It is commonly believed that high or low testosterone levels can cause thinning hair or balding. While this androgenic hormone indeed plays a role in hair growth and hair loss, the relationship is indirect and complex.

How Does Testosterone Affect Hair?

During puberty, testosterone is responsible for the growth of male body hair – along with the development of other male characteristics like bone mass, muscle strength, and sexual function. As men age, testosterone can influence hair growth and hair loss… albeit less directly than one might expect.

Does Testosterone Cause Hair Loss?

Testosterone itself isn’t directly responsible for androgenic alopecia (also known as male pattern baldness) which is, by far, the most common form of hair loss in men. Instead, it is the testosterone byproduct dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that is primarily responsible for male pattern baldness. Excess DHT (or a heightened, genetic sensitivity to DHT) disrupts the hair’s growth cycle and causes hair follicles to shrink and ultimately to become non-productive.

Does Balding Mean Low Testosterone?

Low testosterone, like high testosterone, can be indirectly responsible for hair loss from the scalp. Low testosterone may cause health complications that stress the body and lead to telogen effluvium – excessive shedding from the scalp. More often though, low testosterone hair loss occurs elsewhere on the body and not necessarily the scalp.

Other symptoms of low testosterone include weight gain, muscle loss, fatigue, erectile dysfunction or low libido, and depression.

Does High Testosterone Give You More Hair?

High testosterone may not be the direct cause of hair loss, but it often leads to higher DHT levels. While this may result in thinning or lost hair on the scalp, it actually may cause heavier hair growth elsewhere on the body – the face, the chest, the back, or the arms and legs.

In addition to its impact on hair growth or loss, high testosterone can cause health impacts ranging from the annoying (adult-onset acne and excessive sweating) to the serious (high blood pressure, high red blood cell count, aggression, and sleep disturbances).

Is Hair Loss from Testosterone Reversible?

Some testosterone-related hair loss may be reversible, depending upon the cause. Other forms of testosterone hair loss can be slowed down or stopped in their tracks.

If your hair loss is due to a testosterone imbalance, correcting the underlying issue may halt hair loss and allow your hair to regrow. If you suspect you have high or low testosterone, we recommend that you discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Today’s treatments for hormonal imbalances are advanced and highly effective. 

If you are losing hair because of high DHT or DHT sensitivity, there are medications, supplements, and topical products that can reduce or block DHT production… slowing or stopping further follicle miniaturization and hair loss. Male pattern hair loss is permanent, but we offer multiple options to surgically replace lost hair and to maximize existing hair.

LA FUE Hair NYC Treats Testosterone-Related Hair Loss 

LA FUE Hair NYC understands how high or low testosterone levels influence hair growth, and we are here to answer any questions you may have about how it affects your hairline. We can help you choose treatments to maximize your existing hair, ensure the best possible regrowth, and replace permanently lost hair. Take that first step to a thicker, fuller head of hair, and contact us today to set up a complimentary consultation.