The Link Between Testosterone and Hair Loss

The Link Between Testosterone and Hair Loss

Male pattern baldness affects up to 50% of men in the United States. While the cause of this type of hair loss is often attributed to genetics, it is actually caused by hormones, and can be exacerbated by testosterone replacement therapy. Once a man reaches a certain age, his body begins to produce more testosterone and this can trigger the onset of male pattern baldness. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help slow down or prevent male pattern baldness from becoming severe. One such treatment is finasteride.

What Is Finasteride?

Finasteride is a prescription medication used to treat male pattern baldness in men. It works by blocking the effects of testosterone on hair follicles, thus preventing them from shrinking and leading to hair loss. Finasteride has been shown to be effective in slowing down hair loss and even stimulating new growth in some cases. However, it does not work for everyone so it is important to talk with your doctor about whether or not finasteride is right for you.

Side Effects

As with any medication, finasteride has potential side effects including sexual dysfunction, decreased libido, depression, anxiety, headaches, and skin reactions. If you experience any of these side effects while taking finasteride, contact your doctor immediately as they may need to adjust your dosage or switch you to another treatment option. It is important that you tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking as some medications may interact with finasteride and increase the risk of side effects.

Long-Term Use

Finasteride should only be taken for as long as recommended by your doctor since long-term use can lead to permanent damage to the reproductive system. In addition, discontinuing finasteride suddenly can cause hair loss to resume rapidly so it’s important that you speak with your doctor before stopping or changing dosages.

Male pattern baldness affects millions of men worldwide and can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and confidence levels. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help slow down or prevent further hair loss from occurring due to hormonal imbalances caused by high levels of testosterone in the body. Finasteride is one such treatment, but it does have potential side effects so make sure you talk with your doctor before starting any new medications or treatments for hair loss related issues. With proper care and maintenance, it is possible for many men suffering from male pattern baldness to restore their full head of hair again!