Anabolic Steroids And Hair Loss
Many people dream of a well-toned, muscular body. Some want to go even further and strive for a real bodybuilder figure. However, this can only be achieved with rigorous training and discipline. To be completely honest, in most cases a good portion of predisposition is also required. However, there are also ways to speed up and advance this process. These are not always legal! For example, with the help of anabolic steroids, a quick “success” can be achieved in terms of a dream body. The question in this case, however, is what price the user of these performance-enhancing substances pays in the end.
Anabolic steroids belong to the group of steroids. This is a chemical compound that belongs to the group of water-soluble lipids. To get straight to the point: Not all steroids cause hair loss. Steroids also include the natural sex hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone or, for example, cholesterol and cortisone.
Side Effects Of Anabolic Steroids
One of the unpleasant side effects of anabolic steroids is increased hair loss. Studies have shown that hypersensitivity to a male hormone is the most common cause of hair loss. This is also known as genetic hair loss. It is therefore no wonder that anabolic steroids play a crucial role in this case. This is because this substance is an artificial derivative of testosterone, the male sex hormone. Anabolic steroids also create stress on the entire body. In many cases, it increases the potential for aggression, among other things. And stress in general is also an important factor that can have a negative impact on hair growth and can even lead to hair loss.
In addition to hair loss and increased aggression, the abuse of steroids such as anabolic steroids also leads to a whole range of other side effects. These include, for example
Depression
- Formation of a man’s breast (gynecomastia)
- high blood pressure
- shortness of breath
- Acne (mainly on the back)
- If you want to accelerate your training success with this product, you should be aware of the risks as well as the legal consequences.
Counteract with other means
Of course, there are now also drugs on the market that can stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth again. However, these are of no use if anabolic steroids are used at the same time. The scalp and hair roots simply become too sensitive due to the steroids and the hair would fall out again immediately.
Hair growth products such as minoxidil or finasteride can only be used after the steroids have been discontinued and would only then take effect. Of course, this assumes that the hair follicles are still intact. However, these steps should always be discussed with a doctor. This is because these hair growth products can also have a number of side effects. An individual medical assessment must be made first.
Hair transplantation after steroid abuse
If the hair has been severely affected by the use of anabolic steroids in the past, a hair transplant may be the solution. Particularly in cases of severe and irreversible hair loss, the procedure may be the only solution to regain a full head of hair.
However, it is very important that the steroids have already been discontinued for some time and that the hair transplant specialist is informed about the previous intake.
Conclusion
Hair loss is just ONE of the harmful side effects of steroid abuse. In their natural form, steroids occur in the form of hormones, for example. If a steroid, such as anabolic steroids, is used to build muscle or as a doping agent, this can lead to unmanageable side effects. In addition to hair loss, these include high blood pressure, gynecomastia (female breast shape in men) or increased aggressiveness. The hair loss here is similar to that of hereditary hair loss.
It is more advisable to rely on a sophisticated training program, a balanced diet and, if necessary, protein shakes to build muscle. Of course, this also means more time and a lot of discipline. But as the saying goes: nothing comes from nothing!