Testosterone’s Effect On Hair Loss

Testosterone is a sex hormone that – contrary to common assumption – is found in all genders. In men, which have it in larger amounts, it is produced mostly in the testicles while in women it is produced in the ovaries. It is primarily associated with sex drive and characteristics like muscle mass, body hair, and even the production of red blood cells.

Does Testosterone Cause Hair Loss?

The relationship between testosterone and hair loss is indirect. It only affects hair as the alternate form of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is created by an enzymatic reaction. In puberty, DHT causes hair to grow on the body and promotes increased acne. 

Does Testosterone Grow Back Hair?

Testosterone does stimulate the growth of body hair, but concentrated DHT in the scalp acts in reverse. Instead of promoting growth, DHT impedes it by binding on individual follicles. This alters the growth cycle, causing it to produce finer and finer hair each time – until it ceases to generate new growth completely.

High levels of DHT alone do not mean you will suffer from hair loss. Rather it is the genetic predisposition toward follicles that are sensitive to DHT that is the root cause. 

How Does Testosterone Affect Hair?

Myths abound on the subject, but these are the two most common: 

• Myth: Higher testosterone levels directly equate to increased hair loss.
• Truth: In reality, it is how sensitive the hair follicles are to DHT.
• Myth: Only men are affected by testosterone-related hair loss.
• Truth: Women can also experience androgenetic alopecia, though it shows up as overall hair thinning instead of the telltale M-shaped hair loss men experience. 

Does Balding Mean Low Testosterone?

Going bald does not denote low testosterone, and vice versa. As established above, it is the testosterone byproduct Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that influences hair loss and only if the person is sensitive to DHT. While high or low testosterone can have a variety of physiological effects, neither has any effect on follicle sensitivity. 

Is Hair Loss From Testosterone Reversible?

Hair loss tied to DHT levels may or may not be reversible, but it can be managed through a variety of approaches. A variety of hair loss treatments have proven effective in some cases in fighting DHT-induced hair loss. These methodologies work by reducing either DHT’s effect on the follicles or by impairing DHT production.

What Hormones Cause Hair Loss?

Hair growth, cycle, and density in all genders are determined by a wide variety of physiological factors. For instance, disorders of the endocrine system (such as thyroid issues) can often have an impact on hair loss. Excessive levels of androgens can also impact hair growth and loss. DHT is the primary culprit when it comes to hormonal influence on hair loss and thinning. 

Hair Restoration of Lehigh Valley, Your Ally in the Battle Against Hair Loss

If you suspect DHT-driven hair loss, or for any other reason, contact us for your consultation. Our team has a proven track record of developing bespoke treatment plans to treat a wide array of hair loss and thinning. Hair Restoration of Lehigh Valley can help you regain and regrow the hair you deserve.