I would like to tackle a hot topic that's has been one of the most searched questions when it comes to increasing testosterone – either through testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or naturally with testosterone supplement boosters.
Is hair loss a side affect of increased testosterone?
It's time to dive deep into this subject, unravel some myths, and get to the heart of the matter.
Testosterone and Hair Loss - What's the Connection?
Here's the deal: Testosterone itself isn't the direct culprit for hair loss. The main player here is a derivative of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When your body has excess testosterone, it can convert some of it into DHT through an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. Testosterone, which circulates in the bloodstream, comes into contact with this enzyme in various tissues, including the skin, liver, and in the hair follicles themselves.
How DHT Affects Hair Follicles:
DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles, particularly those on the scalp. If you're genetically predisposed to hair loss, these follicles can be overly sensitive to DHT. This sensitivity leads to a process known as "miniaturization" of the hair follicles. What does this mean? Well, over time, the hair follicles shrink, leading to thinner, weaker hairs. Eventually, these hairs stop growing altogether, resulting in hair thinning or balding.
Why It Doesn't Affect Everyone:
Not everyone experiences hair loss due to DHT. It largely depends on your genetic sensitivity to this hormone. So, even with high levels of DHT, some men can maintain a full head of hair throughout their lives. So, when it comes to hair loss, genetics play a starring role. The primary type of hair loss linked to testosterone levels is androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness.
Does Increasing Testosterone also Increase Hair Loss?
The answer is it can. Increasing your testosterone, either with TRT or naturally with boosters, will increase the amount of testosterone that can be converted into DHT. For those with a genetic predisposition to hair loss, this can accelerate or exacerbate the issue. However, without the genetic sensitivity to DHT, increased testosterone might not have any noticeable effect on your hair.
Balancing Testosterone Levels and Hair Health: What Are Your Options?
Maintaining healthy testosterone levels is critical for overall well-being. It is not just about superficial benefits such as building muscle and losing fat (although these are bonuses) but is critical to overall health. Low testosterone has even been linked to increase risk of death. But at the same time, you're concerned about the risk of hair loss. It's a common dilemma, but don't worry, you're not alone in this. There are ways to manage this balancing act. Let's explore some effective solutions for hair loss, including both well-known and alternative options.
Conventional Solutions for Hair Loss (often paired together)
Minoxidil (e.g. Rogaine):
Minoxidil is probably one of the most well-known treatment for hair loss and applied directly to the scalp. Doctor’s are not entirely clear how it promotes hair growth, but it's thought to widen blood vessels and increase blood flow to hair follicles. There are side affects such as skin irritation, itching, or redness at the application site, to more drastic issues such as heart issues, dizziness, chest pain and weight gain.
What has always prevented me from trying this solution – once you’re on it, you need to stay on it AND you typically shed hair initially when you first start. PLUS doesn’t address the underlying DHT issue – so it feels like you’re just bailing out a boat with holes in it.
Finasteride (Propecia):
Finasteride is an oral medication that does tackle the underlying DHT issue as it reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT by inhibiting the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. However, it can directly impacts your hormones leading to decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual side effects in a small percentage of men. And to top it off, in 2008 a safety investigation in Sweden found that these impacts maybe irreversible. For me, my hair is not as important as the potential losing all sexual function and libido.
Alternative Natural Solutions
There have been a lot of success stories about natural solutions out there. Many people maybe familiar with videos that circulate about Actor Matthew McConaughey talking about his reversal of hair loss – but not a lot of info exactly on which product he used, as there have been a lot of scams on this as well.
But there are 2 products that I am personally familiar with based on both my own use and people I know who have had great success, both men and women. Both are revolved around reducing sensitivity of DHT and improving individual follicles to begin growing thicker hair – both without the negative side affects.
MONAT IR Clinical™ System
This doesn’t come across as the most ‘manly’ product out there – but is one that my wife introduced to me. I have also had many people recommend after having had amazing results. The reality is, DHT hair loss impacts females in the same way, particularly when women start hitting menopause and hormones go out of whack. So if you can get past branding, men can benefit from these products too. My wife and I have both used this product for months, and can speak directly to the results.
This product specifically focuses on preventing loss, or hair fall, through conditioning the scalp and hair follicles. It acts in a similar way to Minoxidil to promote healthier hair, but one set-back, it does does not address the underlying DHT production issue.
(Disclaimer: this links to the person I purchase through directly here in Canada. I am not affiliated and do not earn commission, but she would earn a commission with any purchase)
Profollica™ Hair Recovery System for Men
One of the most standout products in the hair regrowth industry for men is called Profollica. This is an all natural, non-prescription 2-Step system that is designed specifically for men that works to (1) Block DHT formation and (2) Reactive dormant follicles to actually regrow hair new hair. So it tackles both issues all in 1 solution using natural ingredients with no side effects.
They also have a published clinical trial with proven efficacy after 4 months right on their website that you can read here (link to the clinical trial is at the bottom of the page).
Profollica comes with a money back guarantee so you can try it Risk Free
Conclusion:
Low testosterone is a real issue in men that include significant physical, sexual and psychological effect. Chronic low testosterone can also be associated with severe health issues like cardiovascular problems and metabolic syndromes. While hair loss is primarily a cosmetic issue, it can impact self-esteem and social perception, so also can’t be ignored. As a 47 year old male, I feel both can significantly impact quality of life, and both can be addressed with medical intervention and lifestyle adjustments so I will continue to work towards a balance as I age.
Affiliate Disclaimer: I may earn a small commission if you clicks links and make a purchase. But I always keep it real and only recommend products or services I truly believe in and purchase for myself.
ความคิดเห็น