Hair Loss In Athletes Taking Testosterone

Some athletes take synthetic testosterone in an effort to get bigger, faster and stronger. MayoClinic.com reports that many athletes use testosterone in doses that far exceed the doses prescribed for medical reasons. Although the side effects vary from person to person, using amounts of synthetic testosterone that exceed your natural testosterone levels can stimulate androgenic alopecia, or pattern hair loss, from an increase in the predominantly male hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT.

Causes

According to the American Hair Loss Association, 95 percent of hair loss cases are caused by androgenic alopecia, a condition that occurs when testosterone naturally converts to dihydrotestosterone via the type II 5-alpha-reductace, which is held in the hair follicles' oil glands. DHT, even at excess levels, does not necessarily "cause" hair loss; having hair follicles that are genetically prone to androgenic alopecia or pattern baldness is the reason hair sheds over time. DHT attaches to hair follicles that are genetically prone to shed and shrink when there is excess amount of the hormone in the bloodstream.

Types

Athletes use many different types of testosterone. Some forms -- like testosterone cyponiate or testosterone enanthate -- are injected. Testosterone can also be applied transdermally, or through the skin, or taken sublingually where it is absorbed in the mouth. However, regardless of the method of administration, any increase of testosterone can also increase DHT levels. Increased DHT can then attack hair follicles that are prone to hair thinning.

Prevention/Treatment

If you are an adult male athlete or a male on hormone replacement therapy, and you are experiencing hair loss from taking testosterone, discuss the prescription drug finasteride with your doctor. Finasteride is an FDA-approved treatment for male pattern hair loss. Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT by inhibiting the 5-alpha-reductace. Since testosterone converts to DHT via the 5-alpha-reductase, finasteride can helpful in reducing DHT levels that may be increased by synthetic testosterone. According to the American Hair Loss Association, 1 mg of finasteride can lower DHT levels by over 60 percent. Keep in mind, however, that although finasteride may help reduce hair loss caused by testosterone converting to DHT over the 5-alpha-reductase, it will not help with other synthetic hormones that are DHT based and do not require this conversion process.

Expert Insight

Dr. William Rassman, hair restoration surgeon and Medical Director and Founder of the New Hair Institute, reports that finasteride, brand name Propecia, may help when taking testosterone, but it not always a sure thing. Hair loss from taking testosterone will only occur in men who are prone to male pattern hair loss. Dr. Rassman reports that taking testosterone or other anabolic steroids can accelerate the balding process. However, he claims that transplanted hair follicles, or hair transplants, are immune to anabolic steroids.

Warning

Testosterone or steroids should only be used under the care of a medical doctor. Blood tests may be necessary to determine your proper dosage of hormone replacement. While using testosterone for athletics can accelerate male pattern baldness from DHT, testosterone and other steroidal derivatives can have also have numerous other unwanted side effects, including elevated blood pressure, anxiety, prostate irritation and possible injury to tendons or ligaments that cannot support rapid increases in size and strength.