Androgen—the man maker!
There can be several factors responsible for hair loss, but researchers claim that male pattern baldness is associated with androgens, which are actually male sex hormones. You can thank androgen for characters like strong bones, deep voice, etc. that categories you as male. It also stimulates the production of RBC besides performing all other vital functions in your body.
Androgen (andr+gen) is derived from Greek words which mean “man-maker.” Testosterone is the most powerful androgen in your body. You will agree because testosterone is crucial for the libido. It keeps your sex drive raging and also plays a pivotal role in producing enough sperm throughout your adult life.
You may be now wishing for a lot of testosterone in your body, but it also has some undesirable effects. When testosterone starts converting into another androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), it is needed for the healthy development of the prostate, but it acts adversely on the hair follicles.
Hair follicles are sensitive towards DHT, and this sensitivity level in you decides the impact. If your hair follicles have high-level sensitivity, it often results in taking hair off the scalp by majorly contributing to your baldness.
Why may my hair follicles have high-level sensitivity towards DHT?
The study reveals that it is not about how much testosterone or DHT you have got; it is about the sensitivity. Your genetics determine the sensitivity of your hair follicles. The AR gene in our body provides instructions to make a protein called the androgen receptor. These receptors on the hair follicles directly interact with testosterone and DHT. Just a little amount of DHT can trigger the sensitivity causing hair loss.
The link between testosterone and hair loss!
Men experiencing hair loss or male pattern baldness (MPB) are perceived to have higher levels of testosterone. It is not correct! You may have a lower level of testosterone circulating in your body; however, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT could be possibly higher. As a matter of fact, you can even hold your genes responsible for the highly sensitive hair follicles. If you have men with MPB in your family or close relatives, you possibly have a higher chance of developing the same.
The bottom line is, there can be numerous factors acting behind the cause of hair loss, but testosterone is not directly linked with it. You may want to check your stress levels; keep in mind your age as one of the factors, and as discussed above, your genes. You must pay attention to a sudden and large amount of hair loss because that may be an indication of some concerning the disease.
The good news!
You can always seek treatment for hair loss. The standard treatment includes minoxidil, ketoconazole, etc. while laser treatment, surgical hair follicle transplant, etc. can be complex. There are also advance level drugs that inhibit 5-alpha reductase enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. This type of medication is being used for critical diseases like prostate cancer and others. It is rarely advised for hair-fall treatment as it interferes with the actions of testosterone and DHT. Studies have brought innovative alternatives, and the future holds a bright light.
