Testosterone levels can affect hair follicles, which are responsible for hair formation. When the body processes testosterone, it can either help or hinder the hair growth process.
Testosterone is a sex hormone produced in male testes, adrenals, and ovaries in females. It plays an essential role in the development of various male secondary sexual characteristics, including hair growth. This includes hair that grows on your body, as well as your head.
Factors such as genetic mutations and hormonal imbalances may also indirectly influence the effect of testosterone on hair growth and its distribution around the body.
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Testosterone and hair loss
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The body converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) using an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT can bind to hair follicles, where it either stimulates or hinders hair growth, pattern, and distribution.
Various factors affect DHT’s effects on hair follicles. We will look at some of these below.
Genetic factors
There is emerging evidence that variation or mutation to the androgen receptor, or AR gene, may cause male pattern hair loss in some people. The AR gene controls the production of proteins called androgen receptors, which interact with DHT and other androgens or sex hormones.
Scientists believe that mutations in the AR gene could affect the function of the androgen receptors in the hair follicles and eventually cause hair loss in some people.
Hormonal imbalances
Some studies reveal that the level of nonandrogenic hormones — hormones that block testosterone — may affect the hair follicle growth cycle.
It is not yet fully understood, but scientists think this may be due to decreased conversion of testosterone into DHT.
Hormones such as estrogen, prolactin, and progesterone can also influence the hair follicle response.
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Testosterone is primarily a male sex hormone that has many functions, including developing characteristics like body hair growth and voice changes at puberty. Testosterone production peaks at puberty and gradually declines with age.
Testosterone is found in both males and females, although males have higher amounts of testosterone in the blood.
In males, the testes produce testosterone, which influences the production of sperm cells.
In premenopausal females, the adrenal glands and ovaries are the major sources of plasma testosterone. However, in postmenopausal females, nonovarian tissues are almost exclusively the source.
Testosterone circulates the body through the bloodstream and influences multiple metabolic processes and cellular functions in males and females. Some of these functions include:
stimulating red blood cell production
increasing muscle mass and bone density
controlling sexual drive
increasing fat production
regulating mood
Given its vital functions, blood testosterone levels should be within a set range. Unusually high or low blood testosterone levels can negatively affect your physical, mental, or emotional health.
Topical minoxidil (Rogaine):This medication typically comes as a 5% liquid solution. It increases blood supply to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth. You can apply it to the affected skin area. The most common side effects are typically itching and local irritation.
Finasteride (hair growth) (Propecia): Finasteride (hair growth) (Propecia) works by preventing the formation of DHT by blocking 5-alpha reductase enzymes. It may come as a liquid solution for local application or as a tablet. Due to its side effects, you should only take this medication under medical guidance.
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Chronic medical conditions or medications may affect testosterone production and function, and a doctor can help identify potential causes of hair loss.
Discussing your medical history with a doctor could reveal a genetic predisposition from your family, and laboratory testing could identify other factors that can affect your hair growth.
A healthcare team can also help you explore treatment options and find one that best suits your needs.
Summary
Testosterone is a sex hormone produced in male testes, adrenals, and ovaries in females. It is primarily responsible for forming male sexual characteristics like hair growth and voice changes at puberty and the male reproductive organs.
Testosterone levels influence multiple metabolic processes and cellular functions, including red blood cell production, muscle mass and bone density, mood, and sexual drive regulation.
The conversion of testosterone to DHT is associated with hair loss in some males. Testosterone’s effect on hair growth also depends on the presence of AR gene mutations and hormonal imbalances.
Medications such as topical minoxidil and finasteride may help with hair loss. Discussing all options with a doctor or healthcare professional can help you find the best solutions for hair growth.
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