What men should know about hormonally related hair loss
Hair loss affects many men, not only in advanced age, but often from their mid-20s onwards. While slight hair loss is perfectly natural, severe or premature hair loss can be a sign of hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, or metabolic disorders .
The most common form is androgenetic alopecia , the genetically determined, hormonally controlled loss of scalp hair. However, other causes such as thyroid problems, iron deficiency, stress, or testosterone imbalances can also play a role. Therefore, anyone who wants to preserve their hair in the long term should address the underlying cause not only cosmetically but also medically .
What types of hair loss are there?
Not all hair loss is the same. For men, the following are particularly relevant:
- Androgenetic alopecia (hereditary, hormonally influenced): Typical on the forehead and back of the head, receding hairline, bald spot.
- Diffuse hair loss : uniform hair loss across the entire head, often triggered by stress, infections, medication, or deficiencies.
- Alopecia areata (circular hair loss) : Autoimmune-related form, rather rare.
- Scarring alopecia : Destructive, with permanent hair loss – very rare
The most common cause in men is the effect of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on sensitive hair follicles, which, in cases of genetic predisposition, leads to the shrinking of the hair roots.
Hormonal causes of hair loss
Hair is sensitive to the body's internal balance, especially to the following hormones:
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) : Produced from testosterone, it has a particularly strong effect on hair follicles.
- Thyroid hormones (fT3, fT4) : important for the cell metabolism of the hair root
- Cortisol : elevated during chronic stress, can disrupt the hair cycle
- Estrogen/progesterone (also in small amounts in men) : Shifts are possible due to being overweight or liver strain.
Especially in men with hair loss and simultaneous exhaustion, loss of libido or poor regeneration, a comprehensive hormone test should be carried out.
When is hair loss medically relevant?
If you notice any of the following over weeks or months, it's worth taking a closer look:
- Significantly more than 100 hairs per day end up in the brush or shower
- Visible thinning on the top of the head or at the temples
- Rapid hair loss within a few months
- Hair loss after severe stress (illness, crash diet, stress)
- Other symptoms include sleep problems, fatigue, restlessness, or loss of libido.
The combination of hormonal problems and visible hair loss should be taken seriously.
Diagnostics for hair loss: What makes sense?
In addition to a medical examination, a blood test is essential to identify systemic causes. Important laboratory parameters:
- Total and free testosterone
- DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)
- SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin)
- TSH, fT3, fT4 (thyroid)
- Ferritin (iron storage)
- Zinc, vitamin D, B vitamins
- Cortisol (morning)
- Inflammation markers (CRP, possibly homocysteine)
The combination of these markers provides a realistic picture of your hormone balance and reveals possible deficiencies that can be specifically treated.
Tip: Use Adon Health's premium hormone analysis to analyze DHT, free testosterone, thyroid and stress axis values all at once – conveniently from home.
What can you do yourself?
Besides medical evaluation, everyday life and lifestyle also play a major role in slowing down hair loss:
- Reduce stress
- Optimize your diet - zinc, iron, vitamin D, omega-3
- Regular sleep is important for hormonal stability.
- Exercise & endurance training
- Avoid harsh shampoos, heat, and synthetic styling products.
In cases of androgenetic alopecia, additional medical measures can be considered: e.g., finasteride, minoxidil, or hair transplantation – always in consultation with a doctor.
Conclusion
Hair loss is often a visible sign of internal imbalance, especially hormonal. Instead of just treating the surface, you should look for the underlying causes: Is your testosterone level optimal? Is your DHT level too high? Are you deficient in thyroid hormones or other vital nutrients?
Tip: With the premium hormone analysis from Adon Health, you get a comprehensive insight into your hormone status – free testosterone, thyroid, and more.
You can also have your lab results determined at your family doctor's office, at specialist doctors' offices, or at direct laboratories.
