Understanding The Link Between Male Pattern Hair Loss And Hormones
Men typically lose 50 to 100 hairs every day. This is normal because new hairs grow as old ones fall out.
But sometimes, men lose more hair than they grow, leading to thin patches on the scalp. Studies show that over 85% of men experience hair loss at some point. This often happens due to male pattern hair loss caused by genetic and hormonal factors.
In this article, we will explain male-pattern hair loss in detail, discuss how it's related to hormonal changes, and how you can improve the condition.
Do You Have the Features of Testosterone Deficiency?
The Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (ADAM) questionnaire is an easy way to answer questions about your sexual health, which can help to see if you need your testosterone level checked.
It is an internationally accredited assessment tool which is often used by doctors when making the assessment and diagnosis of Testosterone Deficiency. A positive result does not necessarily mean that you have a low testosterone level or require treatment, but can be a helpful guide when discussing your symptoms with your doctor.
ADAM Questionnaire
Please answer the questions below.
Male Pattern Hair Loss
Male-pattern hair loss is the most common type and can start early. While it usually begins in men in their 50s, it can also happen in the late teens or early twenties.
At first, you might not notice much hair loss. Your hair will start to become thin, weak, and brittle. You may initially lose hair at your temples, causing your hairline to form an M or U shape. Then, hair loss will occur at the top of your head.
Eventually, you might lose most of your hair, leaving only a band of hair around the sides of your head.
Leading Causes Of Male Baldness
Male pattern baldness usually happens for three main reasons.
Genetics: Hair loss may be passed down from your parents. Individuals have two sex chromosomes, X and Y. Men have the XY combination, whereas women have XX. Men inherit the X chromosome from their mothers and the Y chromosome from their fathers. Certain men may inherit the 'AR gene' on the X chromosome. Research indicates that men carrying this gene are more prone to experiencing male pattern hair loss compared to those who do not have it.
Hormonal Imbalance: Changes in hormones can also cause hair loss. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone are male hormones that help men go through puberty and improve sexual function. Experts think that having too much or too little of these hormones can increase the risk of hair loss.
Age: As men age, their hair grows more slowly, and hair strands become thinner and smaller. About 25% of men start noticing hair loss before they turn 20.
How Do Hormones Cause Hair Loss?
As mentioned earlier, too much or too little testosterone and DHT can cause hair loss in some men. Let's see how this happens.
Low Testosterone Levels
As men age, they produce less testosterone, a hormone that controls many body processes. Men with low testosterone can have more bone fractures, gain weight, and have other health problems. Their hair also suffers because they don't have enough testosterone for average hair growth.
One way to fix low testosterone is with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). In TRT, doctors give extra testosterone to raise the hormone levels in the body. They can do this through injections, creams, gels, or patches.
This treatment can help reverse the symptoms of low testosterone. It can strengthen bones, increase muscle mass, and reduce hair loss if the hair loss is due to low testosterone and not genetic factors.
High Testosterone levels
High testosterone levels can also cause male pattern hair loss. DHT is a hormone that helps boys develop secondary sex characteristics, but it doesn't do much for adults.
The enzyme 5-alpha reductase changes testosterone into DHT throughout a man's life. Small amounts of DHT usually don't cause problems, but large amounts can shrink hair follicles by attaching to specific receptors. This disrupts the normal hair growth cycle and stops hair from growing, making it thin and fall out.
Men with hair loss from high DHT levels often use DHT blockers or inhibitors. DHT blockers prevent DHT from attaching to the receptors, and DHT inhibitors reduce the amount of DHT the body makes.
Some people have normal DHT levels but lose hair because they are genetically more sensitive to DHT. Even small amounts of DHT can affect their hair follicles.
How To Diagnose Hair Loss Caused By Low T
If you're losing more hair than usual, you should see a doctor and talk about it before it gets worse. Your doctor will first check your scalp to diagnose the hair loss. If hair loss is confirmed, they will run different tests to determine why.
If you think low testosterone (low T) is causing your hair loss, tell your doctor. They will look for other signs of low T and may do a serum testosterone test.
In the morning, your blood sample will be taken for this test when testosterone levels are at their peak. The test measures free and total testosterone levels. Free testosterone is the form that is available to cells, while total testosterone includes both free and protein-bound testosterone.
You are considered testosterone deficient if your levels are below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
If you're a good candidate, your doctor might recommend testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Once you start TRT, you'll need to return for follow-up sessions. During these visits, your doctor will check your testosterone levels and see how they affect your body. They will adjust your dose if your levels are too high or too low.
How Can I Keep My Hair And Testosterone Levels Healthy?
Here are some tips to help you maintain your hair growth and testosterone levels.
Nutrition-rich Diet
Your hair is made of a protein called keratin, so you should eat protein-rich foods like eggs, lean meats, and beans. Vitamins D and C, as well as iron, are also essential for healthy hair growth.
Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to keep your testosterone levels normal. Try to drink less alcohol because it can affect your testosterone levels.
Stress Management
High stress can lead to hair loss and lower testosterone levels. To reduce stress, you should include meditation, yoga, and other stress-relief exercises and avoid stress-causing activities.
Hair Care
The hair products you use can affect how your hair looks and grows. Always check the ingredients before buying or using them on your hair.
Treat your hair gently. Avoid washing them with hot water, and rub them gently when towel-drying.
Does TRT Contribute To Hair Loss?
There is no scientific proof that TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) causes hair loss. However, some people may lose more hair after starting TRT. This could be because they are genetically more likely to lose hair or have a rare side effect of the treatment.
How Can You Manage Hair Loss Caused By TRT?
TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) has many benefits, but it can also have side effects. You should immediately talk to your doctor if you notice any side effects.
If you think TRT is causing your hair loss, visit your doctor to discuss it. They will determine if TRT is the cause. If it is, they might adjust your dose or give you medication to help with hair growth.
Conclusion
Male-pattern hair loss is common in older men, but teens can also have it. It can happen because of genetics or hormonal changes.
See your doctor if you've recently started losing more hair than usual. They can determine what's causing it and begin treatment before it worsens.
If your baldness is due to testosterone deficiency and you're considering testosterone replacement therapy, we can help. Our experts will guide you through the process and provide the support you need for effective treatment.
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