- DHT levels have also been linked to heart health
As you can see, using a DHT blocker might not be the best thing, however, using some DHT blockers might work, as we can keep healthy hair and avoid health issues.
How to Combat Hair Loss?
Now that we know how hair loss works and how Testosterone levels can increase this, what can we do to somehow remedy the situation?
Well, as mentioned, some DHT blockers such as Finasteride are effective at managing Androgenetic alopecia. Male hair loss specifically is very well managed by Finas.
That said, we can also look at other methods. Minoxidil is also a great option to try and stimulate hair growth. Treating hair loss with over-the-counter supplements like Saw Palmetto could help as well, but your best bet is actually working with a healthcare provider and getting some prescription medication. More on this later.
You have to realize that hair loss can also just be genetic and some men begin experiencing thinning hair by a very young age. External factors that can worsen hair loss are:
- Anabolic steroids
- Excessive stress
- Unhealthy lifestyle
- Using inaccurate hormone therapy
- Damaging your hair
How to increase Hair Growth?
Right, so now we know how to combat hair loss, but how do we get it growing again?! Well, the easiest method of “regrowing” hair is a hair transplant. Is that cheating, I feel like that is cheating.
There are other methods to try and increase hair growth again like Peptides and Hormone Treatments, Minoxidil, derma rollers (to increase blood flow), and correcting hormonal imbalances.
The hair cycle takes a long time to complete, and thus even when using all of the right products, hair growth might take its sweet time to take place.
TRT and Hair Loss
Many men will suffer from low Testosterone at some point in their life, seeing as Test levels drop as we age [6]. You might think that lower Testosterone levels would lead to a decrease in Androgenic Alopecia, however, low Testosterone levels have also been linked to male pattern baldness [7].
Many men will opt for TRT or Testosterone Replacement Therapy to alleviate some of the symptoms of low Testosterone. This means they simply reintroduce Testosterone from an Exogenous source with the help of medical associations.
Testosterone supplements don’t really work for this, and you would need to get Testosterone injections. Would these be a cause of hair loss?
They can be, however, if you are working with professional medical advice, you’ll most likely be prescribed something to correct a hormonal imbalance, and potentially even reverse male pattern baldness.
This is why it is important to work with a medical professional to ensure your hormones remain in the normal range.
How to Prevent Hair Loss while taking Testosterone?
There are a few things you could look at, such as a DHT blocker, Peptides, and just taking less Testosterone. If you find your free Testosterone levels remaining low, you might want to check your sex hormone binding globulin – as this can lower free Test levels dramatically.
Hair Loss Prevention Methods
In a world where Testosterone exists and hair loss in men is prevalent, there has been a ton of money poured into finding a way to cure hair loss. Thus, there are plenty of methods we can look at to combat hair loss.
Hair Loss Peptides
Peptides are simply Amino Acids that are bound with Peptide bonds. These may seem quite scary but in reality, they are very safe and effective.
There are plenty of Peptides that can help with hair loss, such as HGH, Copper Peptides, BPC-157, and IGF-1. These can be found as hair loss treatments at HRT clinics.
Hair Loss Clinics
There are plenty of clinics that can help you fight any hormonal imbalance and hair loss. The best we came across would have to be Evolve HRT Telemed. Based in the States, this online clinic not only helps with hair loss but with various other health complications as well.
They have Peptides to treat hair loss caused by hormones, as well as hair loss shampoos and other products for common hair issues.
Hair Loss Supplements
Certain supplements have claimed to be good for combating hair loss, however, only a few really work. Something like Saw Palmento could help lower DHT, but other than that, your only good investment would be in a derma roller.
Conclusion: Does Testosterone cause Hair Loss?
There is no getting around the fact that Testosterone levels definitely lead to hair loss, whether that be high or low levels.
Hair loss in men is primarily caused by DHT, and while low testosterone levels can have other effects on the body like decreased bone mass, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and so many more, hair loss can also occur.
If your Testosterone levels are not balanced, too high, or too high, hair follicles can suffer and you will stand to develop male pattern baldness.
Can testosterone increase hair growth?
Body hair growth, yes. It is unlikely that Testosterone would cause more hair growth on the head. However, something like IGF-1 could increase hair growth.
Does balding mean low testosterone?
No, it might mean high DHT levels. Low testosterone might cause hair loss, but it is not the only cause nor is hair loss the only effect of low test levels.
How can I tell if my testosterone is low?
You might experience thinning hair, libido loss, muscle mass loss, bone mass loss, fat gain, and a poor emotional environment.
Does masturbating reduce testosterone?
Acutely, yes. Long-term, not really.
Click here to view the article.
