Impact of Testosterone on Hair and Skin

January 2015 in “ Endocrinology & metabolic syndrome ”

Daisy Kopera

testosterone DHT male-pattern hair loss finasteride androgenetic alopecia hirsutism PCOS antiandrogens sebum production acne seborrhea skin barrier function skin regeneration wound healing dihydrotestosterone male-pattern baldness Propecia polycystic ovary syndrome

TLDR Testosterone can cause acne and male-pattern baldness, affects hair growth in men and women, and makes male skin more sensitive.

The document from 2015 outlined the role of testosterone in male phenotype development, muscle and bone growth, and metabolism, as well as its impact on skin and hair. Testosterone increases sebum production, which can lead to acne and seborrhea, and influences hair growth and loss, with DHT, a testosterone metabolite, causing male-pattern hair loss on the scalp but promoting growth in other areas. Treatments like finasteride can prevent and treat male-pattern baldness. In women, androgenetic alopecia and hirsutism, often associated with PCOS, affect hair growth, with antiandrogens and finasteride being potential treatments for post-menopausal women. Testosterone also impairs skin barrier function, making male skin more sensitive, affects skin regeneration and wound healing, and while there is limited research on testosterone's effects on skin aging, no significant sex differences have been noted in the aging process. Interdisciplinary care is recommended for treating hirsutism.

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