The Role Of Testosterone In Hair Loss

Have you heard of hair loss caused by hormone imbalance? The one hormone that is responsible in most cases is testosterone.

Testosterone can form bald spots on your scalp and decrease your hair volume. However, you can regain your hair growth with natural Ayurvedic methods. Read on to find out how testosterone can cause hair loss and what you can do to prevent it.

Highlights:

• What Does Testosterone Do To Your Hair?
• Does High/Low Testosterone Cause Hair Loss?
• What Type Of Testosterone Causes Hair Loss?
• Is Hair Loss From Testosterone Reversible?
• How To Prevent Hair Loss Caused By Testosterone?

What Does Testosterone Do To Your Hair?

Testosterone is an androgen (male sex hormones) present in both males and females. It plays a vital role in the development of your sexual organs.

Your hair growth life cycle is affected by various hormones in your body. Androgens are also one of those hormones that support scalp hair growth to a limited extent. As androgens' primary function is to develop sexual characteristics during puberty, they target hair growth in the genital areas. [1]

As you age, scalp hair follicles become sensitive to androgen actions on the hair growth life cycle, making you lose scalp hair in different patterns. It is called Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) and Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL). [2]

Here's how it looks:

• Gradually receding hairline with hair loss at temples and mid-frontal scalp eventually forming a 'U' shape pattern in males.
• Diffuse hair loss, especially on the crown part of the scalp, can be seen. Hairlines do not recede, but you can spot widening on the mid-frontal scalp.
• Men may experience balding. Female scalp is rarely prone to baldness, but loses hair density. [3]

Does High/Low Testosterone Cause Hair Loss?

If the function of hormonal glands in your body is affected by an irregular diet or an erratic lifestyle, they secrete abnormal hormone levels. It reverses the average amounts of hormones required by the body. In this case, excess androgen levels decrease scalp hair growth and increase body hair growth.

In other cases, even though your hormonal glands secrete the right amount of hormones, your hair follicles may be sensitive to the potent androgens. It is either because you are aging or the genetic inheritance of your hair follicle cells. [4]

What Type Of Testosterone Causes Hair Loss?

There are two types of testosterone - free testosterone and DHT. Every day after puberty, 10% of free testosterone converts to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme. DHT acts more potent than testosterone in the development of sexual characteristics.

DHT is a derivative of testosterone that causes hair loss in both men and women. Your hair follicles are sensitive to the potent nature of DHT, deteriorating your hair growth life cycle. Excessive DHT binds to the hair follicle gene receptors and shrinks hair follicles, blocking your hair growth. [5]

In Ayurvedic perspective, vitiation of Pitta Dosha is a significant cause of patterned hair loss. Dominance of Pitta Dosha and Vata Dosha at your hair roots causes follicle miniaturization. Kapha Dosha, combined with excess heat, can block your hair follicles.

Is Hair Loss From Testosterone Reversible?

Testosterone hair loss doesn't last long and can be reversed if you follow the right treatment. It helps if you first rule out any underlying medical conditions. Your doctor can identify hormone-based hair loss by looking at the patterns and bald spots. He may advise a medical test if required. Hair regrowth is not an overnight process. It takes a few months of following a healthy lifestyle.

How To Prevent Hair Loss Caused By Testosterone?

Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix, says, "Ayurveda aims to treat internal conditions causing hair loss by targeting the balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Doshas - your body's fundamental physiological regulators.”

Here are a few ways to control hair loss associated with testosterone:

1. Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto is known as an anti-androgen herb. It first lowers the DHT level in your body by blocking the enzyme converting testosterone into DHT. Then it removes DHT bound to your hair follicle receptors.

Your doctor will advise you to take it in the form of tablets, powdered capsules, liquid extracts, or whole dried berries. Other medicinal herbs for hair loss include ginkgo biloba, horsetail, and stinging nettle. Combine Saw Palmetto with nettle for better results.

2. Peppermint Oil

Head massage with peppermint oil enhances blood circulation to your scalp and activates hair growth. It clears the blocks in your hair follicles and rejuvenates follicle regeneration. Dilute 10 drops of peppermint essential oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil and massage it on your scalp, focusing on the bald patches.

Other hair oils for head massage:

A. Use almond, sesame, and mustard oils if you are a Vata Dosha dominant.

B. Use Brahmi and Bhringraj oils if you are a Pitta Dosha dominant.

C. Use Sesame, mustard, and corn oils if you are a Kapha Dosha dominant.

Vedix Tip: Don't go for permanent hair rebonding if your hair is weak. It may further damage your hair follicles.

3. Add Herbs In Your Diet

Ayurveda says your body can reflect what you eat. It also includes your scalp and hair follicles. Hair collects information from your bloodstream about your nutrients and supplements. Blood vessels carry proteins and vitamins to your hair follicles.

Adding herbs to your food can balance your imbalanced doshas and support hair growth.

A. Vata Dosha - Add chamomile, ginger, and ashwagandha to your diet.

B. Pitta Dosha - Add mint, coriander, and Shatavari to your diet.

C. Kapha Dosha - Add turmeric, ginseng, and black pepper to your diet.

4. Minoxidil And Finasteride

Other testosterone hair loss treatments include topical application of Minoxidil for women and oral intake of Finasteride for men. Their effects last as long as you use them. Once you stop applying Minoxidil or taking Finasteride, your patterns and bald patches again appear on your scalp.

The Last Word

Testosterone hair loss occurs in particular phases of your life - like puberty in both men and women, post-delivery and menopause in women. It also starts showing up naturally as you age. It can also be a side effect of PCOS and thyroid.

Testosterone weakens your hair follicles and shrinks them. To avoid this, use herbal supplements and always prefer natural hair care to nourish your hair follicles and soothe your scalp.