Testosterone is a hormone that plays a significant role in a number of male characteristics. Testosterone levels in men affect your hair growth patterns, sex drive and prostate health. Testosterone also helps build muscles, strengthen bones and metabolize fat. It affects memory and can boost mood and energy levels. Drugs used to boost testosterone for muscle building often hasten your male pattern baldness.
Symptoms
About one in five men have below normal testosterone levels by the time they turn 60, according to the Harvard Medical School. Low testosterone levels lead to symptoms that can include male pattern baldness and muscle atrophy. You also may experience fatigue and less of an interest in sex. Osteoporosis and unusual bone fractures can indicate low testosterone levels in men. Causes for the drop in hormone levels may be due simply to aging and heredity, as in the case of male pattern baldness or may be related to other medical conditions such as problems in your hypothalamus or pituitary glands. Some treatments address both hair loss and muscle atrophy, but too often men look for quick fixes that lead to additional consequences.
Steroids
Many bodybuilders take synthetic hormones, also called anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass. The steroids work by boosting your testosterone levels, which in turn create higher levels of DHT, or dihydrotestosterone that plays an integral role in hair follicle strength. The synthetic hormones are only available legally through a prescription from your doctor and can help prevent muscle loss. According to Kids Health by Nemours, however, while anabolic steroids can increase your muscle size, they also lead to an increased risk for heightened male pattern baldness. Other side effects include an enlarged heart muscle, acne and muscle aches.
Supplements
Natural supplements sold over-the-counter to improve muscle building can lead to similar side effects as steroids, including an increased risk of male pattern baldness, according to the Mayo Clinic. You can find the supplements in your local health food store with promotions about their natural abilities to improve muscle growth for bodybuilders and athletes. The over-the-counter steroids contain ingredients such as dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA and androstenedione. The supplements aren't regulated by any federal agency so the purity of each product may be questionable. Side effects of the OTC steroids include baldness, infertility, acne and high blood pressure. The supplements can cause mood swings and aggressive behavior and can lead to liver disease.
Treatment
If you suffer from male pattern baldness and inferior muscle growth, you may benefit from a medication called finasteride, used to treat hair loss and muscle atrophy in men with low testosterone levels. It's a prescription medication delivered in a pill form. Finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. In studies reported by "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism," finasteride reduced fat mass and increased lean muscle mass in older men with low testosterone levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, finasteride spurs new hair growth as well. You should always consult your physician before taking the drug to ensure that you're not at risk of side effects. Your doctor also will monitor your reactions to the medicine. There is a slight chance that finasteride can lead to high-grade prostate cancer or breast cancer too. More common side effects that still should be reported to your doctor include headache, a skin rash or runny nose.
References
- Harvard Medical School: Not Enough Test in Testosterone
- The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism: Exogenous Testosterone
- Drugs.com: Finasteride
- MayoClinic.com: Hair Loss
- Kids Health by Nemours: Steroids
- MayoClinic.com: Natural Steroids
- Alabama Cooperative Extension Center: Beware of Natural Steroids
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