DHEA, also known as dehydroepiandrosterone, is an important hormone produced in the adrenal glands and ovaries. It is also produced in lesser amounts in the testes, brain, and liver. Without further ado, let’s look at DHEA and its effects on hair loss and hair growth.
DHEA is the most abundant steroid in humans, with approximately 50-100mg circulating in the body at any given time. It plays an important role in many processes in the human body, such as mood, memory, the immune system, and even hair growth. The effects of DHEA on hair loss and hair growth are numerous.
What is the Role of DHEA in Hair Growth?
DHEA plays an important role in hair growth, as well as in the maintenance of head hair. It does so by increasing the rate at which hair grows in both length and thickness, and by promoting hair growth on the scalp and on the body.
Because of this, many people with hair loss take synthetic testosterone supplements. But what many people don’t know is that DHEA can promote hair growth as well. This is why DHEA supplements are sometimes taken by people with hair loss. While it’s not fully understood how DHEA promotes hair growth, it likely has something to do with its role in regulating the androgen system.
Furthermore, DHEA is known to increase the levels of androgenic hormones, such as testosterone, which are needed for hair growth. Together, these properties make DHEA a powerful drug to treat hair loss and promote hair growth in both men and women.
DHEA and its Effects on Hair Loss and Hair Growth
Low levels of DHEA may trigger or contribute to hair loss. When a person’s DHEA levels are low, the body produces less testosterone, a key male sex hormone that’s also responsible for hair growth in both men and women. Testosterone levels also rise during periods of high stress, which may lead to a vicious cycle of low DHEA levels, and lower testosterone and hair loss (and higher stress levels).
Low levels of DHEA have also been associated with increased inflammation, which can damage the follicles that produce hair. And DHEA supplements, like all steroids, have been shown to have anabolic (muscle-building) properties, which can promote unwanted hair growth, including on the face and body.
The Effects of DHEA on Eyelash and Eyebrow Growth
Like the hair on the head, eyelashes and eyebrows can be influenced by androgenic hormones. Androgenic hormones play a role in the growth of hair in these areas as well. Specifically, DHEA is thought to affect the anagen (growth) phase of eyelash and eyebrow hair. Anagen is the phase of hair growth when hair is “active” and produces more hair. During this phase, eyelash and eyebrow hair grow at their maximum rate. DHEA has also been found to increase the percentage of eumelanin (black) in eyelash and eyebrow hair. Eumelanin is responsible for the “black” color of these hairs.
DHEA for Male Pattern Baldness
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men. It affects many more men than women because the androgen hormone, testosterone, is responsible for hair growth in men. And testosterone levels decrease naturally with age. Low levels of DHEA have been linked to hair loss in men because this hormone is an important part of the androgen system. DHEA helps the body produce more testosterone. Higher DHEA levels have been shown to help maintain hair in middle-aged men.
For information on age and DHEA consumption click here.
DHEA and Female Pattern Baldness
The exact reason why some women experience pattern baldness while others do not isn’t fully understood. Research suggests that genetic and hormonal factors play a big role. Male pattern baldness is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the male hormone, testosterone. Female pattern baldness, on the other hand, is thought to be caused by an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen. But how this balance is disrupted is unclear. One theory is that higher than normal levels of DHEA could be to blame.
DHEA is produced in both sexes but is slightly larger amounts in women. It is also believed that DHEA levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, reaching a low point just before a woman becomes pregnant. After giving birth, women’s DHEA levels increase slightly again. All this means is that women who are taking DHEA supplements could have higher than normal levels of this hormone in their system. And this could potentially cause female pattern baldness.
How do you know if your DHEA levels are low?
There are a few ways to check if you have low levels of this hormone. One is to ask your doctor if you have a testosterone level below the normal range. If your doctor checks this, they can also check your DHEA levels to see if they are low.
If you think your DHEA levels may be low, you can also take a blood test to measure your free testosterone level. Free testosterone is the most accurate test of your current testosterone level, as it doesn’t include the amount bound to proteins in your blood. This can lead to higher DHEA levels if your true level is lower.
Some people who are low in DHEA may actually experience an increase in energy and alertness after consuming DHEA supplements.
How to Increase DHEA Levels Naturally
There are two main ways to increase DHEA levels naturally: By taking supplements, or by increasing your dietary intake of DHEA-containing foods.
DHEA can be naturally found in certain foods, such as beef, chicken, and dairy products. However, because most of us don’t eat enough of these foods to naturally increase DHEA levels, it is necessary to take a DHEA supplement.
There are a variety of DHEA supplements on the market, and the one you take depends on a variety of factors, such as your overall health, your goals, and the condition of your hair.
Contradictions: The DHEA & DHT Connection
There is also some contradicting information regarding the connection between DHEA and DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) production caused by increased testosterone levels which may actually cause hair loss.
Conclusion
DHEA and its Effects on Hair Loss and Hair Growth is a complex issue. The amount of DHEA in the body can be affected by many factors, including exercise, stress, illness, aging, and birth control pills. Those at risk of developing alopecia are also likely to have low levels of DHEA in the body.
There is currently a great deal of interest in the use of DHEA as a potential treatment for hair loss. However, more research is needed to better understand its effects on humans and whether it is safe to use. In the meantime, those who are interested in increasing hair growth and preventing or treating hair loss may wish to consider taking supplements that contain DHEA.