3. Hair Loss. Even though many men experience male pattern baldness naturally, a decrease in the amount of testosterone may also be a significant contributing factor to balding. Hair loss in patients with low testosterone isn't limited to the scalp, thinning body hair may also be a signal of a testosterone deficiency.
Raising your testosterone levels won't magically stop balding or cause your hair to grow back. However, hormones can have an impact on your hair loss.
Contrary to popular belief, we all have some level of testosterone. This hormone is associated with libido and bone mass, with excess amounts contributing to skin conditions like stubborn cystic acne, unusual mood swings, and excess hair growth.
In addition to evidence-based medications such as finasteride and minoxidil, other products and healthy habits can help you to keep a full head of hair as you age, even if you take testosterone to treat low-T. These include vitamins and minerals for healthier hair, such as vitamins B12, C, D12 and B7, or biotin.
Low testosterone levels in males can lead to erectile dysfunction. They can also affect sleep, mood, the size of the testicles, and more. In both males and females, low testosterone can lead to lower bone mass and reduced sex drive.
Testosterone Blood Test
Since elevated DHT is the main culprit for pattern hair loss, it only makes sense that increased testosterone influences alopecia. After all, DHT is an offshoot of testosterone. You can check the levels of this hormone through the appropriate blood test.
While there is a link between some androgens (male sex hormones) and hair loss, the theory that bald guys have more testosterone and thus lose more hair is false.
As your testosterone levels increase and your body adapts to higher levels of testosterone, your body and facial hair will become thicker and grow more quickly. You might feel like you have less hair on your head because testosterone can also cause scalp hair loss.
The only way to know your testosterone level is with a blood test. You may talk to your healthcare provider about a testosterone level test if you have symptoms of low testosterone.
Low Testosterone can Occur Because of Aging or an Underlying Condition. While getting older is generally the main cause of low testosterone in many men, low T levels can also be a symptom of other underlying conditions or comorbidities. According to the Asian Journal of Andrology, these conditions may include: Obesity.
A man's ability to produce testosterone starts to decline at about 40 years of age, and levels continue to drop 1 – 3% a year thereafter. It is important to note that just because the levels are dropping after 40 doesn't necessarily mean that all men are candidates for therapy.
Or, you might see the hair you have start to thin. One cause may be changing levels of hormones during menopause. Estrogen and progesterone levels fall, meaning that the effects of the androgens, male hormones, are increased. During and after menopause, hair might become finer (thinner) because hair follicles shrink.
Having a vitamin D deficiency makes people more likely to experience hair loss and many other problems. People concerned about vitamin D deficiency-related hair loss should consult a doctor who will likely suggest supplements, dietary changes, and spending more time outdoors to help combat the deficiency.
Millions of men live with a testosterone deficiency. If left unchecked, this treatable condition may contribute to serious health problems like osteoporosis and lowered red blood cell production.
Sometimes, however, testosterone levels drop too low. This can reduce your bones' strength and muscle mass, exacerbate sexual issues, and lead to a host of health issues. Low testosterone can be dangerous if not treated.
Caffeine generally has a positive impact on testosterone levels. It has been shown that men that consume caffeine on a regular basis, on average, have more testosterone than those that don't. Not only this but the estradiol levels, both free and total, have been reduced.