Hormonal fluctuations can lead to hair loss or balding in both males and females. The link between testosterone hormone and hair loss cannot be established directly. There are indeed some correlations between the two though.
Hormonal imbalances may cause the shrinkage of hair follicles in some individuals. A derivate of testosterone, known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is typically associated with hair loss.
Men are more likely to experience male pattern baldness (MPB), termed androgenic alopecia. This happens when testosterone gets converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.
This enzyme is specifically associated with male pattern baldness. This blog will make you aware of the impacts of testosterone fluctuations on hair, continue reading.
Testosterone changes and hair loss
Testosterone fluctuation is not a direct cause of hair loss. It’s the conversion of this hormone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that contributes to baldness or thinning of hair. Here is how changes in the levels of testosterone hormone in the body can trigger hair loss:
High testosterone
Individuals with persistently high levels of testosterone are more likely to experience hair loss. In males, the levels of testosterone peak up to very high during puberty. This sudden rise of the hormone might trigger the onset of male pattern baldness in some.
Those with genetically predisposed to hair loss have a higher possibility of baldness after a rise in their testosterone levels. The increase in testosterone does not directly cause balding. It can stimulate the conversion of the hormone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
An increase in DHT levels in turn results in hair follicle miniaturization, eventually contributing to receding hairline and hair loss.
Testosterone decline
With increasing age, testosterone synthesis may gradually decrease. The levels of these hormones slowly decline with age. Even though the testosterone levels keep dropping, the levels of 5-alpha reductase remain stable.
When the testosterone levels decline too much and the ratio of DHT becomes higher in comparison to testosterone, this may worsen hair thinning and hair loss. Those with a genetic predisposition to alopecia will experience excessive hair loss.
Hormonal imbalances
Fluctuations in the testosterone levels can cause hormonal imbalances. The hormonal changes can also happen because of the fluctuation of hormones other than testosterone. This can result from several factors like stress, medicinal side effects, illness, or health conditions.
Hormonal changes might not directly trigger the loss of hair. However, they may influence the hormones that are responsible for promoting hair and follicle health.
Hormonal fluctuations can impact DHT levels too, thereby contributing to the damage to follicle health and loss of hair over time.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
Some individuals undergo testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to restore the levels of testosterone in their body. This therapy is prescribed by healthcare professionals for balancing testosterone levels and lowering the risk of complications.
TRT has multiple benefits, including improved energy levels and stamina, increased sex drive or libido, growth of muscle mass, and so forth. However, the therapy might also potentially accelerate hair loss in some individuals.
TRT may lead to hair loss in those who are genetically predisposed to androgenic alopecia. This happens due to increased levels of testosterone available for conversion to DHT.
Talk to an expert
Testosterone and hair loss are not directly linked. The relationship between these two is quite complex though. Hair loss can be influenced by several factors like genetics, hormone levels, and individual sensitivity to DHT.
Not every individual with high testosterone levels needs to experience hair loss. However, some individuals are comparatively more prone to experience severe hair loss because of testosterone changes.
In case your hairline is receding or are experiencing unusual hair loss then you should talk to a healthcare professional or dermatologist. Discuss your concerns with them. They will examine your condition and do the necessary evaluations by suggesting several tests.
Based on the test reports and several factors such as severity, age, gender, medical conditions, medicines, etc. they will recommend an appropriate treatment. The treatment will be tailored according to your needs.
Effective ways to balance testosterone levels naturally
It is essential to have healthy levels of testosterone in the body. When testosterone levels are well-balanced, it improves your overall health and well-being.
Here are several changes that you need to cultivate in your lifestyle, that will promote balanced testosterone levels:
Regular exercise
Incorporate aerobic exercises and strength training practices into your exercise routine to balance testosterone levels.
Maintain a healthy weight
Manage weight with a healthy diet and regular physical activity to prevent hormonal imbalances happening because of excessive weight gain.
Eat a well-balanced diet
A diet with high nutritional value will help balance the hormonal fluctuations and remain healthy.
Get adequate sleep
Lack of sleep causes hormonal imbalances, thereby increasing the health risk. A high-quality sleep, around 7 to 9 hours per night, will ensure you have healthy levels of testosterone in your body.
Manage stress
Chronic stress releases cortisol hormone, which disrupts testosterone production, so, to prevent this from happening, learn some techniques to manage your stress.
Limit or give up alcohol
Since excessive consumption of Alcohol impairs testosterone production, limiting its intake will prevent this from happening.
Quit smoking
Smoking triggers testosterone decline in the body. This is why, you need to give up your smoking habits.
Seek treatment
Getting timely treatment for your health conditions will lower the risk of health conditions due to hormonal changes.
