However, in a study of transgender men who are using TRT as part of their medical transition, 5 to 17 percent were found to develop some hair loss in their first year of TRT. Another small study found that of those who did develop alopecia, the majority of cases were mild.
So, when answering the question, 'Can TRT cause hair loss,' be aware that it's a little complicated. Yes – it might trigger hair loss in some men, but it's not necessarily always the case, and if you need TRT for other unpleasant symptoms you are dealing with, don't let it put you off.
How Can I Stop Hair Loss on TRT? The best way to avoid significant shedding is starting preventative therapy when beginning testosterone therapy. This can halt DHT damage before it intensifies. We recommend finasteride or dutasteride to block DHT activity on scalp follicles.
Stopping testosterone replacement therapy does play a role in hair regrowth as it causes the scalp to lower the levels of DHT and, therefore, gives enough time to the follicles to regain their lost strength.
Discussion. The current report found no increased risk of death for men on testosterone therapy for up to 15 years.
Or are you stuck on a plateau and wishing you could kick it up to the next level? Older observational studies suggested that long term testosterone use could increase their risk of cardiovascular disease. Also testosterone is known to stimulate growth of prostate cancer in men diagnosed with the condition.
You can stay on testosterone replacement therapy for as long as it's benefiting your symptoms and not causing health issues. TRT is meant to be a long-term therapy. If you stop taking testosterone, your levels will return to baseline.
Your eyes and face will begin to develop a more angular, male appearance as facial fat decreases and shifts. Please note that it's not likely your bone structure will change, though some people in their late teens or early twenties may see some subtle bone changes.
When hair growth on testosterone is undesirable. Hair growth on testosterone hormone therapy isn't always a desirable part of someone's medical gender transition. In this case, there are ways to manage excessive hair growth, such as by waxing, shaving, or laser/electrolysis hair removal.
Will my hair grow back if I stop testosterone? No, hair loss is not directly caused by testosterone levels but results from a pregenetic predisposition to hair loss. Testosterone can indirectly increase hair loss through its conversion to DHT, which damages hair follicles and increases their miniaturization.
The most reliable way is Finasteride, the medical hair loss treatment that's effective in nearly 90% of men. It blocks the enzyme that's responsible for the production of DHT, which enables you to hang on to your hair for longer. Possible DHT-reducing alternatives include green tea, saw palmetto, and caffeine.
Research has demonstrated that TRT doses can help older guys gain muscle, even if they're not hitting the gym regularly. In one study, testosterone injections increased lean muscle size by 5.7% and strength by 10-13% in older men who weren't even doing resistance training.
How to reduce DHT naturally? Dr. Howell says that to reduce DHT levels naturally, you can consider dietary changes and supplements such as saw palmetto, green tea, pumpkin seeds, and foods rich in zinc.
Many people think that they look younger after taking the treatment. According to the American College of Physicians, testosterone therapy might improve sexual function but they have found very little evidence it improves other functions, including vitality.
High testosterone levels don't necessarily translate to hair loss. High testosterone isn't a direct cause of male pattern baldness, but you can get a blood test to see if you don't have normal testosterone levels. High levels of testosterone won't trigger hair growth either.
Can TRT cause hair loss? As testosterone replacement therapy increases testosterone levels, it may put you at greater risk of hair loss. However, some research suggests that it's actually your hair follicles' sensitivity to the hormone, rather than the amount of DHT itself, that causes hair loss [4].
Oily skin and acne are indeed not uncommon side effects of TRT, to varying degrees. While not everyone experiences these effects and they are often mild, they can be brought on or aggravated by the elevated levels of DHT associated with increased testosterone.
Changes to your body's composition, such as increased lean body mass, improved muscle strength, and reduced fat, start emerging between months 3 and 4 after starting treatment. These changes begin leveling off after 6 to 12 months, but you can still see gradual changes with regular exercise and long-term use of TRT.
Manly faces
Testosterone is a masculinizing hormone (though women make it too, just at lower levels than men). High testosterone during development is linked to facial features such as a chiseled jaw, broad face, narrow eyes and rugged cheekbones — think young Paul Newman, or Twilight werewolf Taylor Lautner.
It will make the vocal cords thicker. Thicker vocal cords in turn, produce a deeper / lower pitch. Although for most people, testosterone can have quite a strong effect, there are people for whom it may only produce a mild effect.
While it might take a bit longer to get the testosterone dosage just right when someone has very advanced symptoms, we have seen excellent results with men in their 60s and 70s. Older patients often see the most dramatic change in their health and wellbeing after starting therapy, and deeply regret not starting sooner.
Improved Fat Distribution: TRT reduces visceral fat, particularly around the abdomen, leading to a healthier body composition. Metabolic Health: Studies show that TRT can result in progressive weight loss and better metabolic parameters, especially in men with hypogonadism.
Enlarging breasts. Limiting sperm production or causing testicles to shrink. Stimulating too much red blood cell production, which contributes to the increased risk of forming a blood clot. A clot could break loose, travel through your bloodstream and lodge in your lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism).