Hair Loss in Athletic Testosterone Use in Males: A Narrative Review

November 2024 in “ International Journal of Dermatology ”

Weeratian Tawanwongsri, Deesha Desai, Ambika Nohria, Jerry Shapiro, Kristen I. Lo Sicco

testosterone hair loss androgenic alopecia gynecomastia liver toxicity

TLDR Testosterone use for muscle growth can cause hair loss in males.

This narrative review examines the link between testosterone use and hair health in male athletes, particularly focusing on androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and hair-related side effects of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use. It notes mixed findings on the correlation between testosterone levels and hair loss, with some studies indicating a connection and others not. The review emphasizes the global prevalence of AAS use and its potential underreported hair-related side effects, such as alopecia. It highlights the lack of standardized guidelines for safe testosterone dosages and the reliance on self-reported data in current research, which may introduce biases. The review calls for more comprehensive studies to develop evidence-based guidelines for safe testosterone use and to assess the effectiveness of hair loss treatments like finasteride and minoxidil in AAS users.

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