In short
- Androgenetic alopecia is the medical name for male pattern baldness; a condition that affects millions of men (and women – female pattern baldness also exists!
- It is a common belief that high levels of testosterone lead to balding in men, but what is the true relationship between testosterone and thinning hair?
- Hair loss occurs when the hair follicles on the head shrink and impact the hair growth cycle.
Androgenetic alopecia is the medical name for male pattern baldness; a condition that affects millions of men (and women – female pattern baldness also exists!) over the world. It is a common belief that high levels of testosterone lead to balding in men, but what is the true relationship between testosterone and thinning hair?
Hair loss occurs when the hair follicles on the head shrink and impact the hair growth cycle. The new hair that grows becomes finer and finer until the hair follicle becomes dormant, and no further hair grows from the follicle.
Does Testosterone Cause Hair Loss?
Testosterone is present in our bodies in different forms. Testosterone that is not bound to any proteins in the body is considered ‘free’, and is the form most available to act within the body. Testosterone can also be bound to proteins, such as albumin in the blood or sex hormone binding globulin. These forms are not active in the body.
Testosterone can be converted to another form, called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT is five times more potent than testosterone, and is mainly used by the hair follicles of the body. DHT is the culprit that causes hair loss in men.
Note that testosterone levels are also a factor in female hair loss – while your body produces testosterone, women experiencing menopause will find their hormone levels fluctuating, which can lead to increased testosterone production.
Hair Loss Treatment
Minoxidil (Regaine) and Finasteride (Propecia) are the two primary medications used to treat hair loss. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a liquid or foam medication, applied to the head two times a day to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. Finasteride (Propecia) comes as a tablet, taken each day around the same time. Finasteride works as a DHT blocker; it lowers the level of DHT produced, preventing further hair loss and allowing hair to regrow.
There are very few side effects associated with these hair loss therapies; most men do not experience any, and if so only mildly. The side effects usually resolve after a few days of use.
The more common side effects are:
- Reduction in sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Premature ejaculation
- Increase in breast size
- Breast tenderness
- Skin rash
Most of these side effects are a result of a reduction in your body’s testosterone levels. If they become problematic, or you are worried about them, stop using this product and speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
How Simple Online Pharmacy Can Help
You can order hair loss treatment such as Finasteride (or the branded version, Propecia) from us. We also offer Regaine Foam and Regaine Solution, as well as Regaine for Women. After completing an online assessment, one of our doctors will review your answers, and if they deem you suitable, the medication can be posted straight to your doorstep.
Sources
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