Could balding be bad for you? A recent study revealed that patients with prostate cancer were twice as likely to have hair loss in their 20’s, due to androgens, that are hormones in the testosterone.
Baldness risks
While testosterone makes men, men and has many benefits, there is a dark side, especially when it is converted to (DHT) know as dihydrotestosterone. This is a very potent form of testosterone and it acts on the skin, and if in excess, may produce acne, hair loss on the scalp and hair growth everywhere else but the scalp.
DHT also stimulates the growth of prostate cells, contributing to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in many older men. In BPH, prostate cells grow and can block the outflow of urine, decreasing the ability to empty your bladder and causing men to wake up to urinate several times a night, and a weak stream making a bathroom break a long ordeal to empty their bladder. It was thought that if DHT made benign prostate cells grow, there may be a link to cancer.
Several studies looked at baldness and the risk of prostate cancer. The latest study showed that the early development of hair loss was associated with double the risk of developing prostate cancer. Another study found that men with bald spots at the top of their heads (vertex baldness) were one and a half times more likely to have prostate cancer than those without bald spots.
Herbs such as saw palmetto and stinging nettles became popular since they slow the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Medications such as finasteride (Propecia) are prescribed for male pattern baldness because it also blocks the conversion of testosterone to this potent and potentially dangerous form.
You can benefit from seeing a metabolic anti aging doctor familiar with hormone conversion. Have your DHT levels measured and find out what would be most appropriate for you. If you are on or considering testosterone replacement therapy, chrysin can be added to your prescription to decrease the amount of DHT produced. Schedule a consultation to learn about other ways to slow aging and prevent cancer, it’s never one thing.
