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Published on: 3/5/2025

Does Low Testosterone Cause Hair Loss?

Low testosterone is not usually the main cause of hair loss in men, but in some cases of hormonal imbalance—especially in women—adjusting testosterone levels might improve hair growth.

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Explanation

Hair loss is a common concern, and hormones can play a role. In men, hair loss—often called androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness—is mostly caused by genetics and the body’s sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone made from testosterone. Low testosterone levels are generally not seen as the main culprit in male hair loss. However, in women, hormonal imbalances can sometimes lead to thinning hair. One study found that women who were low in androgens experienced improved scalp hair growth when treated with testosterone. This shows that the effect of testosterone on hair can be different depending on the person’s gender and overall hormone balance. In summary, while low testosterone is not typically linked to hair loss in men, maintaining a healthy balance of hormones is important for overall hair health. If you are noticing significant hair loss or changes in hair growth, it is wise to speak with your doctor about testing your hormone levels and exploring possible treatment options.

(References)

  • Glaser RL, Dimitrakakis C, Messenger AG. Improvement in scalp hair growth in androgen-deficient women treated with testosterone: a questionnaire study. Br J Dermatol. 2012 Feb;166(2):274-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10655.x. Epub 2012 Jan 9. PMID: 21967243; PMCID: PMC3380548.

  • 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.

  • Asfour L, Cranwell W, Sinclair R. Male Androgenetic Alopecia. [Updated 2023 Jan 25]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet].

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