Do Testosterone Supplements Increase the Risk of Hair Loss?

The following article posted to our hair loss social community and discussion forums, was written by Coalition hair transplant surgeon Dr. William Lindsey:

I have recently gotten pretty serious about wight lifting and dieting, but still have the urge to try to obtain that extra “edge” during my lifting. I have seen a lot of supplements that boost “free” testosterone and some of the reviews and ingredients seem promising. My question is, If I were to start taking a testosterone supplement, would I experience any kinda of hair loss? My hair is more important to me but it would be nice to add something like this to my routine. Does anyone have any experience or input on this?

Here are my two cents. Remember this isn’t a medical consultation and I don’t practice endocrinology. This is just what I think.

1. We do 130 or so strip hair transplants a year. Every year we have two guys faint. Every year one of those guys is a big lug who’s on some type of testosterone supplement or injection. All of those guys say their balding got worse on the supplements.
2. A guy I posted twice, my dentist, who is one of the toughest guys I know, doing extreme endurance events way tougher than the ironman that I did, noted significant hair loss when he got on a small dose of Low T therapy.
3. I personally would take T supplements daily if I didn’t think the cardiac and prostate cancer risks outweighed the benefits. I hate getting old. I do believe a “whiff” of growth hormone will be the answer to all of our aging concerns. It’s just that dose hasn’t been figured out enough for my comfort yet.
4. We did a guy a few years back who came in as a 50 year old with a soft pudgy body and little hair and a mean girlfriend. She got in 2 arguments with my staff in 4 hours….tough to do. He got 3000 grafts, say Nov 1. He came back a year later and I wish I’d filmed this testimonial.He said he had his hair done Nov 1. The hair started growing May 1. He ditched the angry girlfriend June 1. He got on testosterone supplements July 1 “and doc, I’ve been hitting it out of the park ever since!” That is a testimonial to something….either hair or testosterone (which goes against my advice above).

Again use this info as you see fit, but do research before you start supplements and better yet, consult your doctor.

Dr. William Lindsey – McLean,VA

David
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.

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