TestosteroneIf you watch TV, you’ve probably seen commercials discussing “low T.” Low T, aka low testosterone, is a legitimate problem for many men. Low levels result in physical symptoms such as reduced sex drive, infertility, insomnia, weight gain, muscle loss and decreased body hair. It’s no wonder the condition is highly publicized!

Having too little of the male hormone is problematic, but so is having too much. An excess of it in men has been linked to depression, aggression, impulsivity, low sperm count and even weakened immune responses. What high testosterone is not linked to, contrary to popular belief is thinning hair.

Research indicates male hair loss occurs at similar rates in men with high and low testosterone levels and that, as men age, their levels decrease, but their risk of experiencing hair loss increases. If you’ve been blaming your hair loss on high testosterone, you’ve been blaming the wrong culprit. A hormone may, in fact, be causing your hair loss. It’s a testosterone byproduct called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT.

DHT: Enigmatic and Paradoxical

Men produce two forms of DHT: serum (which flows through your blood) and tissue (which binds to your skin). Tissue DHT has been linked to male hair loss, but evidence suggests serum DHT may actually prevent male hair loss! To confound you further, consider this: The higher the concentration of scalp tissue DHT, the higher the likelihood of hair loss. However, the higher the concentration of face and other tissue DHT, the higher the likelihood of hair growth!

So … Should You Blame the DHT?

It’s probable that neither high nor low testosterone is causing your hair loss. It’s quite possible that tissue DHT is contributing to your hair loss (but it’s also possible that tissue DHT concentrations are high in your balding scalp and that they’re merely symptoms of inflammation).

Another plausible scenario is that your hair loss isn’t the result of too much testosterone or DHT — but of a testosterone-estrogen imbalance. The thyroid gland produces and regulates hormones. Men with under-active thyroids often develop low testosterone-to-estrogen ratios. A hormonal imbalance leads to myriad health problems, including hair loss.

One theory is that a hormonal imbalance opens the door for a higher rate of tissue DHT conversion. As researchers continue the fascinating exploration of hair loss root causes, one thing seems certain. If you feel inclined to assign blame for your thinning hair, direct it toward your DHT!

Regardless of the cause, most men suffering from hair loss are all experiencing a loss of confidence brought on by excessive hair loss.

If you’re suffering from hair loss you can do something about it. At Genesis II our hair loss specialists will determine the best hair restoration procedure that is right for you. To schedule a free hair and scalp evaluation, call us at (315) 458-1074 or to contact us via email click here.

 

Photo Credit: vanes_hud Via Flickr Creative Commons

 

Sources:

http://www.healthline.com/health/side-effects-of-low-testosterone#Overview1

http://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2013/12/in-men-high-testosterone-can-mean-weakened-immune-response-study-finds.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/161988-high-testosterone-symptoms-in-men/

https://perfecthairhealth.com/men-stop-thinking-your-hair-loss-is-due-to-high-testosterone