The main male sex hormone, present in both sexes. Testosterone itself is not the direct cause of pattern hair loss; the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts a fraction of it into DHT, the potent androgen that miniaturises sensitive scalp follicles. Total testosterone levels correlate poorly with balding.
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Not medical advice. General education only; it does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Consult a board-certified dermatologist before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
⚠️ When to see a doctor — don’t self-treat
- Sudden patchy or circular bald spots
- Redness, scaling, pus, pain or itch (possible scarring alopecia — treat urgently)
- Broken hairs or rapid loss
- Loss with body-wide signs (weight loss, fatigue, cycle changes, acne, extra hair)
- Loss right after a new medication
- Any hair loss in a child