Myth now refutes testosterone but not triggers hair loss in men

Sex hormones: Testosterone and Co do not blame for male pattern baldness
Although women are also affected, hair loss is a problem especially for many men. The causes can be extremely different. Male sex hormones have long been associated with it. However, researchers have now found that testosterone and Co are not responsible for male pattern baldness.

Men are more affected than women
Man loses an average of 100 hair every day. If these do not grow again, it is called permanent hair loss. Circular hair loss (alopecia areata) is one of the most common forms. Men are affected more frequently than women. The causes of hair loss are manifold. For example, it can be caused by iron deficiency or thyroid disease (both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism). Male sex hormones have long been considered a possible trigger. German researchers have now refuted this myth.

Hair loss is especially common in older men. For a long time, male sex hormones such as testosterone were also considered a possible trigger. But German researchers have now found that this relationship is not true. (Image: Kurhan / fotolia.com)

Myth examined and refuted
"Testosterone and hair loss - this connection is one of the most persistent prejudices against male hormones," it says in a preliminary release in a press release of the University of Greifswald.

But scientists of the University Medical Center Greifswald have systematically examined and refuted this myth.

According to the data of 373 male participants of the SHIP-TREND population study, data from sex hormones such as testosterone, androstenedione or DHEAS and hair loss did not show any correlation.

The study results were published in the journal "JAMA Dermatology".

Relationship between sex hormones and male pattern baldness
"The imputed relationship between sex hormones and male pattern baldness has never been studied in such a large population study in healthy men," said lead author Dr. Hanna Kische, researcher at the Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine of the University Medical Center Greifswald.

"We have now closed this gap with our publication in the international journal JAMA Dermatology."

Prof. Dr. Robin Haring, DFG Project Leader and senior author of the study, added that "the present observational study is an important complement to previous clinical trial results, which are based on very small numbers of cases".

Help for those affected
Since neither hair density nor hair growth is directly related to testosterone, various alternative explanations are discussed.

In addition to genetic factors, according to recent findings, both the hormone DHT, a potent derivative of testosterone, and the tissue hormone prostaglandin D2 are suspected of making male hair thinner, the statement said.

Since the possible causes are not clear, it is usually difficult for those affected to stop the hair loss.

Scientists are constantly looking for new therapies to help with hair loss. Just last year, researchers from the US reported on a new remedy that has proven to be very successful at regrowing hair.

Other medicines have been available in pharmacies for some time. These, however, often have enormous side effects and sometimes can even cause years of impotence.

So there is still an intense need for research. (Ad)