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The Link Between Hair Loss, Testosterone, and DHT in Sport: What You Need to Know

Hair loss is a subject that frequently sparks concern, especially among men. It's a topic often tied to genetics, ageing, and stress, but what many don’t realise is the significant role that hormones play—especially testosterone and its more potent derivative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

there's a link between testosterone and hair loss

In the world of sports, where testosterone levels can naturally be higher or boosted by performance-enhancing drugs, understanding this connection becomes even more critical. This article will explore the link between hair loss, testosterone, and DHT, especially in the context of athletes and fitness enthusiasts, and how it impacts those engaged in high-level sports.

Understanding the Role of Testosterone and DHT

To begin, let's break down the role of testosterone and DHT. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, although women produce it too, in smaller amounts. It’s essential for developing male characteristics such as muscle mass, bone density, and body hair. In the context of sport, testosterone is crucial because it enhances muscle growth and recovery, making it a key factor in athletic performance.

However, testosterone doesn’t always stay in its original form. A small portion of it is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. DHT is much more potent than testosterone and is responsible for the development of certain masculine traits during puberty, such as facial hair growth. But here’s the catch—while testosterone and DHT can promote body hair growth, DHT is also the main culprit behind hair loss on the scalp.

DHT and Hair Follicles: The Mechanism of Hair Loss

So how does DHT cause hair loss? Hair follicles on the scalp contain androgen receptors, and DHT binds to these receptors. In individuals who are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), the binding of DHT to the hair follicle receptors causes the follicles to shrink over time. This process is called follicular miniaturisation, where the hair grows thinner and shorter until it eventually stops growing altogether.

Follicles tend to have the greatest number of androgen receptors in areas like the temples and the crown of the scalp, which is why hair thinning in these regions is often the first sign of male pattern baldness. It’s worth noting that not everyone with high DHT levels will experience hair loss, but those with a genetic predisposition are more likely to be affected. So some individuals can have elevated levels of testosterone or DHT and not be affected. The condition is hereditary, so a brief assessment of your grandparents hair will provide an idea of likely progression levels, but isn't a guarantee.

Hair Loss and Athletes: Why Are Sportspeople More at Risk?

Athletes, particularly those involved in high-intensity training, often have higher levels of testosterone, which can naturally increase their DHT levels. This doesn’t necessarily mean that every athlete will experience hair loss, but those with a genetic susceptibility to androgenetic alopecia are at a greater risk.

In addition to naturally higher testosterone, the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in some sports can accelerate hair loss. Anabolic steroids, for example, are synthetic versions of testosterone that are used to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance. Since these substances increase the overall levels of testosterone in the body, they also lead to an increase in DHT, which can speed up the hair loss process.

The Psychological Impact of Hair Loss on Athletes

For athletes, hair loss can be more than just a cosmetic issue—it can have a significant psychological impact. In a profession where youth, vigour, and physical appearance are often emphasised, losing one’s hair can lead to a decrease in self-confidence. Athletes are used to controlling their bodies, whether it’s gaining muscle, increasing stamina, or fine-tuning their diets for optimal performance. When something like hair loss occurs—something that’s largely out of their control—it can be frustrating and even distressing.

The pressure to maintain an image, combined with the physical demands of sport, can make hair loss an emotional burden for athletes, potentially affecting their mental well-being and performance. In high-visibility sports, where athletes are constantly in the public eye, the issue is often magnified. This can lead to feelings of self-consciousness, anxiety, and even depression.

Is Hair Loss Inevitable for Athletes?

The good news is that while some degree of hair loss might be inevitable for athletes predisposed to androgenetic alopecia, it’s not a foregone conclusion for everyone. Several factors influence whether someone will experience hair loss, including genetics, the type of sport, and whether performance-enhancing drugs are used.

For example, endurance athletes like long-distance runners might not experience the same testosterone surges as bodybuilders or sprinters, so their DHT levels may remain lower. On the other hand, sports that rely heavily on muscle strength and power, like weightlifting or rugby, may lead to more significant hormonal changes, including elevated testosterone and DHT levels, putting these athletes at higher risk for hair loss.

Reducing the Risk of Hair Loss: What Athletes Can Do

For athletes concerned about hair loss, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the risk. The first step is understanding whether there is a genetic predisposition to hair loss in your family. If male pattern baldness runs in your family, it's wise to be more proactive about monitoring hair loss and considering treatments early.

1. Hair Loss Treatments: There are several treatments available to slow down or prevent hair loss. Two of the most common are minoxidil (a topical solution) and finasteride (an oral medication). Minoxidil works by stimulating hair follicles and prolonging the growth phase of hair, while finasteride reduces the amount of DHT in the body by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase.
2. Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support hair health, such as biotin, zinc, and vitamin D, can also help slow down hair loss. Stress management is crucial, as stress can exacerbate hair loss by triggering conditions like telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair shedding that often occurs in response to physical or emotional stress.
3. Avoiding PEDs: Athletes who use anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs should be aware that these substances can speed up hair loss. If maintaining hair is important, avoiding these drugs is one of the most effective ways to prevent premature baldness.
4. Hair Transplants: For athletes who have already experienced significant hair loss, hair transplant surgery can be an effective solution. Advances in techniques like follicular unit extraction (FUE) make it possible to achieve natural-looking results with minimal downtime.

Can Women Athletes Experience Hair Loss from DHT?

While DHT-induced hair loss is more common in men, women are not entirely immune. Women also produce testosterone and DHT, albeit in smaller amounts. Female athletes with higher testosterone levels due to rigorous training may be at risk for a condition called female pattern baldness (FPB), which manifests as more diffuse thinning hair rather than recession, particularly at the crown and parting.

For women, hair loss treatments like minoxidil are typically recommended, and they can be effective in slowing down or reversing thinning. Unlike men, women are usually not prescribed finasteride, as it can cause hormonal imbalances and birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Sport, Hormones, and Hair Health

In conclusion, while the link between hair loss, testosterone, and DHT is well-established, it’s not an inevitable outcome for all athletes. Understanding your genetic predisposition, monitoring your hormone levels, and making informed choices about supplements and treatments can help manage hair loss if it becomes a concern.

For athletes, the balance between maintaining peak physical performance and preserving hair health may sometimes seem challenging, but with the right approach, both are achievable. Whether it’s through lifestyle changes, medical treatments, or advanced hair restoration techniques, athletes today have more options than ever to maintain their hair—and their confidence—while excelling in their sport.

Written with the assistance of Daniel Corner, lead trichologist at the My Hair UK transplant clinic group.

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Disclaimer

The above information is presented as a general guide. The author and publisher take no responsibility for any possible consequences of any treatment, procedure, exercise, action or application of medication based on this information. See more: Disclaimer.