It is common to see a buff guy in the gym rocking a shaved head. And, while a close crop can help make your upper body look larger in comparison and help give off tough guy vibes, a shaved head is also a good way to deal with and help disguise hair loss.
Anabolic steroids are commonly used in men who are trying to build more muscle in the gym. But, they may have the unwanted consequence of new or sped-up hair loss.
Below, we will address the connection between anabolic steroids and hair loss including what anabolic steroids are, can they cause hair loss, why anabolic steroids can cause hair loss, if hair loss from anabolic steroid use is permanent, and what you can do to help address hair loss from steroid use.
Anabolic steroids are synthetically created steroid hormones that are meant to resemble testosterone. In the body, this helps increase muscle growth and athletic performance, which is why it is commonly sought after in those looking for fast or extreme muscular gains.
Hair loss can be a side effect of anabolic steroid use.
According to one study, hair loss was reported as an adverse effect in 14.2% of anabolic steroid users, among other reported side effects.
Anabolic steroids do not cause hair loss in everyone that uses them, but they can cause hair loss concerns in men who also have a genetic predisposition to male pattern hair loss.
Male pattern hair loss stems from the root cause of a genetic sensitivity to a testosterone-derived hormone called DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). In men with this DHT sensitivity, DHT causes direct damage to hair follicles over time, leading to the miniaturization of the follicles. Miniaturized hair follicles produce thinner, shorter, and less pigmented hair over time, and may progress to loss of hair growth from the follicle altogether.
The connection here is that anabolic steroids can also increase the amount of DHT produced in the body. And, since men with male pattern hair loss are sensitive to DHT, more of it may mean more hair loss sooner or at a more rapid pace than if anabolic steroids were not used. Basically, anabolic steroids can exacerbate male pattern hair loss.
Technically, if a man does not have a hereditary predisposition to male pattern hair loss, and is not very sensitive to DHT hanging around, it is possible that the use of anabolic steroids does not lead to hair loss over time.
If you are not sure if you are prone to or destined for male pattern hair loss, take a look at your male relatives and see how their hair has held up as they grow older. This may help give you an idea of your genetic predisposition for male pattern hair loss.
Since anabolic steroids can basically just fast-track male pattern hair loss, and lead to damage to and loss of hair follicles, it can lead to permanent hair loss.
However, if the anabolic steroids (or other offending agents) are stopped at the first signs of excess shedding, and medications to help reduce DHT and initiated early on, some users may be able to revive some hair follicles before they go dormant, and slow the progression of male pattern hair loss.
If your hair loss seemed to ramp up along with the use of anabolic steroids, the best way to help curb your losses is to stop the anabolic steroid use.
Additionally, the use of DHT-blocking medications like Finasteride or Dutasteride may be able to reduce the amount of DHT being produced from testosterone and help slow the progression of male pattern hair loss (that the steroids had sped up).
These DHT-blocking medications are not for everyone, and they are prescription-only, so you will need to consult with a doctor to see if they are a good choice for you.
Minoxidil is a hair growth enhancer that may also help some men with their hair recovery efforts. While this medication does not target DHT specifically, it is commonly paired with DHT-blockers for a multi-pronged approach to hair loss slowing and potential recovery.
Here at Strut, we offer a range of prescription hair loss treatments that help target male pattern hair loss (whether it seemed to speed up from anabolic steroid use or not).
We carry oral and topical customizable male pattern hair loss options that utilize active ingredients like Finasteride, Dutasteride, Minoxidil, Tretinoin, and Biotin, to help you achieve your hair goals or at least slow the progression of genetic hair loss.
If you are interested in seeing if a prescription hair loss treatment is a good fit for you, simply choose the formula you would like to try and complete a free online questionnaire and image-based telemedicine consultation. Our U.S. licensed doctors will review your information and preferences and help develop a formula and treatment regimen that suits you. If you are a good candidate for a medication, it will be shipped to your front door with our fast and free shipping.
If you have any questions or need adjustments on subsequent refills, feel free to reach out to our staff and doctors for free unlimited follow-ups.
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