Do Steroids Cause Hair Loss?
Steroids are synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of the male hormone (Testosterone) in the body.
They are commonly used to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance.
Steroids are also prescribed to improve hair growth affected by autoimmune diseases.
Studies from the 1970s show that 71% of people with Alopecia areata saw their hair grow back after being treated every two weeks.
However, there are potential side effects associated with steroid use, including hair loss.
The relationship between steroids and hair loss is complex to understand.
Yet, it is believed that steroids can increase levels of DHT hormone. It can further lead to hair thinning and baldness.
Continue reading to learn more about do steroids cause hair loss.
What are Steroids?
Steroids are synthetic substances that work similarly to the male sex hormone testosterone.
Anabolic steroids are prescription-based medicines.
Although they have legitimate medical use, doctors do not prescribe them for muscle building.
They are prescribed to help people with certain kinds of anemia and males who do not produce enough Testosterone.
A different kind of steroid, Corticosteroid, does not have as many harmful effects.
In fact, since 1958, steroid injections have been used for Alopecia areata.
Do Steroids cause hair loss?
Steroids can cause hair loss in a few different ways.
- By interfering with the production of new hair cells
- Causing the death of existing hair follicles
- Increasing the production of hormones responsible for hair loss
In most cases of hair fall in steroid users, typically, genetic predisposition to hair loss is also present.
However, hair loss caused by steroid use is temporary in most people, and the hair will grow back once you stop taking them.
Unfortunately, for some people, hair reduction can be permanent. But there are treatments available for such patients.
Anabolic steroids
Male pattern baldness in men is usually from the hormonal imbalance that occurs as they age.
This is due to the increased Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the body.
DHT is a hormone that causes the shrinking of hair follicles and the shortening of hair’s growth cycle.
Several anabolic steroids have the side effect of raising DHT levels in the body.
Specifically, those more sensitive to increased levels of DHT will likely experience hair loss.
Thus avoid the below-mentioned anabolic steroids that are reported to cause hair loss:
- Anadrol
- Dianabol
- Primobolan
- Proviron
- Trenbolone
- Winstrol
Long-term use of these steroids can result in irreversible hair loss.
Corticosteroids
Certain corticosteroids like Prednisolone have thinning hair as a side effect.
Although it is not that common, you should be aware of it.
Similar to anabolic steroids, Prednisolone also increases the levels of Dihydrotestosterone androgen.
Males already have higher DHT levels. Increased use of steroids may raise these levels abnormally high leading to thinning of scalp hair.
Steroids for hair loss
Sometimes, you may experience hair fall from autoimmune diseases.
Corticosteroids are used to treat the thinning hair from these underlying diseases.
In autoimmune diseases, our body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues, including hair follicles.
Corticosteroids are immune suppressors that help hair grow by counteracting the effects of these diseases.
Moreover, they can impair the body’s immune system’s ability to fight bacterial or viral infections.
Takeaway
In last words, depending on the type of steroid used, they can be both harmful and beneficial to hair health.
Anabolic steroids can cause hair problems and, in rare cases, result in permanent hair reduction.
In corticosteroids, Prednisolone is reported to cause hair thinning. But it is not very common.
Corticosteroids can also help treat hair loss caused by autoimmune diseases.
However, your dermatologist will provide you with the best information regarding steroid use and its effects on your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will hair loss from steroids grow back?
Yes. Luckily in most cases, hair lost from steroid use can grow back after you stop taking it. However, in rare cases, hair loss can be permanent, and you may need to take treatments to regrow your hair.
Which steroids cause more hair loss?
Generally, anabolic steroids, including Anadrol, Dianabol, Primobolan, etc., cause more harm to your hair. These steroids are prescription based, and if you are experiencing hair loss from them, speak with your doctor for the best medical advice.
Will stopping steroids stop hair loss?
Yes. Steroids cause hormonal imbalances responsible for hair loss. If you stop taking steroids, your hormone balance is restored, and your hair will start to grow back.
Why do steroids make you lose hair?
Steroids increase the Dihydrotestosterone levels in our body, causing hormonal imbalance. DHT is responsible for shrinking hair follicles and reducing hair growth cycles. This results in the premature death of hair cells.
What steroids are hair friendly?
Certain steroids, like Oxandrolone, Boldenone, and Anavar, are some of the safest steroids to use if you are worried about hair loss. Although these are androgenic to some extent, they are not as harmful as other steroids.
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