Does Weightlifting Increase DHT Levels and Accelerate Hair Loss?

Q: Does Weightlifting Increase DHT Levels and Accelerate Hair Loss?

Hello： Both testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are factors that contribute to hair loss, with DHT being a more potent androgen derivative than testosterone. <br>The medication you are taking, Finasteride, is an inhibitor of the enzyme 5α-reductase, which converts testoste

Could you please clarify your question about hair loss?

Hello Doctor: After my military service, I noticed signs of male pattern baldness and have been prescribed Finasteride.
Recently, I started working out and came across a report from Xinhua News stating that scientists have indicated that bodybuilders, due to prolonged training, experience a significant increase in testosterone levels.
This hormone subsequently converts into a toxic substance that can damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
The research found that individuals who have been weight training for over two years, three times a week for 45 minutes each session, are more likely to enter a stage of thinning hair prematurely.
Scientists discovered that after completing a workout phase, testosterone levels can increase by an average of 25%, and after 30 minutes, testosterone returns to normal.
However, at the same time, male hormones convert into a chemical called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair follicles and roots to shrink, resulting in progressively thinning hair.
I would like to ask the doctor if exercising can lead to an increase in DHT levels, thereby accelerating hair loss? Knowing that I am losing my hair has greatly affected my confidence.
I initially wanted to improve my physique through exercise to regain my confidence, but this report has made me very anxious.
I would appreciate your clarification on this matter.
Thank you.

Pizarro, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/03/13

Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology

Hello: Both testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are factors that contribute to hair loss, with DHT being a more potent androgen derivative than testosterone.
The medication you are taking, Finasteride, is an inhibitor of the enzyme 5α-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.
The purpose of this medication is to reduce the production of DHT in order to help prevent hair loss.
Men tend to have a higher likelihood of androgenetic alopecia due to having more androgens compared to women.
However, the amount of 5α-reductase enzyme present in different areas of an individual's scalp, as well as the efficiency of DHT production, varies from person to person, making it inaccurate to claim that exercise alone leads to increased hair loss.
I have searched PubMed and found no correlation between fitness and androgenetic alopecia as you mentioned.
Observing athletes, not everyone experiences androgenetic alopecia, as many individuals have a genetic predisposition; if parents have androgenetic alopecia, their offspring are at a higher risk.
In fact, hair loss can be caused by factors other than androgenetic alopecia, such as stress, illness, or zinc deficiency.
It is also possible that exercise may produce other substances that could potentially improve hair loss.
However, this assertion warrants further medical research.

Reply Date: 2009/03/13

More Info

The relationship between weightlifting, testosterone, and hair loss, particularly in the context of androgenetic alopecia (commonly known as male pattern baldness), is a topic of considerable interest and concern for many individuals. Your question addresses whether engaging in weightlifting can lead to increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and subsequently accelerate hair loss.

First, it is essential to understand the hormonal dynamics involved. Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, can indeed increase with intense physical activity, including weightlifting. However, the increase in testosterone is typically temporary and returns to baseline levels relatively quickly after exercise. The concern arises from the fact that testosterone can be converted into DHT through the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DHT is a more potent androgen than testosterone and is primarily responsible for the miniaturization of hair follicles in individuals genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness.

Research indicates that while testosterone levels may spike during and shortly after intense workouts, the overall impact of regular weightlifting on long-term DHT levels is not as straightforward. Studies have shown that while acute bouts of exercise can lead to temporary increases in testosterone, they do not necessarily result in sustained elevations of DHT. In fact, regular exercise, including weightlifting, has been associated with various health benefits, including improved metabolic health and reduced stress levels, which can indirectly support hair health.

Moreover, the notion that weightlifting leads to significant increases in DHT levels sufficient to exacerbate hair loss is not universally supported by scientific evidence. Many individuals who engage in regular weightlifting do not experience accelerated hair loss, and there are numerous examples of athletes and bodybuilders who maintain a full head of hair despite their rigorous training regimens.

In your case, since you are already taking finasteride (commonly known as Propecia or by its brand name "柔沛"), which is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, it is important to note that this medication effectively reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Therefore, even if your testosterone levels rise temporarily due to weightlifting, the action of finasteride should help mitigate any potential increase in DHT levels.

Additionally, it is crucial to consider other factors that contribute to hair loss, such as genetics, stress, nutrition, and overall health. Stress, in particular, can have a significant impact on hair health, leading to conditions like telogen effluvium, where hair falls out in response to stressors. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, managing stress through relaxation techniques, and ensuring adequate sleep can all contribute positively to hair health.

In conclusion, while weightlifting may lead to temporary increases in testosterone, the evidence does not strongly support the idea that it significantly raises DHT levels to the extent that it would accelerate hair loss in individuals predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. Your use of finasteride should further protect against DHT-related hair loss. If you have concerns about your hair loss or the effects of your exercise regimen, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist specializing in hair loss for personalized advice and management strategies. Remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through exercise can have numerous benefits beyond just physical appearance, including improved mental health and self-esteem.

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