TRT Hair Loss: Is it a Side Effect or Something More?
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is becoming a popular go-to solution for many people with low Testosterone levels.
But with many gains and positive outcomes, it may also bring some side effects.
One of the side effects is hair loss.
If you have also noticed your hair shedding more than usual and hair falling out at random places after TRT, you are not the only one.
Many people face loss of hair after this therapy. But don’t know exactly why it’s happening or what is the relation between TRT and hair loss.
So if you are among one of them, don’t worry. This article will explain the reason behind TRT hair loss and some tips to reduce it.
Why does TRT cause hair loss
Testosterone Replacement Therapy, also known as Androgen Replacement Therapy, treats people with low Testosterone levels.
During Testosterone therapy, the hormone, Testosterone is partly converted into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is a naturally occurring Testosterone derivative that aids in male sexual development.
But DHT also has another role that is not much desirable, which is hair loss.
DHT can bind to the receptors in the scalp and lead to the gradual miniaturization of hair follicles.
This process makes the follicles incapable of producing healthy hair.
Thus, you may shed more hair than you grow.
Severe hair loss due to TRT
Testosterone Replacement Therapy was primarily given to people with decreased Testosterone levels due to aging or other health issues.
But now, many people receive this therapy for other purposes like:
- Enhancing sexual drive or performance
- Achieving higher energy levels
- Building muscle mass
People with normal Testosterone levels receiving TRT for purposes other than medical reasons, like mentioned above, might face hair loss.
The reason is that these people already had normal Testosterone levels required for their bodily functions.
When there is an excess of Testosterone, it makes more DHT, causing severe hair loss.
In addition, the US Food & Drug Administration has cautioned people about the potential risks of heart attack and stroke due to TRT.
Does it only happens to males
You might be wrong if you think Testosterone is only a ‘male hormone’. Testosterone is also present in females.
Thus, Testosterone therapies can be administered to women as well. And both genders may face hair loss problems.
How to reduce the effects of TRT hair loss
There are some effective ways to prevent hair loss due to Testosterone Replacement Therapy.
Here’s a list of the preventive measures or treatments:
Stop TRT
If you are receiving Testosterone therapies for unnecessary reasons like body mass building, increasing erectile function, etc., stop it.
TRT not administered for medical purposes may result in severe harmful effects, including hair fall.
Reduce TRT administration
You may receive TRT for specific diseases or conditions like Hypogonadism.
Here, TRT will balance the deficiency caused by the body’s slow production of Testosterone.
In such circumstances, you can consult with your doctor to reduce or control the levels of Testosterone administered.
DHT blockers
Your doctor may prescribe DHT blockers to reduce the side effect of hair loss due to TRT.
Finasteride and Dutasteride are two medications that inhibit Dihydrotestosterone and block its functioning.
Finasteride is an FDA-approved drug for hair growth. While Dutasteride is used as an off-label medicine for hair growth.
Hair growth medication
Hair growth medication, such as Minoxidil, is mainly used to treat hair loss.
It is FDA-approved for hair loss treatment.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Minoxidil in today’s time is the most recommended medicine for Female Pattern Hair Loss.
Minoxidil stimulates hair growth by increasing the hair cycle’s Anagen (hair growing) phase, but the exact mechanisms are unknown.
You can try products like Hair 4u 2% (Minoxidil 2%) if prescribed by your doctor.
Takeaway
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can be a beneficial treatment for individuals with low Testosterone levels, but it may come with the potential side effect of hair loss.
When Testosterone is administered in TRT, the body can partially convert it into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT can make the hair follicles incapable of producing healthy hair. Thus, resulting in hair loss.
Considering potential solutions can help slow down the progression of hair loss.
Your doctor may recommend DHT blocker medications such as Finasteride and Dutasteride or hair loss treatments like Minoxidil.
