As we age, testosterone (T) production in the body decreases, often causing symptoms such as hair loss. Does that mean that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) will help with hair loss?
The short answer is yes, but it isn't quite that simple.
In fact, just like low T, high levels of testosterone can result in hair loss. Like the others in our bodies, this essential hormone requires a balance that becomes more difficult for our bodies to maintain as we age.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Before getting into the details of testosterone and hair loss, we must first briefly explain what male pattern baldness is and the main factors that cause it. These include stress, dietary problems, fever-inducing illnesses, infections, and the use of certain types of medications, such as chemotherapy.
Certain hairstyles can also cause hair loss by pulling on the hair follicles, causing a condition called traction alopecia.
Most of these problems cause temporary hair loss. If dietary issues or a stressful work environment are taking a toll on your hair, it can usually grow back once you address the underlying problem. The common form is androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness.
While testosterone itself does not cause hair loss, using testosterone — whether via injection or any other administration — can accelerate conditions such as male pattern baldness. That is because the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase converts a small percentage of the testosterone circulating in our bodies into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
If you are typically prone to hair loss, DHT may attach to receptors on your scalp and cause follicular miniaturization, gradually shrinking hair follicles. It affects the hair growth cycle and can eventually prevent the follicles from producing new hair.
Important Facts About Testosterone and Hair Loss
An imbalance of testosterone - either too high or too low - will cause hair loss. Finding the correct balance of all your body's essential hormones is key to health and overall well-being. Before you and your healthcare provider discuss whether TRT is right for you, consider these vital facts about testosterone and hair loss.
Risks of Low T
If you have been diagnosed with low T, your telehealth provider may prescribe testosterone therapy to help bring your testosterone levels back into the normal range. For healthy individuals, normal testosterone levels range from 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter of blood (ng/dL) in men and 8 to 60 ng/dL in women.
Taking testosterone therapy helps to reduce your risks symptoms of low T. These symptoms include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Sexual dysfunction and/or ED
- Low libido
- Reduced muscle mass
- Difficulty sleeping/insomnia
- Increase in body fat
- Reduction of hair growth
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression and other mental health issues
Furthermore, research indicates that testosterone keeps bones strong and healthy. It also increases energy levels and maintains moods. Testosterone also lowers the risk of anemia and other blood-related illnesses and diseases.
Forms of Administration
While testosterone is often administered via injection, your provider can prescribe it to you as a gel, pill, patch, or implant. Your doctor will determine the best form of exogenous testosterone therapy based on your needs and desired outcomes.
Talk to a PeakPerforMax Professional about TRT and Regaining Some of Your Lost Hair
While TRT does not treat hair loss and there is no therapeutic effect for regaining your lost hair, testosterone therapy may help reduce hair loss caused by low T. At PeakPerforMax, your telehealth provider will work with you to help balance your hormones and stop unwanted hair loss.
