You wouldn’t consider yourself vain, but you do take a little bit of pride in your appearance. Before you leave the house, you check yourself out in the mirror and start to notice that your full head of hair is looking a little thinner. You have family members who have gone bald, and you wonder whether you’ll have the same fate.
As you consider what could be in your future, you also wonder whether your testosterone and other hormone levels are causing this change. Read on to learn about the relationship between hair loss and testosterone and what you can do about it.
Myths about Hormones and Hair Loss
Many myths circulate about the causes of hair loss in men and women. For instance, some believe that low testosterone is responsible, while others claim higher levels of testosterone and a stronger hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are to blame. The truth is that hormones play a role, but the main culprit is how sensitive receptors for hair follicles are, which is genetically determined. That’s why men who have male relatives with hair loss are much more likely to struggle with it as well.
In other words, treating testosterone levels alone may not be enough to correct hair loss.
How Hair Loss Affects Men
Although there are exceptions, most men who face hair loss usually start with changes to the hairline. It begins with recession on the sides, creating an M shape in the front. At the crown of the head, hair can thin as well, and eventually these two areas join to form a U-shaped hairline.
While hair located on the head can become thinner, hair in other areas such as the face can become denser.
How Hair Loss Affects Women
In women, hair loss can be particularly discouraging. Most of the time, the hairline doesn’t change, but the density of the hair can thin, particularly around the top of the head. Although women tend to have less testosterone and DHT than men, the little amount they have can have a similar effect on sensitive hair follicles in women.
How Balancing Hormones May Help with Hair Loss
Although DHT and testosterone are not directly responsible for hair loss, having more control over these hormones through therapy can reduce the chances of hair loss by limiting triggers to the sensitive follicles. However, other treatment may be needed to address the genetic factors causing hair thinning and loss.
In the end, understanding the real causes of hair loss and potential solutions open to you can give you peace of mind that you don’t necessarily have to sit back and let nature have its way with your hair. You can seek treatment from qualified providers and keep your confidence.
About the Practice
Richardson Pain & Wellness not only can help with pain management and medical weight loss, but we also treat hormone imbalance and other impediments that keep you from feeling like you. We invite you to reach out to our office online or call us at 972-907-1125 for an appointment to see how we can help you feel and look your best.
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