Understanding How Hormones Influence Your Hair Growth

Hair growth is closely linked to the actions of hormones in your body. Among these, androgens—like testosterone—are particularly significant. Both men and women have androgens, but they are generally more prevalent in men.

Testosterone can transform into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with the help of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. When DHT binds to certain receptors in the scalp, it can cause the hair follicles there to shrink. This process, known as follicle miniaturization, leads to thinner hair and shorter growth cycles. Essentially, the hair becomes weaker and falls out more easily because the follicles are not strong enough to support it.

Estrogen, another hormone more common in women, has a protective effect on hair. It extends the growth phase of hair, allowing it to grow longer and thicker. This hormone can mitigate the hair-thinning effects of DHT, helping to maintain a healthier head of hair.

Understanding these mechanisms is crucial because it highlights how hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by taking anabolic steroids, can lead to changes in hair growth. The steroids can disrupt the natural balance between androgens and estrogen, leading to increased hair loss.

Why does DHT cause hair loss?

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) causes follicle miniaturization through a process that primarily affects genetically susceptible hair follicles, typically located at the top and front of the scalp. Here’s a breakdown of why and how this occurs:

1. Hormonal Conversion: Testosterone is converted into DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. DHT is a more potent androgen than testosterone, meaning it has a stronger effect on hair follicles.
2. Receptor Binding: Hair follicles have androgen receptors. When DHT binds to these receptors, it activates certain genes that promote the miniaturization of the follicle.
3. Follicle Shrinkage: Over time, the continuous exposure to DHT causes these susceptible hair follicles to shrink (miniaturize). This shrinkage affects the follicle's ability to produce hair normally.
4. Hair Cycle Disruption: DHT affects the growth cycle of hair. It shortens the growth phase (anagen phase) and extends the resting phase (telogen phase). As a result, the hair that does grow is thinner, weaker, and falls out more easily.
5. Cumulative Effect: With each hair cycle, the affected follicles become smaller and less effective at producing hair, leading to progressively thinner hair and eventually resulting in noticeable hair thinning or baldness.

This understanding highlights the critical role that DHT plays in the common form of hair loss known as androgenetic alopecia, or pattern hair loss.

Do high levels of DHT automatically cause hair loss?

Not necessarily. While high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are associated with male pattern hair loss, not everyone with high DHT levels will experience balding. Several factors determine whether high DHT will lead to hair loss:

1. Genetic Sensitivity: The key factor is the genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT. Individuals whose hair follicles are genetically predisposed to be sensitive to DHT are more likely to experience hair loss when DHT levels are high. This sensitivity is primarily determined by genetic traits passed down from family members. Variations in the gene that encodes the androgen receptor, particularly a specific polymorphism in the receptor gene, can make some individuals' follicles more reactive to DHT, leading to hair loss.
2. Hair Follicle Health: The overall health and resilience of hair follicles also play a role. Even with high DHT, robust hair follicles may resist the miniaturization process that leads to balding.
3. Age and Hormonal Balance: The effects of DHT are more pronounced as individuals age, often due to hormonal imbalances that can accompany aging. Younger individuals with high DHT levels might not show signs of balding until they get older.
4. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors: Stress, nutrition, and other environmental factors can influence how the body reacts to DHT. A healthy lifestyle might mitigate some of the potential impacts of high DHT on hair loss.
5. Ethnic and Individual Variations: There are significant variations in how different ethnic groups and individuals respond to DHT. These variations can influence the degree to which high DHT impacts hair loss.

Why do steroids cause hair loss?

Anabolic steroids can significantly contribute to hair loss, especially in individuals predisposed to androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss).

1. Increased DHT Production: Anabolic steroids, which are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, can increase the body's levels of androgens, including testosterone itself. More testosterone in the body means there's more substrate available for conversion into DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase.
2. Enhanced Androgen Receptor Activity: The increased levels of DHT resulting from steroid use are more likely to bind to the androgen receptors on hair follicles. This binding is more prevalent and potent due to the higher DHT levels, exacerbating the miniaturization of hair follicles.
3. Accelerated Hair Cycle: With higher levels of DHT acting on the hair follicles, the growth cycle of hair is altered more drastically. The anagen phase is shortened, leading to less hair being produced, while the telogen phase is extended, increasing the amount of hair that is shed.
4. Genetic Susceptibility: Not everyone who uses anabolic steroids will experience hair loss. Those who are genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia are more likely to see these effects because their hair follicles are more sensitive to DHT. In these individuals, steroids can accelerate or exacerbate hair thinning and loss.
5. Cumulative Damage: Regular and prolonged use of anabolic steroids can lead to more permanent changes in hair growth patterns. The continued presence of high DHT levels can lead to the progressive miniaturization of hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss.

Why do steroids cause scalp hair loss but body hair growth?

The key factor is the difference in androgen receptor sensitivity between scalp and body hair follicles. Scalp follicles in those predisposed to hair loss are more sensitive to DHT's negative effects, while body hair follicles might respond positively to the same levels of DHT, leading to increased growth, specifically follicles on the chest, abdomen, back, shoulders, face, and pubic area.

Which steroids are especially known for causing hair loss?

Certain anabolic steroids are particularly notorious for causing hair loss, largely due to their potent androgenic effects. Here’s an overview of some steroids that are especially known for this side effect:

1. Testosterone: While naturally occurring in the body, supplemental testosterone used in higher doses for bodybuilding or performance enhancement can significantly increase DHT levels, leading to hair loss.
2. Dianabol (Methandrostenolone): Known for its strong effects on muscle gain, Dianabol is also highly androgenic, which makes it more likely to cause hair loss as it converts to estrogen and DHT at high rates.
3. Anadrol (Oxymetholone): This steroid is extremely potent and has a high tendency to convert to DHT. Its strong androgenic properties make it a common culprit in accelerating hair loss in susceptible individuals.
4. Trenbolone: Known for its powerful muscle-building capabilities, Trenbolone is also one of the most androgenic steroids available. It does not convert to DHT but binds strongly to androgen receptors in hair follicles, causing significant follicle stress and potential hair loss.
5. Winstrol (Stanozolol): This steroid is a derivative of DHT itself. Hence, it carries a high risk of hair loss since it adds to the DHT levels in the body and has a direct effect on hair follicle miniaturization.

Which steroids do not cause hair loss?

While all AAS (anabolic-androgenic steroids) are androgenic to some degree, some are considered to have a lower risk of causing hair loss due to their reduced androgenic activity. These steroids are often preferred by those concerned about hair loss but still seeking performance enhancement or muscle growth. Here’s a list of steroids known for their milder impact on hair follicles:

1. Anavar (Oxandrolone): Known for its mild androgenic properties, Anavar is often chosen by those looking to minimize side effects, including hair loss. It's less likely to be converted into DHT, reducing its impact on hair follicles.
2. Primobolan (Methenolone): This steroid has a low androgenic rating and does not convert to DHT, making it one of the safer choices for individuals prone to androgenetic alopecia.
3. Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate): Nandrolone is unique because it metabolizes to dihydronandrolone (DHN) rather than DHT. DHN has a much weaker interaction with the androgen receptors in hair follicles, which substantially decreases the risk of hair loss.
4. Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate): Although it has moderate androgenic properties, Boldenone is often reported to be less likely to cause hair loss compared to more potent steroids. It provides muscle growth benefits without the high risk of androgenic side effects.
5. Turinabol: While it is a derivative of Dianabol, Turinabol is considered to have much milder effects in terms of androgenic activity. It does not convert to estrogen or DHT, making it a safer option for hair.

How to stop hair loss while using steroids?

While preventing hair loss entirely while using anabolic steroids may not be possible, especially for those genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia, there are strategies that can help minimize the risk and severity of hair loss. Here’s how individuals can address and potentially reduce hair loss while on steroids:

• Use Low Androgenic Steroids: As discussed earlier, opting for steroids with lower androgenic properties can reduce the risk of triggering hair loss. Steroids like Anavar, Primobolan, and Deca-Durabolin are considered safer choices for hair.
• Topical DHT Blockers: Products containing ingredients like ketoconazole, which is found in certain medicated shampoos, can help reduce DHT levels on the scalp and minimize its harmful effects on hair follicles.
• Oral DHT Blockers: Finasteride and dutasteride are prescription medications that inhibit the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone to DHT. By lowering DHT levels, these drugs can help protect hair follicles from miniaturization. However, they should be used with caution as they can also diminish the effectiveness of certain steroids and have potential side effects.
• Reduce Steroid Dosage and Duration: Minimizing the amount and duration of steroid use can decrease the severity of hair loss. Implementing cycles with lower doses and ensuring adequate time off steroids can help mitigate their impact on hair follicles.
• Consult a Specialist: A dermatologist or a trichologist can offer guidance and treatment options specific to individual needs and health conditions. They can also monitor hair health and help create a tailored approach to managing hair loss.

Promoting hair growth

On top of the methods and medications mentioned above which reduce DHT levels to minimize hair loss, below are some treatments that can boost hair growth:

• Scalp Microneedling: Microneedling can stimulate the scalp and potentially boost hair growth by increasing blood flow and nutrient delivery to hair follicles. This procedure should be performed under professional guidance.
• Minoxidil (Rogaine): Minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical treatment that can be used by both men and women. It doesn’t affect hormone levels but stimulates hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and enlarging miniaturized follicles. Regular application can lead to thicker, longer hair and a higher number of hair follicles in the growth phase.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP involves drawing a patient’s blood, processing it to enrich for platelets, and then injecting it into the scalp. This can stimulate hair growth by promoting the healing and regeneration of hair follicles.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Devices such as laser combs and helmets emit specific wavelengths of light intended to stimulate hair follicles and improve hair density. This non-invasive therapy can be used at home and is suitable for mild to moderate hair thinning.
• Nutritional Supplements: Supplements containing biotin, vitamin D, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids can support hair health. Although they may not reverse hair loss alone, they can complement other treatments by providing the nutrients needed for healthy hair growth.

Does hair loss from steroid use grow back?

When considering whether hair lost due to steroid use will grow back, several factors come into play, including the extent of hair loss, how long steroids were used, and genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss). Here’s a detailed look at the potential for hair regrowth after stopping steroids:

• Type of Hair Loss: If the hair loss is due to androgenetic alopecia, which has been accelerated by steroid use, the follicles may have undergone miniaturization. In such cases, hair follicles shrink and produce progressively thinner and shorter hair until they eventually stop producing visible hair. This type of hair loss can be permanent if the follicles are significantly miniaturized.
• Reversibility: If steroid use is discontinued in the early stages of hair loss, there's a higher chance that the hair can regrow, especially if the hair follicles have not been completely miniaturized. The earlier the intervention (such as quitting steroids and starting treatment), the better the chances of reversing hair loss.
• Treatment Options: Treatments like minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) can be effective in stimulating hair regrowth in cases of androgenetic alopecia. Minoxidil works by widening the hair follicles and prolonging the growth stage of hair, while finasteride decreases DHT levels. However, the effectiveness of these treatments varies from person to person, and they typically require continuous use to maintain results.
• Natural Recovery: Some individuals may experience a natural recovery of hair growth after stopping steroids, especially if the hair loss was not severe and the duration of steroid use was short. In such cases, the body's natural hormonal balance is restored, which can lead to the normalization of hair growth cycles.
• Impact of Continued Steroid Use: If steroids are continued without intervention, hair loss is likely to progress and potentially become permanent. The ongoing exposure to high levels of DHT can lead to further miniaturization of hair follicles, making recovery less likely.

The relationship between anabolic steroids and hair loss is both significant and complex, influenced by factors such as genetic predisposition, the type of steroids used, and their dosage and duration. Understanding how steroids interact with hormones like testosterone and DHT provides crucial insight into why these substances often lead to hair thinning or loss. For those using steroids, particularly ones known for their potent androgenic effects, it's important to be aware of the risk and to consider strategies for mitigating hair loss. Ultimately, the best approach involves a combination of ceasing or modifying steroid use and adopting a treatment regimen that addresses the specific needs and conditions of the individual.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal health concerns.