Website Preloader

Testosterone and Hair Loss

Written by Dr. Gary Kawesch

June 3, 2019

i 3 Table Of Content

Balding comes in many forms and can be caused by a number of hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors. Aging males are commonly affected by Androgenic Alopecia, also called male-pattern baldness; which as the name suggests, is caused by androgens or male sex hormones. Approximately 50 million men and 30 million women in the US live with hormone-related baldness.

How Testosterone Affects Hair Growth

Testosterone is responsible for the growth of body and facial hair which is triggered at the start of puberty. As men get older, T sometimes goes through molecular changes in the receptors which can cause balding.

The American Hair Loss Association explains that testosterone converts to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) using the Type II 5-alpha-reductase hormone, which is located in the oil glands of hair follicles. When DHT attaches to the androgen receptors, it can cause physical changes to the hair follicle, shrinking and deteriorating them until hair can no longer grow.

The enzymatic activity of 5-AR on testosterone happens primarily in the gonads and prostate, but new data reports that T is converted to DHT in the hair follicles as well. DHT tends to take over the T receptors since it binds more readily and stays attached for longer.

Scalp hair has three growth phases: anagen (active growth phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (rest phase). For reasons not entirely understood, DHT encourages the hair follicles to stay in the catagen and telogen phases for longer, which stunts hair growth and makes the hair more susceptible to falling out.

Aging and Hair Loss

Hair loss has long been associated with male aging, but it wasn’t until recent years that scientists have confirmed this link. Researchers estimate that half of all men over 50 experience some form of hair loss, mainly male-pattern baldness.

The body’s ability to regenerate cells lessens as we age, this can mean brittle, breakage-prone hair that’s difficult to maintain. Our hair shafts tend to shrink and dry out with age; physical changes to the scalp can also affect hair growth by changing the shape of hair follicles.  A decrease in hormone levels is seen in both men and women as they near middle-age, though this doesn’t always equate hair loss.

Genetics play a huge factor in a person’s susceptibility to androgenic baldness as they age since genes determine how many AR receptors you have and how the AR receptors process hormonal stimuli. Additionally, genetics determine how much total hair your scalp can produce and can differ substantially from person to person.

man with a comb in his hand

Feeling Run-Down?

Take the Low-T Quiz Today

Our men’s clinic can restore your physiology, change your body composition and optimize your health to slow down aging and prevent health complications caused by low testosterone.

Take back your life and become a better you today!

Types of Baldness

Androgenic Alopecia

Also known as male-pattern baldness, Androgenic Alopecia occurs in both sexes and is characterized by a loss of hair on the sides near the temples to create an “M” shape. This condition is caused by high levels of dihydrotestosterone, an androgen (male sex hormone) related to T.

When receptors in the hair follicles are overloaded with dihydrotestosterone, it can cause the life cycle of the hair to shorten and halt hair regrowth. Variations in the AR (androgen receptor) gene may play a factor in how susceptible a person is to male-pattern baldness.

Cicatricial Alopecia

Cicatricial Alopecia is a collective category of types of baldness caused scarring; this can occur as the result of an inflammatory response or an external injury. These disorders involve the destruction of the hair follicle and growth of scar tissue and usually results in permanent hair loss.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is a type of baldness that occurs in circular patches and is caused by an autoimmune response that destroys the hair follicles. This rare condition only affects about 5% of the population and can affect anyone regardless of age and gender. Some forms of Alopecia Areata can cause baldness over the whole scalp or even the whole body.

Involutional Alopecia

Involutional Alopecia is a mild form of baldness caused by hair follicles spending more time in the resting and shedding phases than in the growth phase. This form of baldness is discernible by a thinning of the hair rather than complete baldness like that’s seen with male-pattern baldness or alopecia areata. At this time there is no real cure for Involutional Alopecia, however it’s sometimes possible to slow it’s progression.

How TRT Can Help With Hair Loss

A common myth you may have heard is TRT causes baldness. While it’s true that T’s byproduct DHT can be detrimental to hair growth, there isn’t any scientific evidence that T also has this effect. It’s only when the receptors convert T to DHT that hair growth is negatively affected.

Conversely, TRT has been shown to positively affect hair growth all over the body, including on the head and face. The body responds to TRT similarly to the way it responds T production during puberty, often causing new hair growth and the thickening of pre-existing beard and body hair.

Results from TRT as testosterone treatment vary from person to person, but it’s suggested that you consult with your primary care practitioner before considering hormone replacement therapy. TRT isn’t recommended for people with a history of cancer and heart problems, though it’s generally considered safe for otherwise healthy individuals.

About Renew Vitality

Renew Vitality is a nationwide network of men’s wellness and hormone replacement centers located all over the US. Our centers specialize in hormone therapy offering treatment options like testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and sermorelin therapy — a relatively new treatment for growth hormone deficiencies.

In addition to hormone therapy, each patient is assessed and given an individualized wellness plan to help them maximize the benefits of their treatment.

Our wellness plans outline patient-specific nutritional and exercise needs to boost metabolism and increase the effectiveness of hormone therapy. During the course of treatment, levels are monitored very carefully to ensure the correct dosage of hormones.

Hormone therapy has been shown to improve symptoms of hormone deficiency such as fatigue, weight gain, hot flashes, muscle loss, low libido, and poor concentration.

If you think that hormone therapy might help you, or want more information about how we can help, then please schedule a consultation today.

Need help?

Get the advice of a qualified specialist today

You May Also Like…

Vials of Testosterone Cypionate with the title "FDA Reversal".

FDA Revises Stance on Testosterone Therapy: Implications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reversed course on a crucial health issue involving drug safety, this time, regarding testosterone therapy. Based on the...
Vitality Performance Supplements Methylated B-Complex Vitamin

New Methylated B-Complex from Vitality Performance Supplements

Unlock Your Body’s Energy Potential: The Benefits of the Newly Formulated Vitamin B Complex by Vitality Performance Supplements In the fast-paced world we live in,...
HCG Pregnyl packaging and its benefits to testosterone human chorionic gonadotropin

The Power of HCG Co-Administration with Testosterone

In the world of male hormone optimization, striking a balance between restoring testosterone and maintaining fertility is one of the most nuanced challenges clinicians...

Testimonials

Diego confident

Diego Santelices

Started my TRT journey with Renew about two years ago and I am so glad I did. I was almost 300 lbs and miserable with myself. Even though I was active and workout I...
Wes smiling

Wes Hopkins

I started this journey in January of 2024 with low energy, not sleeping well or for extended periods of time, my joints would hurt from working out and it would take...
Richard Lockhart`s review

Richard Lockhart

I really appreciate the knowledge and expertise of my Patient Coordinator Lyle Frank, with his assistance I was able to see a Doctor who specialized in Men’s Health and...
reviews of patients 3

Kenneth Figueira

I have struggled with my weight my entire life. It didn’t matter how many sports I played or how much I worked out, I still managed to carry extra weight. I have worked...
Eric Ouollette`s review

Eric Ouelette

Renew Vitality Testosterone Replacement Clinic has truly been a game changer for me! Before discovering this clinic, l was feeling perpetually fatigued, lacking the...
Gretchen Smith`s review

Gretchen Smith

Renew Vitality has changed my life. Growing up outdoors and playing sports in South Florida, I was always relatively thin and didn’t have much trouble staying in...
Billy portrait

Billy Crain

I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Omar was and is fantastic to work with. He made me feel like family and never made me feel alone in this process. I’m in...
Matthew Schalmo`s review

Matthew Schallmo

It’s been just 9 weeks, and I’ve gone from 200 lbs down to a solid 168 lbs, getting my cholesterol levels in check too. This method was hands down the easiest, safest,...
Donna workout

Donna Johnson

I am 67 years old and pleased to admit that along with being on therapy with Renew Vitality, I exercise 2x weekly with 1 hour functional training sessions, then 30-45...
review of patients 4

Andy Triggs

I started a Hormone Replacement and Weight Loss Program with Renew Vitality a year ago. Dr. Jacquemin is an expert in both of these fields and fine tuned my program to...

David Lofstrom

This place is amazing. My treatment plan is working better than I had imagined. I am thrilled with the results so far and looking forward to what the future has in...
Eric Ouollette`s review

Eric Ouelette

Renew Vitality Testosterone Replacement Clinic has truly been a game changer for me! Before discovering this clinic, l was feeling perpetually fatigued, lacking the...
Omar thoughtful

Omar Soler

I have had an amazing experience with Renew Vitality. Their personalized approach has truly transformed my health and lifestyle. I went from 225 to 209 pounds and I...
Richard Lockhart`s review

Richard Lockhart

I really appreciate the knowledge and expertise of my Patient Coordinator Lyle Frank, with his assistance I was able to see a Doctor who specialized in Men’s Health and...
Jason warm smile

Jason Smith

In May of 2023 after a softball tournament, I remember thinking, “I shouldn’t be this exhausted after playing softball all weekend long…” I went to my primary care...
Raul smiling

Raul Perez

I began my journey with Renew Vitality a year ago, and the results speak for themselves. Their testosterone therapy has made a significant difference in how I feel,...
Daniel Martinez`s review

Daniel Martinez

First of all, let me say this journey was not easy. It was not immediate. But, without Renew Vitality and Dr. Jacquemin, it would have been impossible. Before TRT and...
Gabriella transformation

Gabriella & Vincent

Gabriella I have been in the gym since I was 13 and always ate healthy and worked out. The Semaglutide was the only thing that worked for me to control my intake of...
Charlie confident

Charlie Fassett

I have been a customer for over a year now and have been extremely satisfied. Omar has always been available to help me with any questions or concerns and provides...
reviews of patients2

Ben Kimmel

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ben Kimmel and I am like anyone else in this world, which means I am a real person. Safe to say that age happens to...
Matthew friendly

Matthew Vanderlugt

I’ve had excellent results with Renew Vitality’s TRT program. My energy and sleep have improved and have led to much better workouts. Josh has been incredibly helpful...
Josh casual

Josh Vanderlugt

Renew Vitality is the best hormone clinic you can find! If you want to accomplish your goals this is the clinic for you. I was able to optimize my energy, sleep,...