Does Testosterone Cause Hair Loss? Discover the Real Cause & Cure

Hair loss is more than a cosmetic concern. For many, it’s a deeply emotional experience that hits self-esteem hard. And for many, the question becomes urgent: does testosterone cause hair loss, or is there something else behind it? Whether it begins with a receding hairline or overall thinning, many people panic and immediately point the finger at hormones — especially testosterone. If you’re wondering, “Does testosterone cause hair loss?” you’re not alone.

You’ve probably heard the rumor: testosterone makes you go bald. But is that really true—or just another myth? For men concerned about hair loss or those considering testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), the fear is real.

More than 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States experience androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness — a hormonal condition backed by decades of research from the National Library of Medicine(NLM).

In this guide, we’ll explore the science behind testosterone, DHT, and hair health, how Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) affects your hair, and what real solutions exist to slow or even reverse hair loss — for both men and women.

What Is Testosterone & How Does It Relate to Hair Loss?

Testosterone is a steroid hormone primarily produced in the testes in men and the ovaries in women, with smaller amounts coming from the adrenal glands. It plays a crucial role in:

• Muscle mass
• Bone density
• Mood and libido
• Fat distribution
• Body and facial hair growth

However, when it comes to the scalp, testosterone doesn’t directly cause hair loss. Instead, it’s the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that’s most often to blame.

• DHT binds to androgen receptors in scalp hair follicles
• This causes follicles to shrink (miniaturization)
• Over time, the growth phase shortens and hair falls out more rapidly

Testosterone doesn’t exist in just one form — it circulates in your body in multiple states, each with a different role in how it affects your tissues, including your hair follicles…

Understanding the Forms of Testosterone in Your Body

Testosterone doesn’t exist in just one form — it circulates in your body in multiple states, each with a different role in how it affects your tissues, including your hair follicles. To fully answer “does testosterone cause hair loss,” we need to understand how testosterone exists in the body.

• Free testosterone: This is the unbound, active form of testosterone — not attached to any proteins — and it’s the most biologically available to your cells.
• Bound testosterone: Most testosterone binds to proteins in your blood, particularly sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. Testosterone bound to SHBG is generally inactive, while that bound to albumin remains somewhat bioavailable.
• Low SHBG = More free testosterone: If your SHBG levels are low, it may result in a higher amount of free testosterone circulating in your system, which could influence everything from libido to hair health.
• Conversion to DHT: A portion of testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone most often blamed when people ask “does testosterone cause hair loss?”. DHT is up to five times more potent than testosterone, and it’s heavily concentrated in the skin, prostate, and hair follicles — making it a major player in hair loss.

Curious about how testosterone affects more than just your hair? Discover the truth about growth, hormones, and height in our deep dive: Does Testosterone Make You Taller? Real Truths Revealed.

So, Does Testosterone Cause Hair Loss?

Technically, no. But it plays a role.

Here’s how it works:

• Testosterone → DHT via 5-alpha reductase enzyme
• DHT = 3–5x more potent than testosterone
• DHT affects genetically sensitive hair follicles, leading to androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness)

Key Facts:

• Testosterone doesn’t directly cause hair loss.
• DHT binds to scalp hair follicles, miniaturizing them.
• Hair thinning begins at the temples and crown in androgenetic alopecia.

Testosterone itself is not the villain. The key issue lies in:

• How much of it converts to DHT
• How sensitive your hair follicles are to DHT
• Your genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia

Genetics Matter

Some people with high testosterone levels never go bald, while others with normal levels lose hair rapidly. The deciding factor? Genetics and scalp DHT sensitivity.

This explains why two men with similar testosterone levels can have very different answers to the question “does testosterone cause hair loss.”

Study Insight:

Men with more androgen receptors in their hair follicles experience faster hair loss even at normal DHT levels.

Bottom Line: Testosterone becomes a problem only when it leads to elevated DHT levels, and if your hair follicles are genetically sensitive.

DHT: The Real Reason Behind Hair Loss

To properly answer does testosterone cause hair loss, we must look at DHT — the true driver of androgenetic alopecia and not testosterone, is the main trigger for pattern baldness.

DHT shrinks follicles, shortens the growth cycle, and eventually halts regrowth. If your scalp is genetically prone, DHT’s damage accumulates over time.

DHT binds to receptors in your scalp’s hair follicles and causes them to shrink over time — a process called miniaturization. This shortens the hair growth cycle, leading to:

• Thinner strands
• Slower regrowth
• Eventual follicle dormancy

The result? Hairline recession and crown thinning, commonly seen in male pattern baldness.

Hormone	Function	Role in Hair Loss
Testosterone	Muscle, libido, mood	Indirect (converts to DHT)
DHT	More potent androgen	Direct cause of hair miniaturization
Estrogen	Hormonal balance	Lowers with TRT, may influence hair

Even if you have normal testosterone levels, sensitivity to DHT (genetic) determines whether you’ll lose hair.

Testosterone Conversion to DHT

A small portion of testosterone converts into DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) through an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. While DHT is vital for male development in puberty (deep voice, facial hair), it’s also heavily linked to male pattern baldness — androgenetic alopecia.

Key Point: Testosterone alone doesn’t cause hair loss — it’s DHT and your hair follicle’s sensitivity to it that matters.

Can You Regrow Hair Lost from Testosterone or DHT?

Yes — if caught early.

Reversible:

• Recent hair loss (1–2 years)
• Follicles still alive

Irreversible:

• Long-term DHT exposure
• Scalp fibrosis (scar tissue)

Effective Treatments:

1. Minoxidil (Rogaine) – prolongs growth phase
2. Finasteride (Propecia) – blocks DHT
3. Dutasteride – stronger DHT blocker
4. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
5. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
6. Hair Transplant Surgery
7. Microneedling – Stimulates growth factors

Natural Ways to Block DHT and Support Hair Health

If you’re looking to naturally protect your hair from DHT, start with what you eat. Certain nutrients and plant extracts have been shown to help inhibit 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT.

Here’s a handy table that breaks down the top natural DHT blockers and the best ways to get them through food or supplements:

DHT Blocker	Function	Food Sources
Saw Palmetto	Inhibits 5-alpha reductase	Not found in food — take as supplement or topical serum
Pumpkin Seed Oil	Blocks DHT with plant sterols	Pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed oil (cold-pressed)
Zinc	Regulates testosterone & blocks DHT enzyme	Oysters, pumpkin seeds, beef, cashews, chickpeas, eggs
Vitamin D	Supports hair follicle health & hormone balance	Salmon, egg yolks, fortified milk, sardines, cod liver oil, sunlight
Green Tea (EGCG)	Reduces DHT activity and scalp inflammation	Brewed green tea, matcha powder, green tea extract supplements

Tip: Combine these foods with good sleep, stress control, and proper scalp care for best results.

Also consider:

• Scalp massages
• Microneedling (dermaroller)
• Collagen support supplements

Best DHT Blockers

Product Name	Type
Folexin	Supplement
Lipogaine Big 3 Shampoo	Topical
Hims Finasteride	Prescription
Nutrafol for Men	Supplement

Women, Testosterone & Hair Thinning

For women, the concern “does testosterone cause hair loss” is equally valid — though it presents differently than in men.

Hair loss isn’t just a men’s issue — many women also experience androgenetic alopecia, commonly called female pattern hair loss (FPHL). And while women naturally have lower levels of testosterone than men, there’s still enough circulating testosterone to trigger DHT-related follicle sensitivity.

Women produce testosterone too — and just like men, excess DHT can lead to hair loss. Women can also suffer hair loss from hormonal imbalances — especially from:

• PCOS
• Menopause
• HRT misuse
• Anabolic steroid use

Symptoms include:

• Widening hair part
• Thinning at the crown
• Increased body/facial hair

Solution Path: Spironolactone, minoxidil, hormone balancing with an endocrinologist

Treatments for women include:

• Spironolactone (DHT blocker)
• Minoxidil
• Lifestyle and dietary changes

Low Testosterone and Hair Thinning

Low testosterone can also lead to hair changes:

• Weakening of hair shafts
• Slower growth rate
• Thinning eyebrows or beard

While low testosterone is less likely to cause pattern baldness, it can still impact overall hair vitality.

Symptoms of Low T:

• Fatigue
• Low libido
• Muscle loss
• Increased body fat

Can Low Testosterone Cause Hair Loss Too?

Surprisingly, yes. Low testosterone can affect:

• Body hair density
• Eyebrow or beard thinning
• Overall hair vitality

Hair follicles need a healthy androgen balance to stay in the anagen (growth) phase. Low T can:

• Weaken the follicle
• Shorten growth cycles
• Increase shedding

If you’re seeing hair loss + fatigue, low libido, or muscle weakness, consider testing testosterone levels.

TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) and Hair Loss

Many men considering hormone therapy often worry: does testosterone cause hair loss while on TRT? TRT is used to treat low testosterone in men over 30. Common benefits include:

• Boosted libido
• Improved energy and mood
• Better body composition

But there’s a catch — TRT may raise DHT levels, especially via injections.

TRT Formulations Ranked by DHT Risk:

• High: Injectable testosterone cypionate/enanthate
• Medium: Transdermal gels/patches
• Low: Oral testosterone undecanoate

Depending on the form you choose, the answer to “does testosterone cause hair loss” may vary.

How to Protect Hair on TRT:

• Use topical finasteride (less systemic side effects)
• Wash scalp with ketoconazole shampoo
• Avoid overdosing (keep testosterone in mid-range)

So if you’ve been asking yourself, does testosterone cause hair loss, the answer lies not in the hormone itself, but in how your body responds to its byproducts.

How to Prevent Hair Loss While Taking Testosterone

If you’re undergoing Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) or using testosterone boosters, you might worry about thinning hair. The good news? You don’t have to choose between hormones and hair. With the right strategy, you can support your testosterone levels and protect your hairline.

Here’s how:

1. Block DHT at the Scalp

Since DHT is the real culprit behind testosterone-linked hair loss, the best defense is targeting DHT locally at the hair follicle — not blocking testosterone systemically.

• Topical finasteride: Reduces scalp DHT with fewer side effects than oral versions
• Ketoconazole shampoo: Acts as a mild anti-androgen and reduces inflammation
• Caffeine-infused shampoos: May help counteract DHT’s effect on follicles

2. Use Growth-Stimulating Treatments

Pair DHT blockers with follicle stimulants to keep your hair in the anagen (growth) phase.

• Minoxidil (topical foam or solution)
• Microneedling (dermarolling the scalp)
• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)

These options stimulate blood flow and oxygen delivery to hair follicles — critical while managing hormonal shifts.

3. Watch Your TRT Dosage & Delivery Method

The form of testosterone matters:

• Injections (especially large weekly doses) = highest DHT spike
• Gels and creams = slower absorption, lower DHT conversion
• Oral testosterone undecanoate = moderate, smoother impact

Work with a provider to find the lowest effective dose and avoid supraphysiologic DHT levels. Keeping testosterone balanced can influence whether testosterone causes hair loss in your specific case.

4. Monitor Your Labs

Ask your provider to track:

• Total and free testosterone
• DHT levels
• SHBG and estrogen balance

If DHT is climbing too high, adjustments can be made before visible hair loss starts.

5. Support Overall Hair Health

• Eat a DHT-blocking diet: Add zinc, pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, and green tea
• Avoid excessive stress (cortisol can worsen hair loss)
• Prioritize sleep, hydration, and scalp hygiene

Healthy hormones require a healthy system — and your scalp is no exception.

Does Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Cause Hair Loss?

Yes and no. TRT increases testosterone, which may elevate DHT. But not everyone on TRT experiences hair loss.

TRT has become popular among aging men for boosting:

• Energy
• Libido
• Mental clarity
• Muscle growth

But it also raises concerns: Does TRT cause hair loss?

The Truth:

Yes, TRT can increase DHT levels, especially with injectable testosterone. That’s because:

• More testosterone = more substrate for conversion to DHT
• DHT may rise 2-3x from baseline in some users
• This accelerates genetic hair loss in predisposed men

Safe Practices:

• Start with low TRT doses
• Monitor DHT levels
• Use DHT blockers (topical or oral)

Can You Prevent Hair Loss While on TRT?

Yes. Options include:

• Topical finasteride (blocks DHT locally without systemic side effects)
• Minoxidil (stimulates follicles regardless of hormones)
• Ketoconazole shampoo (mild anti-DHT effects)

Common Myths About Testosterone & Hair Loss

There’s a ton of misinformation online about hormone-related hair loss, especially around the idea that testosterone causes hair loss. But does it really?

Myth #1: High testosterone always causes baldness

Truth: Many men with high testosterone keep a full head of hair. It’s not the hormone itself, but how much of it converts to DHT and your genetic sensitivity that matters.

Myth #2: If you’re balding, your testosterone is high

Truth: Not necessarily. Some men with normal or even low testosterone still lose hair due to high DHT or sensitive follicles. Hair loss is not a reliable indicator of testosterone levels.

Myth #3: Women don’t lose hair from testosterone

Truth: Women with hormonal imbalances like PCOS or menopause-related shifts can experience androgenic hair thinning caused by elevated DHT.

Myth #4: Hair loss from testosterone is always permanent

Truth: If caught early, testosterone-related hair loss can be slowed or even reversed with DHT blockers, minoxidil, or natural supplements.

Myth #5: Shaving your head makes hair grow back thicker

Truth: Shaving has no effect on follicle size, growth phase, or DHT activity. This myth is purely cosmetic and not scientifically accurate.

A 2017 population-based study from northeastern Germany found no significant association between male sex hormone levels and hair loss, challenging the common belief that testosterone directly causes male pattern baldness.

FAQ’s

1. Does testosterone cause hair loss directly?
   No. Testosterone converts to DHT, which causes hair loss in genetically sensitive people.
2. Can low testosterone lead to hair thinning?
   Yes. It affects hair vitality, especially beard and body hair.
3. Is DHT the same as testosterone?
   No. DHT is a byproduct of testosterone, more potent and scalp-damaging.
4. Does TRT cause baldness?
   It can accelerate hair loss by increasing DHT, especially with injections.
5. Can you prevent hair loss while on TRT?
   Yes. Use topical DHT blockers and monitor testosterone levels closely.
6. What’s the best shampoo for testosterone-related hair loss?
   Ketoconazole-based shampoos help block DHT and reduce inflammation.
7. Will stopping TRT reverse hair loss?
   Possibly — if caught early and follicles are still viable.
8. Can women lose hair from high testosterone?
   Yes. Often tied to PCOS, menopause, or hormonal therapy imbalances.
9. Is finasteride safe for hair loss?
   Yes, especially topical versions with fewer side effects.
10. What are natural ways to block DHT?
    Saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, green tea, and zinc.
11. Can minoxidil regrow hair lost to DHT?
    It can help regrow and thicken hair, especially when used early.
12. How long does it take to see regrowth?
    Most people notice results after 3–6 months with consistent use.
13. Can testosterone supplements cause hair loss?
    If they raise DHT levels, they can increase risk — especially in men with family history.

Conclusion: So, Does Testosterone Cause Hair Loss?

When it comes to hair loss, testosterone isn’t your enemy — but ignoring how it interacts with your body could be. The real trigger for hair thinning isn’t testosterone itself, but its more potent cousin: DHT. And whether or not that DHT leads to hair loss depends heavily on one thing — your genetic sensitivity.

The good news? Hair loss from hormonal changes is not a life sentence.
Whether you’re on TRT, exploring testosterone boosters, or simply noticing changes in your hairline, there are science-backed ways to protect and restore your hair.

Here’s What You Now Know:

• Testosterone doesn’t directly cause hair loss — DHT and genetics do
• You can prevent hair loss while maintaining healthy hormone levels
• Treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, microneedling, and DHT blockers work — when used early and consistently
• Women and men both need to watch their hormonal balance
• Lifestyle, diet, and scalp health matter more than most realize

Take control of your hormones. Take charge of your hair.

References

• Kische H, Arnold A, Gross S, Wallaschofski H, Völzke H, Nauck M, Haring R. Sex Hormones and Hair Loss in Men From the General Population of Northeastern Germany. JAMA Dermatol. 2017 Sep 1;153(9):935-937. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.0297. PMID: 28403384; PMCID: PMC5817427.
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5817427/