By Dr. John Frank, M.D. – IAHRS, ABHRS,ISHRS, AHLA, XM Radio: ‘The Bald Truth’, NYC
DHEA and Hair loss is a Real Thing. Is it the Cause Though?
The idea that DHEA can cause hair loss can be distressing because there are clear benefits of taking DHEA.
Experts say that DHEA has many great health benefits in both men and women; however, recent research find that DHEA can actually be contributing to hair loss.
In this article we’ll discuss what the possible side effects of taking DHEA are and how it can potentially aid in the prevention of male, and female pattern baldness.
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Request a free appraisal from Dr. Frank or schedule a one-on-one Frank & Honest Hair Consultation to learn more.
The Benefits of DHEA
What are the benefits of taking DHEA for adults whom are experiencing hair loss?
Well, older adults, both men and women, often take DHEA to increase certain hormones that tend to declined with age. These hormones have a wide range of effects on both health and a sense of well-being, but the evidence for some specific positive effects have been lacking.
DHEA supplements are commonly used for aging skin, depression, infertility, muscle strength, heart disease, erectile dysfunction (ED). Currently there is no good scientific evidence to support many other benefits to the drug.
According to the NIH, there’s good evidence that DHEA improves the appearance of skin in older adults, decreases age spots, and aids in fighting symptoms of schizophrenia, at least in women. Additionally it shows promise in fighting the symptoms of lupus as well as increasing bone density in older women.
However, when it comes to DHEA’s affect on a loss of a sense of well-being, improving sex drive, decreasing depression and aiding in weight loss, the science isn’t quite clear…
In addition to some of the benefits being called into question, there is also the concern that DHEA could increase the chance of developing certain types of cancers that are dependent on hormones, especially with long-term use of DHEA.
DHEA can also interact with certain prescription drugs. Before starting a regimen of long-term DHEA use, you should first consult with your doctor.
The Benefits for Men – DHEA and Testosterone
Does DHEA Cause Hair Loss? Can Propecia Offset the Negative Effects of DHEA?
In men, testosterone decreases with age, and a loss of testosterone can cause weight gain, decreased sex drive and an overall decrease in health and well-being.
One of the biggest purported benefits of DHEA is its ability to increase the level of testosterone in the body. Because of this, older adults see DHEA as a “fountain of youth.”
Unfortunately, evidence that DEHA raises testosterone levels in men is lacking. But there is good evidence that it increases testosterone in women, though such an increase may be undesirable.
Can DHEA Cause or Worsen Hair Loss?
In men, the hormone that causes one known form of hair loss is dihydrotestosterone, or DHT.
This type of hair loss is called “androgenetic alopecia.” If DHT seems like a form of testosterone, you’re right.
When the body combines an enzyme, 5-alpha reductase (5AR), with testosterone, it creates DHT.
DHT then interacts with hair follicle cells, and this eventually causes them to die.
All men create DHT but only men with a specific gene will develop androgenetic alopecia.
DEHA comes into the picture if one assumes that it can cause an increase in the production of testosterone; however, again, there is no consistent evidence for this.
Human growth hormone (HGH), on the other hand, causes an increase in testosterone, and in men with the genetic predisposition for hair loss, HGH will accelerate hair loss.
To the extent that DHEA produces extra testosterone (an iffy claim), then DHEA can also worsen hair loss in men that have the gene for androgenetic alopecia.
Using Propecia to Offset Hair Loss Caused by DHEA
The prescription drug Finasteride, which goes under the trademark Propecia or Proscar, and Dutasteride; which also goes under the trademark Avodart, will block DHT.
Many men who have the genetic predisposition for androgenetic alopecia, who take steroids such as HGH or DHEA, will try either Finasteride or Dutasteride to help offset the effects DHEA.
While the strategy makes sense in principle, it’s very difficult, if not impossible, to determine how to balance one drug against the other.
7 Keto DHEA as an Alternative to DHEA
Concerns about DHEA causing hair loss in men has led to the development of a metabolite of DHEA known as 7 Keto DHEA.
It’s believed that 7 Keto DHEA has most of the established benefits of DHEA without breaking down into estrogen and testosterone and causing hair loss.
What’s the Bottom Line on DEHA & Hair Loss?
The bottom line appears to be that DEHA will accelerate hair loss in men with the gene for androgenetic alopecia assuming that DEHA causes an increase in serum testosterone.
But the evidence for such an increase in men is spotty.
Unfortunately, there are some concerns in the medical community that DEHA could increase the chance of certain types of cancer.
This does not mean that DEHA is worthless or dangerous – researchers have documented numerous benefits from using DHEA.
It does mean; however, that you should talk to your doctor or a qualified doctor who is also a hair loss specialist like Dr. John Frank MD.
If you are taking stronger steroids that are known to cause an increase in testosterone, such as HGH, then hair loss will almost certainly accelerate if you have the genetic predisposition for androgenetic alopecia.
Taking either finasteride or dutasteride to offset the effects of HGH or another steroid isn’t practical simply because it is not currently known how best to combine these drugs in any given individual.
Worse yet, this strategy could end fact wind up backfiring and increasing hair loss in individuals predisposed to male pattern baldness.
This is because while these drugs will block DHT, powerful steroids – depending on the type and amount, may in fact increase testosterone to the point where the body produces even more DHT. Even despite the blocking effects of Propecia.
In short, if you’re suffering from hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia, you should contact a qualified hair loss specialist before taking any steroid including DHEA.
Read our next article: What Does A Hair Transplant Cost?
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DHEA Resources
- WebMD.com & DHEA
- Council For Responsible Nutrition | DHEA: the Basic Facts
- This research has raised concerns about the effects of DHEA on the prostate gland: “Pharmacokinetics of dehydroepiandrosterone and its metabolites after long-term daily oral administration to healthy young men”
- Athlete hormone supplement (DHEA) may not increase testosterone
- Recent research (2012) suggests that DHEA may ease the severity of menopause symptoms in women.
© 2022, John Frank, M.D.
