Male pattern baldness is a widespread condition experienced by males across the globe. It is a genetic problem that affects about 50% of men by the time they reach 50 years of age.

Scientists have always been intrigued by what leads to the male hair loss pattern versus the female hair loss pattern, and their studies have revealed that one of the causes of male pattern baldness is testosterone.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, and it is responsible for several bodily functions in males, including the production of sperm, muscle mass, bone density, and hair growth.

The hormone plays a crucial role in the development of male reproductive organs such as the testicles and the prostate gland. Testosterone also plays a role in male behavior, regulating sex drive, and aggression.

Testosterone and DHT

The root cause of male pattern baldness has been linked to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone.

DHT is formed when testosterone interacts with an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which is present in the hair follicles, prostate gland, and liver. The DHT hormone shrinks the hair follicles, causing the hair to become thinner and shorter until they no longer produce hair.

How Testosterone and DHT Cause Hair Loss

When testosterone begins to interact with 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme converts it to DHT. The DHT hormone then binds to receptors in the hair follicles, causing them to shrink, and the hair grows thinner and thinner until it stops growing at all.

When the hair follicles become too small, hair growth will cease entirely, causing baldness.

The Genetics of Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness can be inherited genetically. The condition is passed down from either parent and will present itself when the individual reaches a specific age. Suppose both parents have a history of baldness in their families.

In that case, the child is more likely to develop the condition at a younger age and experience more severe hair loss than someone whose relatives do not have a history of baldness.

Can Testosterone Replacement Therapy Cause Hair Loss?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment where men receive supplemental testosterone to restore normal levels of the hormone in the body. However, one of the side effects of TRT is hair loss.

As mentioned earlier, testosterone is converted to DHT, which leads to hair loss. When men receive TRT, their levels of testosterone increase, and consequently, their levels of DHT also increase, leading to hair loss.

How to Treat Male Pattern Baldness

Several treatments are available to help with male pattern baldness, including medication and hair transplants. Two primary medications are Finasteride and Minoxidil.

Finasteride works by decreasing the levels of DHT in the body while Minoxidil works by dilating the blood vessels and stimulating the hair follicles to grow.

Lifestyle Changes That Help Prevent Male Pattern Baldness

Some lifestyle changes can help prevent male pattern baldness, such as: maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress reduction techniques, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and minimizing the use of harsh hairstyles such as braids and cornrows that can cause hair follicle inflammation.

In Conclusion

While testosterone is critical for the development of several male characteristics, it can also lead to hair loss when it is converted to DHT, which binds to hair follicles and causes them to shrink.

Male pattern baldness is a genetic condition, and treatments such as Finasteride and Minoxidil can help reduce hair loss. However, if you are receiving testosterone replacement therapy, your hair loss may increase because of the increased levels of DHT in your body.