Myth: Masturbation Links To Hair Loss
This is another one for the books, which ties the entire idea of high testosterone hair loss as the culprit. Its a common belief that sexual activities lead to more hair loss. Theres even a targeted idea that masturbation can cause it.
The idea that links hair loss to sex comes from men releasing testosterone during the act. A stronger release of testosterone means theres more for the DHT to process.
When it comes to levels of sexual activity, decide on how much or how little you do it. It does not affect how much or how long you keep on your head anyway.
In fact, some studies have found out something interesting.
People who abstain from masturbation for 3 weeks elevate their testosterone levels. This suggests no link between the deed and hair loss.
Even if you have deficient levels of testosterone in your body, it wont matter. Enzymes will still convert it to hormones and hair loss will ensue.
Who Is At Risk Of Losing Hair
Hair fall that is caused by fluctuating testosterone levels is linked to both male and female pattern baldness.
Female pattern baldness usually affects women post-menopause as their androgen levels tend to rise and estrogen levels drop. Researchers also tend to link genetics with this form of balding.
Did You Know?
- Male pattern baldness may affect one in their teenage years but is more common among adults. According to the US National Library of Medicine, over 50 percent of men above the age of 50 are affected.
Wrapping Up
Fluctuating testosterone can result in balding in both men and women. Testosterone produces a hormone called dihydrotestosterone which is responsible for balding in males and females.
Some may be genetically sensitive to this hormone where as others may have high levels of it. Using proven medications to block DHT from binding to hair follicles can prevent hair fall.
Can You Reverse Or Slow Down Dht In Men
Absolutely. Medical advancements have improved significantly and are now able to target patientsâ individual needs instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. Slowing down the impact of too high or too low levels of DHT is easy with the aid of a DHT blocker.
While DHT isnât exactly the same as testosterone, it is similar enough it can be blocked much the same with products like Biotine or Rogaine. Consider putting down the over-the-counter shampoos and reaching out to your doctor for a proper prescription. Youâll receive a more accurate diagnosis that gets to the root of your hair loss.
When used consistently and correctly, a DHT blocker can take a minimum of three months and a maximum of six to seven to show results. While your hair is unlikely to look the same as it did a few decades ago, targeting the hormonal imbalance will slow down hair loss, improve hair thickness, and promote more even coverage significantly.
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Promise Of Recognition That Hair Loss Is Often A Sign Of A Medical Condition
This report provides a commonsense approach that is very useful, and because it helps to distinguish hair loss due to androgen overproduction from other causes, women can better understand what medications might be useful and what benefit to expect or hope for, Dr. Anawalt says.
One bit of advice that Dr. Anawalt was especially happy to see:
A recommendation that women worried about hair loss try the hair pull test. Try to pull gently on the end of a group of 50 hairs in multiple areas of the scalp, he says. It is normal to have 0-2 hairs come out per pull.;More than that suggests telogen effluvium, which does not respond to anti-testosterone therapy but may reflect altered thyroid hormone or estrogen levels or a nutritional deficiency.
There are also some caveats that women must understand about hair loss, Dr. Anawalt notes.
- Hair loss due to aging isnt reversable.
- Treatment with minoxidil results in only modest improvement of hair growth.
- Anti-androgen treatment offers benefits only to women with either high levels of circulating blood testosterone or evidence of excess testosterone production.
The guidelines nicely describe emerging evidence of the important growth factors for hair, and we might see effective treatments for hair loss for women and men based on further investigation and development of treatments related to these growth factors, says Dr. Anawalt.
Neither doctor has any financial conflicts with regard to this article.
Where Can I Get Help To Optimize My Hormones And/or Testosterone
Choosing a health care provider is more important than choosing what mechanic you may take your car too. Without hesitation, Dr. Yates MD encourages a visit to the folks over at YOUTH-Rx. They just so happen to be right here in the Chicago area, conveniently located in downtown Naperville, IL.;
At YOUTH-RX, they provide a complete and professional individualized program along with support to assist you in services such as Hormone Replacement Therapy, Fitness, Nutrition, and if needed; a Weight Loss program. They have been fortunate enough since 2004 to have the privilege of helping hundreds upon hundreds of satisfied clients transform into happier and more energetic individuals through their programs.
They are proud to offer services to many clients around the country as well. All their programs are administered under the strict supervision of their doctors.
You are here visiting us today for a reason. You are likely a bit ahead of most with regards to wanting to take care of your health, hair and well-being. Looking for and finding the right answers can be quite a task but we are here to assist you with finding the right solutions to look and feel your best.
Have questions about HRT or testosterone optimizing programs? Contact YOUTH-Rx here >Contact Youth FX
If you are ready to move forward with pursuing an HRT program to help you look and feel your best at this time, the next step is a quick online from to complete.;
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Genetic Reasons For Baldness
The source of baldness in men is genetic. Men will either have the genes that causes baldness, or they dont. By the time most men begin investigating testosterone replacement therapy, its usually quite clear whether or not male pattern baldness has begun.
However, there;is;a connection between baldness and testosterone, just not the connection many expect.
Genes are not directly responsible for hair loss. Rather, they make hair follicles weak in a specific way that becomes sensitive to testosterone. A small amount of free testosterone can cause hair follicles to suffer. However, it does not affect much, so it is unlikely for hair loss. When it comes to testosterone replacement therapy, there is not a ridiculous amount of testosterone being increased. Normally it is just enough to get individuals back into their normal range. Therefore, therapy is unlikely to be the cause for baldness.
What Role Do Hormones Play In Male
One of the most common forms of hair loss, the U.S. National Library of Medicine estimates that pattern hair loss affects about 50 million men and 30 million women in the U.S. Those with pattern hair loss experience chronic, gradual hair loss over time.
Over production of androgens is usually the cause of androgenetic alopecia. Androgens are a type of hormone that supports normal sexual development in men. Androgen levels also play a role in healthy sex drive and the regulation of hair growth in both women and men.
The condition has been shown to have a genetic component, as it often runs in families that tend to convert testosterone into DHT . DHT helps hair grow on most of the body but not on the scalp. High DHT levels cause hair follicles to miniaturize and weaken, so hair falls out.
In men with PHL, the hairline recedes starting above the temples and progresses to thinning on the top of the head. This results in an M-shaped hairline, which may advance to partial or complete baldness. A number of health conditions have been tied to male pattern hair loss. These include prostate cancer, which has similar risk factors, as well as conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.
Treatments for male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss may include:
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Expanding Treatments For Androgen
Treatment for female pattern hair loss is presented in two forms: topical and systemic, most of which are directed to reduce production of excess androgens .2
In selecting a treatment, your doctor will first make a determination of whether or not the hair follicles remain open is necessary. If your hair follicles are still active, then hair regrowth is possible using one of several effective treatments, depending on the circumstances of the particular patient.1
Possible treatments include starting with topical minoxidil, anti-androgen medications, or finasteride (although this one has had mixed results. Other options which have proved successful include oral contraceptives and medications like spironolactone-a diuretic that has anti-androgen properties, and flutamidewhich while useful has the potential to cause liver toxicity.
Alternatively, there are treatments that have less evidence of success such as low-level laser therapy and microneedling, that may be done in an effort to increase absorption of topical medications, platelet rich plasma therapy, and topical ketoconazolean antifungal medication that is often used in male pattern baldness.
Even melatonin has been suggested for some women. Hair transplantation is also an option when the hair loss becomes significant and unresponsive to medical therapies.;
What Hormones Have The Most Influence
Has Been Shown to Improve Many Facets of Our Health Including:
Quality of sleep as it pertains to muscle and strength restoration , younger & thicker looking skin, strength of bones, Modulation of cell proliferation and survival, Cardiac performances and vascular resistances, Immune Function, Glucose Metabolism & Fat Loss Efforts, Skin, Muscle, Hair and Connective Tissues.
;;THYROID HORMONE;
Living in our modern and industrialized world, stress and the impact of environment chemicals, nearly 40% of Americans are assumed to have low thyroid.;
Those suffering from low thyroid often feel tired and weak, have cold hands and feet. Further, they will often have thin or weak hair, nails and skin. Unwarranted weight gain and increased body fat, lack of motivation and poor mood are some other common symptoms.;
Benefits of optimizing thyroid hormone and backing up a sluggish thyroid:Stronger hair and nails, faster metabolism, enhanced cognitive function and energy.
;;PROGESTERONE
For some women, this may help to improve symptoms of PMS, act as a player to balance the testosterone to estrogen ratio, Depression, and has been shown to lend a hand to alleviate anxiety and help with sleep.
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What Type Of Testosterone Causes Hair Loss
There are two types of testosterone – free testosterone and DHT. Every day after puberty, 10% of free testosterone converts to dihydrotestosterone by an enzyme. DHT acts more potent than testosterone in the development of sexual characteristics.
DHT is a derivative of testosterone that causes hair loss in both men and women. Your hair follicles are sensitive to the potent nature of DHT, deteriorating your hair growth life cycle. Excessive DHT binds to the hair follicle gene receptors and shrinks hair follicles, blocking your hair growth.
In Ayurvedic perspective, vitiation of Pitta Dosha is a significant cause of patterned hair loss. Dominance of Pitta Dosha and Vata Dosha at your hair roots causes follicle miniaturization. Kapha Dosha, combined with excess heat, can block your hair follicles.
Hair Loss And Testosterone
Complex weave
The relationship between testosterone and hair loss is complicated. A popular belief is that bald men have high levels of testosterone, but is this really true?
Male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia, affects an estimated 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health . Hair loss is due to the shrinkage of hair follicles and the resulting impact on the growth cycle. New hairs become finer and finer until theres no hair left at all and the follicles become dormant. This hair loss is caused by hormones and certain genes.
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What Causes Men Hair Loss
Although reasons can vary, the most common cause of male pattern balding is due to genetics, often having a family history of baldness.;
So, in short with regards to the cause of hair loss; it largely boils down to some little evil devil in the genetic code that interferes with how DHT can work within. Unfortunately, it sounds like it messes with DHTs ability to do good work and encourages it to screw things up on our dome that keep us feeling young and handsome!
One thing that most likely is NOT contributing to hair loss, is having a healthy and optimized endocrine system consisting of optimized testosterone and other hormones nicely working in harmony with one another. Nobody should ever falsely buy into the idea that they need to suffer here with the false pretense that they may prevent their hairs from falling out.;
If its in the genetic code of cards youve been dealt, there are smarter and more effective ways that Dr. Yates just so happens to offer to have a full head of hair!
Is Your Hair Loss A Sign Of Low Testosterone
For many men, one of the most frustrating signs of aging has to be hair loss. If you are starting to go bald as you age, it can have a serious impact on your look and your confidence. There are many causes of balding and many rumors as to why this balding occurs in the first place. One of the most common questions that men tend to have about their thinning hair is whether or not low T or low testosterone has anything to do with this change.
So, is hair loss a sign of low testosterone?
The answer is rather complex, but the more that you know about the correlation between low T and hair loss, the easier it will be for you to find a solution that can actually help you get back to that beautiful full head of hair you have always wanted.
The Main Causes of Hair Loss in Men
Unfortunately for men, hair loss is much more common in males rather than females. This is one of the reasons that the idea that testosterone and hair loss are connected first came about. Unfortunately, this correlation isnt that simple. Raising your testosterone levels wont magically stop balding or cause your hair to grow back. However, hormones can have an impact on your hair loss.
There are three main causes of thinning hair or balding in men:
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Main Causes Of Hair Loss In Men And Women
Genetics is the main cause of androgenic alopecia. Studies in twins reveal that the heritability is almost 80%. Scientists have not established yet all of the genes which predispose to baldness.
Advanced age is another major factor in hair loss. Even though T levels plummet in older adults, DNA damage accumulates in the follicles and leads to their death.
Furthermore, 5- reductase and androgen receptor activity remain elevated in older people despite the age-related drop in testosterone. Androgen receptor is one of the factors that accelerates the process of follicle senescence and speeds up balding.
Emotional stress might also speed up androgenic alopecia. Genetically susceptible individuals might experience hair loss at a faster rate when under a lot of environmental stress.
Genetic Hair Loss Is Inherited From Your Mother
If youve ever asked a friend or family member about hair loss, you may have heard that its an entirely hereditary phenomenon thats passed down from your mothers side of the family.
Like other hair loss myths, this one is half true. While hair loss is hereditary and the genes you inherit from your parents likely play a major role in the hair loss process, theres no research to show that your mothers genes are uniquely responsible.
In fact, researchers still havent worked out which genes are responsible for hair loss, although some studies have found that the AR gene is strongly associated with male pattern baldness.
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Does High Testosterone Cause Hair Loss
There is a common belief that higher levels of testosterone can contribute to hair loss. However, research suggests that this isnt the case. As you now know, it is actually DHT that can cause hair loss not testosterone. So, it is actually higher levels of DHT that are associated with balding.
DHT is converted from testosterone, which leads many people to believe that people with hair loss have more DHT and testosterone. However, some studies have found that balding men commonly have elevated DHT with normal levels of testosterone. This means that men with average levels of testosterone can have balding due to elevated DHT and genetic predisposition. As well, men with higher levels of testosterone may not have a genetic predisposition or elevated levels of DHT that lead to balding.
So, the simple answer is that there is no evidence that high levels of testosterone cause hair loss. In reality, it is high levels of DHT paired with genetic predisposition that are believed to lead to MPB.
What Happens If I Have Too Little Dihydrotestosterone
Dihydrotestosterone is thought to have fewer effects in women and, as a result, it is believed they are relatively unaffected by having too little dihydrotestosterone.;It is possible, however, that the start of puberty may be delayed in girls with too little dihydrotestosterone and the amount of pubic and body hair present in adult females may also be reduced.
In contrast, low levels of dihydrotestosterone in men can have dramatic effects.;If there is too little dihydrotestosterone whilst male foetuses are still in the womb, for example, they may not be ‘masculinised’ and their genitalia may seem similar to that seen in girls of the same age.;Later, boys with too little dihydrotestosterone may undergo some of the changes usually seen in puberty but will not develop normal body hair growth and genital development.;
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