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August 27, 2025

Testosterone and Hair Loss: Causes, Treatments, Supplements, Medications, and Peptides

Testosterone can fuel confidence, energy, and strength—but for some, it also accelerates hair loss. Here’s what science shows about why it happens and what we can do about it, from nutrition and supplements to medications and advanced peptide therapies.

Testosterone and Hair Loss: Causes, Treatments, Supplements, Medications, and Peptides

Testosterone and Hair Loss: What Causes It and What We Can Do About It

Introduction

Few topics in men’s health generate more questions than the relationship between testosterone and hair loss. While testosterone therapy can restore energy, strength, libido, and mood, many men worry about whether boosting testosterone will also accelerate thinning hair or male-pattern baldness. Women, too, sometimes notice hair loss when testosterone or other androgens shift.

The truth is complex. Testosterone itself isn’t the direct villain—it’s largely about how testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), how sensitive hair follicles are to that hormone, and how inflammation, nutrition, genetics, and aging interact.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore:

  • How testosterone and DHT affect hair follicles

  • Why some people lose hair while others don’t

  • The difference between male-pattern baldness and other causes of hair loss

  • Supplements that support scalp health and hormone balance

  • Medications that can slow or reverse hair loss

  • Cutting-edge peptide therapies that may play a role in hair regrowth

  • How to build a personalized, safe approach if you’re experiencing hair loss

The Biology of Testosterone and Hair Follicles

Testosterone’s Role

Testosterone circulates in the bloodstream bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin, with a small percentage available as free testosterone. Inside tissues, testosterone can act directly on androgen receptors—or it can be converted:

  • Into estradiol (via aromatase)

  • Into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (via 5-alpha-reductase enzyme)

DHT and Hair Loss

DHT is about 3–5 times more potent than testosterone at activating androgen receptors. In scalp hair follicles, high DHT signaling shrinks the follicle, shortens the growth (anagen) phase, and lengthens the resting (telogen) phase. Over time, hairs grow thinner, lighter, and eventually stop emerging altogether.

This process is called androgenetic alopecia (AGA), or male-pattern baldness. Women can also develop female-pattern hair loss, though the pattern differs.

Genetics and Follicle Sensitivity

Not everyone with high testosterone or DHT loses hair. Genetic variations in androgen receptor sensitivity and local 5-alpha-reductase activity determine whether follicles shrink in response. This explains why some men with high testosterone keep a full head of hair into old age, while others with modest levels thin rapidly in their 20s.

Other Hormonal and Systemic Causes of Hair Loss

While DHT is the primary factor in pattern baldness, hair loss can also result from:

  • Thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)

  • Iron deficiency or anemia

  • Vitamin D, zinc, or biotin deficiency

  • High cortisol and chronic stress

  • Autoimmune activity (alopecia areata)

  • Estrogen or progesterone changes in women during menopause or postpartum

That’s why comprehensive hormone and nutritional testing is key before assuming hair loss is “just testosterone.”

Supplements for Supporting Hair Health

1. Saw Palmetto

  • Acts as a natural 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, reducing conversion of testosterone to DHT.

  • Some studies suggest it may modestly slow hair loss progression.

  • We recommend high-quality formulations like Prostate Health, which combines saw palmetto with synergistic nutrients.

2. DIM (Diindolylmethane)

  • Found in cruciferous vegetables.

  • Supports healthy estrogen metabolism and may balance androgen activity.

  • Included in Hormone Balance formula.

3. Calcium D-Glucarate

  • Promotes healthy hormone detoxification via glucuronidation.

  • Can be paired with DIM to reduce hormonal imbalances that indirectly worsen hair loss.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

  • Anti-inflammatory support for scalp and hair follicle health.

  • Consider a high-strength option such as Omega 1300.

5. Vitamin D, Zinc, and Biotin

  • Vitamin D helps regulate follicle cycling.

  • Zinc supports enzyme activity and scalp immunity.

  • Biotin strengthens keratin and hair shaft integrity.

6. Curcumin

  • Potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

  • Available in enhanced formulas like Curcumin Complex.

Medications for Testosterone-Related Hair Loss

1. Finasteride (Propecia)

  • Blocks type II 5-alpha-reductase, lowering scalp and serum DHT.

  • Can significantly slow or even reverse early hair loss.

  • Risks: sexual side effects in a minority of men, possible mood changes.

2. Dutasteride

  • Blocks both type I and type II 5-alpha-reductase.

  • More potent than finasteride, but with a similar side-effect profile.

3. Topical Minoxidil (Rogaine)

  • Increases scalp blood flow and prolongs the growth phase.

  • Works independently of hormones, making it useful in combination with DHT blockers.

4. Spironolactone (for women)

  • Androgen receptor blocker sometimes used in female-pattern hair loss.

  • Not typically used in men because of feminizing side effects.

5. Ketoconazole Shampoo

  • Antifungal that also has mild anti-androgen effects on the scalp.

  • Can reduce local inflammation and DHT activity when used a few times per week.

Peptides and Emerging Therapies

1. GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

  • Widely studied for skin and hair regeneration.

  • Stimulates follicle stem cells, increases scalp blood flow, and reduces inflammation.

  • Available as topical formulations, microneedling serums, and injectable therapies under physician supervision.

  • GHK-Cu peptide is already in use for cosmetic and regenerative purposes.

2. Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500)

  • Supports angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth) and tissue repair.

  • May indirectly aid scalp circulation and follicle recovery when combined with other therapies.

  • TB-500 peptide is often paired with BPC-157 for healing.

3. BPC-157

  • Primarily a gut and musculoskeletal repair peptide, but its angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects may help scalp microcirculation.

  • BPC-157 peptide is available in our clinic for supervised use.

4. Other Investigational Peptides

  • PTD-DBM and CG210 are in experimental stages for follicle activation.

  • Research is ongoing, but early results are promising.

Lifestyle Strategies That Support Hair Health

  1. Stress Management – high cortisol accelerates hair shedding. Practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing help.

  2. Balanced Nutrition – protein intake supports keratin production; a Mediterranean-style diet lowers inflammation.

  3. Exercise – supports hormone balance and circulation, but over-training can worsen oxidative stress.

  4. Sleep Optimization – growth hormone and melatonin influence follicle cycles.

  5. Avoid Toxins – smoking, heavy alcohol use, and environmental toxin exposure worsen oxidative stress in follicles.

How We Approach Hair Loss in Clinic

We never assume hair loss is “just testosterone.” Instead, we:

  1. Test hormones comprehensively – testosterone, DHT, estradiol, cortisol, thyroid hormones, SHBG.

  2. Check nutrient labs – vitamin D, ferritin, zinc, homocysteine.

  3. Assess inflammation and oxidative stress – hs-CRP, oxidative stress markers.

  4. Develop a layered plan – addressing nutrient deficiencies, calming inflammation, optimizing detox pathways, and selecting the right mix of supplements, medications, and peptides.

  5. Monitor and adjust – hair growth cycles are slow (months), so patience and follow-up are key.

Conclusion: Testosterone Doesn’t Have to Mean Hair Loss

Testosterone and its potent metabolite DHT play undeniable roles in hair follicle shrinkage for genetically predisposed individuals. But hair loss is never just about one hormone. Inflammation, oxidative stress, nutrition, detoxification, and follicle resilience all contribute.

By combining precise testing, targeted supplements, proven medications, and emerging peptide therapies, it’s possible to slow, halt, or even reverse hair loss while still reaping the benefits of healthy testosterone levels.

References

  1. Kaufman KD. Androgens and alopecia. Mol Cell Endocrinol.

  2. Olsen EA. Female pattern hair loss. J Am Acad Dermatol.

  3. Trüeb RM. Oxidative stress in androgenetic alopecia. Dermatology.

  4. Rossi A, et al. Minoxidil use in alopecia: a review. Dermatol Ther.

  5. Famenini S, Goh C. Evidence for supplemental therapies in androgenetic alopecia. Int J Dermatol.

  6. Pickart L, et al. GHK-Cu peptide in skin and hair regeneration. J Cosmet Dermatol.

  7. Messenger AG, Sinclair R. Follicular miniaturization in androgenetic alopecia. Br J Dermatol.