Lots of men lose hair from their scalp as they age as their levels of testosterone declines, but you might not be aware that some males also experience balding due to an excess of testosterone, demonstrating just how hormones can impact men’s hair growth.
A decline in testosterone
As men get older, their levels of testosterone start to drop. In fact, the decline occurs at a rate of one per cent from the age of 30.
At the same time, men are more likely to lose hair as they age, and, according to the American Hair Loss Association, 85 per cent of men have substantially thinner hair by the time they are 50.
It also reported that two-thirds have had some hair loss by 35, and as much as a quarter start experiencing male pattern baldness by just 21 years old.
However, it is not believed that testosterone has a direct link to hair loss, but rather it is the sensitivity towards its byproduct dihydrostestosterone (DHT) that could be to blame.
High levels of DHT in some men
The reason why a higher sensitivity to DHT could be the answer to male pattern baldness is that DHT causes hair follicles to shrink.
In those who are sensitive to DHT, the hormone byproduct binds to the receptors on the scalp, resulting in miniaturisation. Consequently, the hair will become shorter and the strands weaker.
This can disrupt the growth phase of the hair, with the rest periods between each cycle getting longer. As time goes on, the rest times lengthen and the hair becomes thinner and shorter.
Eventually, the growth phase ceases and the hair stops growing permanently.
Whether you are sensitive to DHT is determined by your genes, which is why baldness is hereditary. Therefore, the link between males in a family is accurate, and if your dad or grandad are bald, there is a high chance you will develop male pattern baldness as well.
Other conditions associated with high DHT levels
You might not be aware of a sensitivity to DHT, but as it is found in the prostate, as well as the hair, many men with too much DHT also have an enlarged prostate.
A report from Harvard Medical School also revealed that men who are bald are more likely to get prostate cancer, with their chances being 1.5 times higher than those who do not have hair loss.
This was particularly the case who had high grade prostate cancer and were between 60 and 69 years old.
The research also found that men who had bald spots were at higher risk of coronary artery disease. In fact, males with mild vertex baldness had a 23 per cent greater chance of getting the condition, while those with moderate baldness had a 32 per cent increased risk, and men with severe baldness were 36 per cent more likely to get it.
How to keep testosterone levels balanced
Although DHT sensitivity is linked to genetics, it is always a good idea to do what you can to keep your testosterone levels balanced.
This could promote hair quality, leading to thicker, fuller and healthier hair.
It would also have health benefits beyond hair growth, including higher energy levels, a more stabilised mood, better concentration, and greater muscle mass.
How does Finasteride affect hair loss?
Finasteride helps men who have a greater sensitivity to DHT reduce their hair loss, as it stops testosterone from converting into DHT.
Having too much DHT in the body is what causes baldness or hair thinning to occur, so by preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT, men will have lower levels of DHT.
Therefore, it will have less of an impact on its scalp. It put an end to a shorter growth phase and a long rest phase in the hair cycle, with hair having longer to develop and strengthen.
With shorter rest periods, this will enhance the production of new hair, allowing men with male patterned baldness to reverse their hair loss over time.
It is very easy to find cheap Finasteride from an online pharmacy, with the tablet being available in 1mg doses that needs to be taken daily.
Men should carry on with their treatment for at least six months, as it could take that long for results to be seen. For some people, it could take as long as 12 months, particularly if their hair cycle has already slowed down significantly.
The pill is not a cure for hair loss, and by stopping the medication, baldness will recur, but it could make a big difference to those who are conscious of their appearance. Therefore, it is worth taking this long-term treatment, both for their physical and mental health.
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