Testosterone and Its Role In Hair Loss

Testosterone is the most common and prominent androgen, or male sex hormone1. Testosterone comes in many forms, and much like any hormone, overall health depends on a gentle balance. Too much of any single hormone can contribute to a variety of problems.

Many of the problems that come from testosterone are caused by its alternate form: DHT [1]. Testosterone gets converted into dihydrotestosterone via an enzyme. DHT is considerably more potent than testosterone, and it more often acts on the skin. It can contribute to acne on the face, and it can also act on hair follicles. For hair follicles on the body, DHT actually adds body hair, but on the scalp, high DHT levels can do the opposite, resulting in what we classically know as male pattern baldness.

High levels of DHT can also contribute to problems with prostate1. DHT stimulates the growth of prostate cells. While you need this during puberty and adolescence, the growth of prostate cells in adult men can result in benign prostatic hyperplasia, or an enlarged prostate. In extreme cases, this can potentially result in prostate cancer.

Learn more: Ways to Increase Testosterone Naturally

In reality, male pattern baldness. is caused by a shrinking of hair follicles. Based on the hair’s natural hair cycle, it’s normal for hair to grow, fall out, and then get replaced with new strands. When hair follicles shrink, hair still falls out, but there aren’t any new strands to replace it.

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Male pattern baldness typically starts with a receding hairline, known as "front baldness." At the same time, hair loss from the top of the head can occur. Over time, the two balding areas meet, forming a “U” of hair around the sides and back of the head.

Not necessarily. The relationship between testosterone and male pattern hair loss is complex. Only a small percentage of testosterone gets converted to DHT, and if you have high DHT levels, you may have more severe health issues that need to be addressed.

The fact is, male pattern hair loss has been observed with both high and low testosterone levels. There are also plenty of men with high testosterone levels who do not go bald or experience hair thinning. The main culprit here may be genetics. Genes may dictate how sensitive hair follicles are to DHT, which may determine propensity for potential hair loss.

While converted forms of testosterone contribute to male pattern baldness, hair loss and high testosterone levels don’t really have much of a link. However, high testosterone and DHT levels can lead to other health issues. If you think that you have high testosterone, consult your healthcare provider or use the Everlywell at-home Testosterone Test kit to determine testosterone levels. If you’re worried about hair thinning or hair loss, it’s worth talking to your healthcare provider and/or your loved ones about that, too.

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