Does 7-Keto-Dhea Cause Hair Loss?

7-keto DHEA is a metabolite of DHEA, a natural steroid produced in the adrenal glands, the gonads, and the brain. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into hormones like androgen and estrogen. It is believed to have most of the benefits of DHEA without causing hair loss. However, there is limited research on its effectiveness and side effects. This paragraph will explore the topic of whether 7-keto DHEA causes hair loss and provide insights into this topic.

7-Keto DHEA is believed to have most of the benefits of DHEA without causing hair loss

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are located just above the kidneys. It is the most abundant circulating steroid in humans. DHEA levels naturally decline with age, and this has sparked interest in DHEA supplements, which are claimed to have a variety of health benefits.

DHEA is a precursor to both female and male sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. This means that the body converts DHEA into these hormones. As a result, DHEA supplements can increase testosterone and estrogen levels in the body, leading to a range of side effects. In women, these side effects include abnormal menses, emotional changes, headaches, insomnia, and virilism (facial hair growth, a deepening voice, baldness, weight gain in the abdomen, and clitoral enlargement). In men, side effects include testicular wasting, breast enlargement, and other "feminine" characteristics.

In addition, because DHEA can increase testosterone and estrogen levels, it may negatively affect hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer. DHEA may also interact with certain medications and could alter their effectiveness.

Due to these potential side effects of DHEA, a metabolite of DHEA known as 7-Keto DHEA has been developed. 7-Keto DHEA is believed to have most of the benefits of DHEA without causing hair loss or other undesirable side effects. This is because, unlike DHEA, 7-Keto DHEA is not converted into estrogen and testosterone. Taking 7-Keto DHEA by mouth or applying it to the skin does not increase the level of these hormones in the blood. Thus, it may provide a way to gain the benefits of DHEA without the associated risks.

However, it is important to note that research on the effectiveness and side effects of 7-Keto DHEA is extremely limited. While it is claimed to have fewer side effects than DHEA, more studies are needed to substantiate this claim. As with DHEA, it is recommended that individuals consult a healthcare professional before taking 7-Keto DHEA, especially if they are using other drugs or herbs.

DHEA can cause hair loss in men with a family history of male pattern baldness

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are located just above the kidneys. It functions as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Typically, DHEA production peaks in one's mid-20s and gradually declines with age.

DHEA supplements are commonly used to improve skin health, depression, infertility, muscle strength, heart disease, and erectile dysfunction. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting these benefits.

Recent research has found that DHEA may contribute to hair loss, especially in individuals prone to male pattern baldness. This concern arises from DHEA's role as a testosterone precursor, which could potentially increase DHT levels—a hormone linked to male pattern baldness.

While studies indicate that DHT sensitivity in hair follicles is the primary cause of male pattern baldness, the link between DHEA supplementation and hair loss is not yet fully established. For example, a 52-week study in postmenopausal women taking 50 mg of DHEA found no significant side effects, including hair loss. Similarly, older men with low testosterone levels did not experience increased hair loss when taking the same dosage of DHEA.

Despite the lack of direct evidence, individuals with a family history of male pattern baldness should be cautious about taking DHEA supplements, as there is a potential risk of hair loss associated with increased DHT levels.

It is important to note that 7-Keto DHEA, a metabolite of DHEA, is believed to have most of the benefits of DHEA without breaking down into estrogen and testosterone, thus reducing the risk of hair loss. However, more research is needed to substantiate these claims.

DHEA can increase testosterone levels, which is linked to hair loss

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a natural steroid produced in the adrenal glands, the gonads, and the brain. It is the most abundant circulating steroid in humans. DHEA is a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Precursors are substances that are converted by the body into a specific hormone.

DHEA supplements can increase the level of testosterone in the body. This is because, when the body combines the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR) with testosterone, it creates dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to male pattern baldness.

DHT interacts with hair follicle cells, eventually causing them to die. All men produce DHT, but only men with a specific gene will develop androgenetic alopecia. Therefore, to the extent that DHEA produces extra testosterone, it can also worsen hair loss in men with the gene for androgenetic alopecia.

However, there is no consistent evidence that DHEA raises testosterone levels in men. While there is good evidence that it increases testosterone in women, this may be undesirable. For example, DHEA can cause virilism in women, characterised by facial hair growth, a deepening voice, baldness, weight gain in the abdomen, and clitoral enlargement.

Furthermore, there is no direct connection between DHEA supplementation and hair loss. For example, a 52-week study in postmenopausal women using 50mg of DHEA found no significant side effects, including hair loss. Similarly, older men with low testosterone levels experienced no increased hair loss with 50mg of DHEA.

Overall, while the risk cannot be entirely dismissed in high-risk individuals, clinical studies do not provide substantial evidence that DHEA causes hair loss.

DHT sensitivity in hair follicles, not elevated DHT levels, is the primary cause of hair loss

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that contributes to hair loss. It is derived from testosterone and is responsible for several sex characteristics in people with a penis, such as increased body hair and muscle mass. However, despite its role in promoting body hair growth, DHT can also cause hair loss, particularly male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia.

DHT interacts with hair follicles, causing them to shrink and become less capable of supporting healthy hair growth. This leads to hair thinning, brittleness, and accelerated hair loss. While DHT is a contributing factor, studies indicate that DHT sensitivity in hair follicles, rather than elevated DHT levels, is the primary cause of androgenetic alopecia.

In individuals with a genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia, the hair follicles are sensitive to DHT. DHT attaches itself to the androgen receptors in the cells of these hair follicles, disrupting their functioning. As a result, the growth phase of the hair shortens, and the hair follicle shaft shrinks. Over time, the hair follicle becomes so diminished that it can only produce minuscule vellus hair, leading to miniaturization of the hair.

While DHT plays a role in hair loss, it is important to note that clinical studies have not provided substantial evidence that DHEA, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, directly causes hair loss. Although DHEA can be converted into testosterone and contribute to increased DHT levels, research has not established a direct connection between DHEA supplementation and hair loss.

In summary, while DHT is implicated in hair loss, particularly in individuals with a genetic predisposition, it is the sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT that is the primary driver of androgenetic alopecia.

7-Keto DHEA has a lower conversion rate into male and female hormones, reducing the risk of side effects

7-Keto DHEA is a metabolite of DHEA, which is believed to have most of the benefits of DHEA without causing hair loss. Unlike DHEA, 7-Keto DHEA is not converted into hormones like androgen and estrogen. It is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the body. DHEA is a precursor to both female and male sex hormones, called estrogens and androgens, which are responsible for male and female characteristics.

DHEA can cause virilism in women, which is characterised by facial hair growth, a deepening voice, baldness, weight gain in the abdomen and clitoral enlargement. In men, it can cause testicular wasting, breast enlargement and other "feminine" characteristics. 7-Keto DHEA, on the other hand, has a lower conversion rate into these male and female hormones, reducing the risk of side effects.

While 7-Keto DHEA is available over the counter without a prescription, it is important to note that no long-term studies have been conducted on any form of DHEA supplement, so the potential for side effects still exists. The Mayo Clinic advises using DHEA supplements only under strict medical supervision.

According to WebMD, 7-Keto DHEA is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks and seems to be well-tolerated when used short-term. However, there isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.

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