United States: Many men suffer from MALE PATTERN BALDNESS, sometimes referred to as androgenic alopecia. Specific research suggests males undergoing testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) are more susceptible to hair loss.
Urologist Dr. Rena Malik explains the scientific relationship between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and male hair loss in a recent video posted on her YouTube channel, according to reports.
She states that various problems and contributing factors, such as stress, poor diet, some drugs, and grooming practices like pulling long hair back into particularly tight buns, can cause hair loss.
Genetics also play a significant part in this, so finding out if your parents have ever had hair loss will give you a decent idea of whether you will eventually develop baldness or thinning hair.
What effects does testosterone have on hair?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is produced daily by a man’s body from 6 to 8 percent of the testosterone he produces, plays a variety of vital roles in the development of secondary sexual traits in young men, including pubic and body hair.
“As you age, sometimes that DHT can contribute to other issues like having an enlarged prostate or hair loss,” Malik explains.
DHT can attach to hair follicles, weakening them over time, but this doesn’t guarantee hair loss.
She continues: “It’s probably that in men who are predisposed, who have a genetic abnormality that makes them more likely to have hair loss when they get that increase in DHT, they’re more likely to see that male pattern hair loss when they may not have without it,” as per reports.
Nevertheless, 5 to 17 percent of transgender males who are utilizing TRT as a component of their medical transition were reported to experience minor hair loss within the first year of treatment.
Of those who did get alopecia, the majority of instances were minor, according to another small study.
“Could testosterone replacement speed up male pattern hair loss? Absolutely. But likely it’s because you’re already genetically predisposed to getting hair loss,” says Malik.
“Ultimately, there are a whole host of benefits to testosterone… so if hair loss is a big concern for you, it’s important to know that yes, it may speed up your hair loss, and maybe 1 in 5 or less will develop some hair loss when starting testosterone,” she added.
Regardless of whether you’re on testosterone, Malik advises seeing a dermatologist if you’re experiencing hair loss. They can help you determine any underlying medical issues and provide treatment.