Improved Guide For Better Treatment Of Hair Loss In Women
A team of eight esteemed experts in polycystic ovary syndrome form the research review task force who examined the data.1 Their goal was to assess the various diagnoses and possible treatments for problematic hair thinning in women, according to first author, Enrico Carmina, MD, executive director and chief executive officer of the committee, and professor and chairman of endocrinology at the University of Palermo Medical School in Italy.
This is a carefully developed update of knowledge about hair loss in women with a special focus on androgen-depending forms to provide clinicians with clear guidance in female pattern baldness drawing on the latest evidence, Dr. Carmina tells EndocrineWeb.
Related topic:
Others causes of hair loss:
There have been basic studies done showing that an androgen excess in premenopausal women induces hair loss that requires different diagnostic and treatment approaches than those effective in men,2 he says. For one thing, inflammation may play a larger role in this condition in women than for men.
When a woman has excess androgen levels , a variety of signs may arise such as acne, weight gain, excessive facial and chest hair , irregular menstruation, and excessive loss of hair at the scalp. However, the physical presentation of hair loss is notably different between the sexes.
Will My Hair Grow Back If I Stop Taking Testosterone
The Main Causes of Hair Loss in Men 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. There are three main causes of thinning hair or balding in men: This is perhaps the most common reason for baldness and hair loss.
How To Manage Hair Loss After Testosterone Replacement Therapy
If you have started to lose your hair after TRT, or you just want to explore your future options, there are a few different treatments to consider.
Finasteride and dutasteride are drugs that are designed to stop your body converting testosterone to DHT. They work by inhibiting the enzyme that stimulates metabolism so these are often the best ways to prevent hair loss following TRT. Research suggests finasteride can reduce DHT production by 70-90%, while dutasteride can reduce it by a huge 99% . These drugs are available on prescription only, so speak to a trichologist to see if youre eligible for these treatments.
Other hair loss drugs like Minoxidil are also proven to reduce hair loss, helping you extend the growth cycle of your existing hair. Alternative treatments like vitamin therapy, medicated shampoos, and laser therapy can also reduce hair loss, particularly in the early stages. For advanced hair loss, you can also restore your hair with an FUT or FUE hair transplant.
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Effect Of Genetic Depositions On Hair Loss
In terms of genetics, baldness or hair loss in man and woman is not related to the levels of testosterone or DHT. Instead, the hypersensitivity of the hair follicles present on the scalp is what determines the effects of hormones. That sensitivity is determined by genetics.
A gene called the AR gene is responsible for the sensitivity of hair follicle. The gene regulates the number of the receptor present on the hair follicles where the hormone is supposed to bind and produce its effect.¹
When these receptors become hypersensitive, even the small amounts of DHT can trigger the receptors and the interaction may result in hair loss. Similarly, there are other gene-based receptor interactions which are significant in determining the cause of hair loss.
Other factors such as stress, age and quality of life also influence hormone effects and receptor interactions. If one family has a history of baldness or hair loss, there is a higher probability of the individual suffering similar condition at some point in his life.
How To Treat Hair Loss Caused By Testosterone
Hair loss caused by testosterone can be a bit complicated. To get a long-term treatment, the level of testosterone in the body is stabilized at first. Later, a hair regrowth treatment is implemented. Ideally, a combination of these treatments is followed to treat testosterone hair loss.
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Your Mothers Father Is The Only Indication Of Hair Loss Risks
As a man, youre always told to skip a generation when trying to forecast your hairline.
ut, given how polygenic hair density is, youre generally much better off looking at your father first and grandfathers second.
If both your father and maternal grandfather are bald, theres a high probability youll experience the same changes later in life.
On the flip side, if one is and the other isnt, youll have a medium chance. But lets not forget that your diet and lifestyle can also contribute to hair loss.
Grandpa might have looked after himself tremendously and managed to sport a strong mane well into his sixties.
Alternatively, you might be more health conscious than your father, so might not experience the same rate of early pattern baldness.
Bottom line look at all the men in your family and their lifestyles.
What Is Dht And What Does It Do
DHT aka dihydrotestosterone is an androgen sex steroid and hormone produced in the gonads. Its a byproduct of testosterone and a leading cause of hair loss.
So, yes, there is a link between testosterone and baldness just not as youd expect.
As an androgen hormone, DHT contributes to some of the typical masculine traits youd associate with male sexual maturity.
Increased muscle mass, fat distribution, voice deepening, facial and pubic hair, bone density, and sexual organ growth are all thought to be influenced by the powerful derivative.
It can also contribute to receding hairlines, hair thinning and male pattern baldness too.
Its estimated that about 10% of total testosterone in adults is converted to DHT by an enzyme named 5-alpha reductase.
Scientists also believe DHT to be 2.5 to 10 times more potent than regular testosterone.
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Putting It All Together: Does Trt Cause Hair Loss
While the exact reason for hair loss may vary across each TRT patient, there seems to be a correlation between increased testosterone and the synthesis of DHT. The following hypothetical may help to illustrate how TRT may cause hair loss among some men:
Myth: Testosterone Replacement Therapy Will Cause Baldness
Some men go through testosterone replacement therapy to get back the edge they lost. Many men are busy being mavericks in their careers, and TRT helps sharpen their senses. Some of the reported benefits of TRT include:
- Improved energy levels
- Stronger sex drive
The prevailing myth is TRT can cause balding. This is another one of those does testosterone make you lose hair problems.
Since genetics, hormones and hair loss connect, it does not matter. Infuse as much testosterone back into your body that professionals deem safe.
Some men even report that TRT can increase:
- General insulin sensitivity
There are a few side effects to the treatment. This is why proper professional guidance is important with such therapies.
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In Vitro Growth Inhibited
Androgenetic Alopeciateams studyDHTreceding hairline Whilst on the face of things, more testosterone would seem to logically equate to more DHT and therefore more hair loss for those with male pattern baldness. In reality, however, this does not appear to be the caseChristina ChikaherStudy findings seem to indicate that pattern hair loss is more about how sensitive someone is to DHT rather than how much testosterone is converted into DHT
Hair Growth And Hair Loss
Male pattern hair loss is the most common type of hair loss in men. Hair at the temples and on the crown slowly thin and eventually disappear.
The exact reason why this happens is unknown, but genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors are all thought to play a role. DHT is believed to be a major factor.
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Importance Of Diabetes Management
Talk with your doctor if youre having any bothersome diabetes symptoms, including hair loss. Hair loss from your arms and legs is especially important to report because it could be a symptom of poor blood flow.
If the hair loss is related to diabetes management, you may need to adjust your medications, diet, or lifestyle.
Once blood sugar management is improved, you should notice a reduction in hair loss. Youll lose fewer hairs and regrow more of the ones youve lost.
Here are a few other ways to compensate for diabetes-related hair loss:
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.
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Can You Reverse Or Slow Down Dht In Men
Absolutely. Medical advancements have improved significantly and are now able to target patientsâ individual needs instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. Slowing down the impact of too high or too low levels of DHT is easy with the aid of a DHT blocker.
While DHT isnât exactly the same as testosterone, it is similar enough it can be blocked much the same with products like Biotine or Rogaine. Consider putting down the over-the-counter shampoos and reaching out to your doctor for a proper prescription. Youâll receive a more accurate diagnosis that gets to the root of your hair loss.
When used consistently and correctly, a DHT blocker can take a minimum of three months and a maximum of six to seven to show results. While your hair is unlikely to look the same as it did a few decades ago, targeting the hormonal imbalance will slow down hair loss, improve hair thickness, and promote more even coverage significantly.
Ferritin And Hair Loss Treatment
The best way to treat hair loss with ferritin is to increase your iron levels. Your doctor might talk to you about taking supplements if you dont eat enough iron-rich foods .
While meat contains higher levels of iron than plant-based foods, you can still get some iron from eating whole grains, nuts, and legumes. Eating vitamin C-rich and iron-rich foods at the same time can also help your body absorb iron better.
If a food sensitivity is suspected, your doctor may recommend a blood test or an elimination diet.
Gluten intolerance is one of the possible causes of poor iron absorption, which can then lead to low ferritin and hair loss.
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Dht: The Hormone Behind Hair Loss
Dihydrotestosterone is made from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. It can also be made from DHEA, a hormone more common in women. DHT is found in skin, hair follicles, and the prostate. The actions of DHT and the sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT is what causes hair loss.
DHT also acts in the prostate. Without DHT, the prostate doesnt develop normally. With too much DHT, a man can develop benign prostate hypertrophy, also known as an enlarged prostate.
Dht Sucks But T Was Blamed For This
The main regulators of human hair follicles are androgens, sex steroid hormones which stimulate hair growth in both sexes.
The primary and most well-known androgen is testosterone and second most commonly known is dihydrotestosterone .
The process still isnt fully understood, but it involves an enzyme that converts testosterone into a substance called dihydrotesterone.
Some people experience hair follicle shrinkage, due to low supply of nutrients and blood flow. While the shrinking takes place, the growth cycle span becomes shorter.
Thus, new hair follicle looks very fine and thinner than its predecessor.
Eventually, the follicle becomes dormant and no more hair is produced.
this article through pubmed, which attributes increased DHT levels with creatine use:
Three weeks of creatine monohydrate supplementation PubMed result
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There Are Six Main Causes Of Male Hair Falling Out:
- Genes. If you are genetically predisposed to hair loss, than there is not much you can do about it
- Hormones. Hormonal imbalance can lead to hair problems as well as any other problems with health
- Age. It is not a surprise that the older you become, the less hair you have.
- Too much vitamin AOverdoing vitamin A-containing supplements or medications can trigger hair loss, according to the American Academy of Dermatology
- Lack of proteinIf you dont get enough protein in your diet, your body may ration protein by shutting down hair growth, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
- AnemiaAlmost one in 10 men aged 20 through 49 suffers from anemia due to an iron deficiency , which is an easily fixable cause of hair loss.
Other Options For Treating Hair Loss
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. Our Biotin Gummy Vitamins contain a mix of vitamins and nutrients to support hair growth and strong, resilient skin and nails.
Good habits for hair growth include using a hair loss prevention shampoo, quitting smoking and protecting your hair from the sun.
Our guide to lifestyle changes for improved hair growth goes into more detail about these steps and others that you can take for optimal hair health and a reduced risk of hair issues.
Hair loss treatments, delivered
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What You Need To Know About Hair Loss
If your condition is not due to a hormonal imbalance, your doctor may recommend treatment that includes topical corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids may lead to red or puffy face and can reduce your immune systems ability to fight infection. In some cases, fungal infections, such as tinea capitis, can lead to hair loss. Fortunately, you can take antifungal medications to treat it and get a full head of hair again.
Hair loss is a normal part of aging, and there is no need to worry. In fact, it is perfectly normal for most people to lose a bit of hair every day, and it will grow back eventually. Some men and women experience hair loss as they age, while others simply have a genetic predisposition to the problem. If youre experiencing a lack of hair, you may have a weakened immune system, which can lead to hair loss.
For more severe cases of hair loss, a dermatologist may recommend a hair transplant. This procedure involves a surgeon removing plugs of hair from your scalp. It may take several hours and multiple sessions to complete the process. Its an invasive treatment, and may not be the best option for everyone. Your doctor will need to examine your scalp to determine the cause of your condition. In addition to a healthy diet, your doctor may recommend taking supplements of various vitamins and minerals.
Whats The Role Of Testosterone In Hair Growth In Men And Women
Sex hormones are unique to males and females but its functions for individuals are the same. In general, specific hormones are responsible for the development of masculine and feminine traits and characteristics, sexual function and reproduction, and helps maintain overall good physical health and wellbeing.
When it comes to issues concerning hair growth and hair health, the testosterone hormone is the one thats always in the spotlight. In males, testosterone is responsible for their development during puberty and an adequate amount of testosterone is needed for them to increase muscle mass and grow facial and body hair.
For women, testosterone is released in small amounts from the ovaries and the adrenal gland. While theyre not as affected by low testosterone, women may also struggle with androgenetic alopecia due to high DHT levels converted from high levels of androgen. Female hair loss can also be associated with hormone changes during pregnancy, medications, menopause, and thyroid hormone imbalance.
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Understanding Testosterone And Hair Loss
There are a lot more things we need to understand about high testosterone hair loss. We have, however, some facts that are going for us.
Testosterone and hair loss do not link, at least not in a direct way. Genetics, some factors on the environment, hormones, and hair loss all connect. This means if you want to opt for testosterone replacement therapy, your hairs safe.
TRT is a safe and effective way to turn back the clock. If you want more energy to do your physical job or want more sex drive, then this is what you need. Our testosterone replacement therapy at Mantality Health can help.
Our testosterone replacement therapy can help you get back the attention thats right for you.
Get the right concentration back in your life. Dont hesitate to contact us today!