Hair loss due to low testosterone levels is not always reversible for everyone. However, the following are some effective treatments that are worth a try. You must consult a healthcare provider before opting for any of them.
Hair loss and thyroid disease
Regrowth is usual with successful treatment of the thyroid disorder, though it will take several months and may be incomplete. It is unusual for mild (e.g. subclinical) hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, or short-lived thyroid problems to cause hair loss.
Low iron levels can lead to hair loss. Iron deficiency can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, which increases hair shedding and limits hair growth. Iron deficiency hair loss can be reversed if you get your iron levels back to normal. Oral iron supplements can help replenish your body's iron stores.
Topical and oral Minoxidil and PRP injections can help strengthen the hair follicle and prolong the growth phase, resulting in thicker, longer hair. DHT blockers, such as Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Spironolactone, can be used to prevent the formation of DHT, which decelerates the rate of hair loss over time.
Some of the effects of hormone therapy are reversible, if you stop taking them. The degree to which they can be reversed depends on how long you have been taking testosterone. Clitoral growth, facial hair growth, voice changes and male-pattern baldness are not reversible. Testosterone comes in several forms.
Hair growth is mostly irreversible for those who decide to go off the testosterone hormone treatment. Though the effects of pausing or stopping testosterone replacement therapy can vary from person to person, you'll likely still grow hair in these places even if you go off testosterone.
Yes! DHT blockers are the most effective hair loss treatment. A study by the American Academy of Dermatology found that finasteride is effective at DHT blocking. Not only does it halt hair loss, but it can even help with future growth.
Hair loss commonly stems from low levels of testosterone. While hair loss can be due to aging, low levels of testosterone can also play a part. You might notice bald spots you hadn't had before or an increase in thinning hair in multiple areas or your body.
The problem is that DHT does much more than contribute to hair loss. It also plays a crucial role in male sexual development and mood regulation. When DHT levels are reduced, either intentionally or unintentionally, it can impact these functions in unwanted ways and cause: Impotence.
Beginning around age 30 to 40, testosterone levels may start to slowly decrease. This occurs naturally. Other causes of low testosterone include: Medicine side effects, such as from chemotherapy.
How long does it take for iron deficiency to improve? If your hair loss has been caused by low iron and ferritin levels, once you treat the condition, you should notice your hair starting to grow stronger and healthier within a few months.
Medical Therapies Specific to Thyroid-Related Hair Issues
For an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), doctors often prescribe levothyroxine, which is a medication that acts like the natural thyroid hormone your body is lacking. Taking this oral medication daily helps correct the imbalance interfering with hair growth.
Despite its popularity in the media and amongst consumers, biotin has no proven efficacy in hair and nail growth of healthy individuals. Only 1 study has shown decreased levels of biotin in healthy individuals, though this data was confounded by multiple factors, including patient history.
A common symptom of an underactive thyroid is weight gain, often around the abdomen. However, the American Thyroid Association states that the weight gain may not necessarily be due to the build up of fat, but the accumulation of salt and water.
A dihydrotestosterone test is a type of blood examination that gauges the levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone in your system. This hormone, commonly abbreviated as DHT, is an essential androgen or male sex hormone.
Cleansing the scalp is one of the simplest, natural ways to curb the frustrating effects of DHT on the scalp.
Low testosterone also commonly causes fatigue and energy decline, which can easily lead to reduced exercise time or intensity. That can also cause weight gain.
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.
Reduced growth of beard and body hair
Testosterone promotes body hair growth in men. As a result, one common symptom of low testosterone is a loss of body hair. You may notice thinning of your armpit or pubic hair. Many men find the change is most noticeable in their beard because they don't have to shave as often.
It's important to note that while DHT blockers can be effective in slowing down hair loss, they do not provide a permanent solution. Hair loss continues, albeit at a slower pace, even with the use of these blockers. Therefore, they serve as a valuable tool in buying time for individuals concerned about hair loss.
Long-term use of DHT blockers can lead to persistent side effects such as sexual dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and potential liver issues. Continuous monitoring by a healthcare provider is recommended.
Research has also shown that caffeine can help block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone — a hormone that has been linked to hair follicle damage, which can lead to androgenetic alopecia, otherwise known as male or female-pattern hair loss, she says.