More T Myths. . .
Myth 5: "Testosterone Causes Hair Loss"
Contrary to popular belief, there's no evidence that testosterone (T) or T therapy causes hair loss in either men or women. Hair loss is a complex, multifactorial, genetically determined process that is not completely understood. The active testosterone believed to be responsible for male pattern balding is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), not T.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance may have higher T levels and experience hair loss. However, this correlation does not imply causation, as hair loss is also common in both men and women with insulin resistance. Obesity, age, alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, and certain medications can also affect hormone balance and contribute to hair loss in genetically predisposed individuals.
It's notable that a third of women experience hair loss and thinning as they age and T levels decline. Testosterone therapy has shown potential for scalp hair regrowth. Therefore, it's inaccurate to assert that testosterone causes hair loss. Instead, evidence suggests that testosterone therapy increases scalp hair growth in women.
Myth 6: "Testosterone Has Adverse Effects on the Heart"
Despite higher testosterone levels in men correlating with a higher incidence of heart disease, it's incorrect to assume that T contributes to cardiovascular disease. In fact, substantial evidence suggests that T is cardiac protective. Testosterone has beneficial effects on lean body mass, glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, and has been used successfully to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes. T also acts as a vasodilator and has immune-modulating properties that inhibit plaque formation in arteries.
Low T levels in men are associated with increased risk of heart disease and mortality. Similarly, T supplementation in women has been shown to improve functional capacity, insulin resistance, and muscle strength. However, T can convert to estradiol (E2), which can have adverse effects such as edema, fluid retention, anxiety, and weight gain. Therefore, the factual position is that there's substantial evidence that testosterone is cardiac protective, and adequate levels decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Myth 7: "Testosterone Causes Liver Damage"
While high doses of oral, synthetic testosterone can harm the liver, parenteral T (administered through implants or topical patches) bypasses the liver and does not cause adverse effects. There's no evidence to suggest that non-oral T increases the risk of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, unlike oral estrogens, testosterone, and synthetic progestins. Hence, it's a myth that non-oral testosterone adversely affects the liver or increases clotting factors. Jason & Rita.
