A Urologist Explains Link Between TRT and Male Pattern Baldness

Many misconceptions surround the relationship between baldness and testosterone levels, leading to widespread myths about bald men. Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a widespread condition causing hair loss on the scalp’s crown and top regions. Depending on the cause of their hair loss, they may also be referred to experts like a dermatologist, a trichologist, or an endocrinologist for treatment.

Hormone therapy can contribute to hair loss in some individuals, particularly those genetically predisposed, but it’s not a guaranteed side effect. But if levels are too high or low, they can cause certain issues like underdeveloped external genitalia, prostate enlargement and hair loss. As your body converts testosterone to DHT, if you have low levels of testosterone, you’ll have lower-than-normal levels of DHT as well. Because their body still makes testosterone, they still experience voice deepening, muscle mass increase and penis enlargement. During puberty, children who are genetically male with 5-alpha reductase deficiency experience a lack of facial hair growth.

Normal levels of testosterone may be achievable with hormone therapy and lifestyle adjustments. While there’s a clinical reference on “healthy” levels of testosterone, there’s no established information on the optimal range to diagnose abnormal levels in women. It’s okay for testosterone levels to fluctuate for women in different stages of life.

Additionally, many studies fail to specify the type of hair loss experienced, whether it be AGA, telogen effluvium, or other forms of alopecia. Determining the prevalence or incidence of hair loss among AAS users presents several challenges (Table 1). These findings underscore the need for additional studies to ascertain the true magnitude of hair‐related side effects among AAS users. For example, a study reported a case of a man in his thirties who developed AGA one year after starting supplementation with human chorionic gonadotropin for weight loss, followed by testosterone hormone pellet implantation.25 Despite these interventions, the patient did not experience any weight loss from dietary changes. Prior reports and studies have documented the potential for hair‐related side effects from AAS use. The serum levels of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were measured, and no significant statistical differences were found between the two groups. These include a lean and muscular physique characterized by a fat‐free mass index greater than 26 kg/m2 and body fat less than 10%.

One treatment available for many of these problems is spironolactone, a special type of diuretic (water pill) that blocks the action of male sex hormones. It’s one of several androgens (male sex hormones) in females. In contrast, Almohammadi et al. conducted a cross‐sectional survey of males in Saudi Arabia engaged in resistance training using a self‐administered questionnaire.28 Of the 120 participants, 20% reported using hormonal supplements, and 2 participants (1.67%) experienced increased hair growth, although the specific location of the hair increase was not specified. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the topic, specifically those that contributed to understanding the relationship between testosterone use, AGA, and the hair‐related side effects of anabolic‐androgenic steroid (AAS) use in athletes. We aim to explore the multifaceted relationship between testosterone use and hair health among males, hoping to contribute to the development of evidence‐based guidelines for safe and responsible testosterone use, safeguarding individuals’ health and well‐being while optimizing their physical performance and appearance.

Women with high testosterone levels, due to either disease or drug use, may experience a decrease in breast size and deepening of the voice, in addition to many of the problems men may have. Part of this may be due to the difficulty defining “normal” testosterone levels and “normal” behavior. These hormones are thought to have important effects on When testosterone levels rise too high, the brain sends signals to the pituitary to reduce production. Comprehensive studies are essential to delineate better the multifaceted interplay between testosterone supplementation and hair health. Existing research predominantly relies on self‐reported data from participants, introducing biases and limitations in understanding the true scope and impact of buy testosterone pills use on hair health.

Aside from medical treatment, there are lifestyle changes women can make to help lower their testosterone levels. Certain hormone therapies, such as bioidentical hormone therapy, are sometimes marketed as having fewer side effects, including hair loss. A case–control study involving 315 male subjects categorized participants into groups of no hair loss, frontal baldness, pin-it.space and vertex baldness.18 Interestingly, they found no statistically significant differences in total testosterone, free testosterone purchase, or DHT levels between the frontal baldness and no hair loss groups. Unfortunately, male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) occurs due to a combination of genetic factors and the effects of an androgen hormone.