Do Steroids Cause Hair Loss?

By: Erin Shaw | Oct 14, 2022

While steroids are often associated with athletes and bodybuilders, they also have practical medical uses as well. Doctors will prescribe steroids for certain medical conditions if appropriate. Some patients are wary of taking them due to possible side effects, such as hair loss.

Read on to find out more about possible steroid-induced hair loss, and find out about the best products to combat thinning hair naturally.

Understanding Steroids

When we talk about steroids as a general medication family, there are two types: Anabolic steroids and corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are a type of prescription medication to reduce inflammation. If you've ever had a really severe reaction to an insect sting, you might be prescribed a corticosteroid to bring down the swelling. Hydrocortisone cream is an example of a topical steroid used for reactions like rashes, welts and hives.

Doctors also prescribe corticosteroids to suppress the immune system. They may be given to patients to treat conditions like:

Asthma
Atopic eczema
Hay fever
Multiple sclerosis
Crohn’s disease

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that doctors prescribe for conditions like asthma, allergies and inflammatory bowel syndrome. One of its side effects can be hair loss. However, it can also help hair regrow in certain instances.

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are drugs that mimic natural hormones that the body produces. They are often prescribed for hormone imbalances or to treat diseases where the loss of muscle mass is a symptom. They are also sometimes used by athletes illegally to bulk up their muscle mass because they mimic testosterone.

While anabolic steroids can help treat certain conditions, one side effect that can occur in men is hair loss. And if women take anabolic steroids, hirsutism or hair loss can occur.

Shop: GRO+ Advanced Hair Serum 3-Pack

How Steroids Affect Hair

"Both anabolic and corticosteroids have been linked to hair loss, and in some cases, this hair loss can be permanent," said Dr. Harikiran Chekuri, a hair transplant surgeon. "There are a few different mechanisms by which steroids can cause hair loss. First, steroids can interfere with the production of new hair cells. Second, steroids can cause the death of existing hair follicles. And finally, steroids can increase the production of hormones that are involved in hair loss."

The good news is that these effects usually are not permanent. "Even if steroids do cause hair loss, it is often temporary, and the hair will grow back once you stop taking them," Dr. Chekuri said.
Related: These 12 Medications Might Cause Hair Loss

More About Anabolic Steroids and Hair

Male pattern baldness is generally caused by hormonal changes that occur in men as they age. It results from higher levels of dihydrotestosterone or DHT in the body. DHT is a hormone that can attach itself to hair follicles, shrinking them and shortening the hair's growth cycle.

There are several anabolic steroids on the market that have the side effect of raising DHT levels in the body. When taking anabolic steroids, those who are more sensitive to elevated DHT levels (those prone to male pattern baldness) will likely experience hair loss as a result.

Men who are prone to male pattern baldness should avoid the following anabolic steroids as they reportedly cause hair loss:

Anadrol
Anavar
Dianabol
Masteron
Primobolan
Proviron
Trenbolone
Winstrol

In women, anabolic steroids can increase body hair and cause a loss of scalp hair simultaneously. With long-term use, hair loss can become irreversible.

More About Corticosteroids and Hair

In certain cases, corticosteroids can be used as a hair loss treatment for people who have extensive alopecia areata, which is a hair loss that is caused by an autoimmune disease. Extensive alopecia areata occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing them to weaken and shed hair. Once hair follicles are damaged, it's harder for them to produce healthy strands of hair. Medications like Prednisone can help with hair loss caused by alopecia areata.

Other Side Effects of Steroids

In addition to potential hair loss, anabolic steroids have some other worrisome side effects, including:

Acne
Mood swings
Liver damage
High blood pressure
Infertility and impotence
Erectile dysfunction

There's also an increased risk for:

Heart attack
Stroke
Blood clots
Some cancers

Corticosteroids are safe when taken in moderation and prescribed by a doctor, but if taken in excess, they also have some side effects to be aware of, such as:

Increased appetite and weight gain
Acne
Mood swings and mood changes
Skin thinning
Muscle weakness
Delayed wound healing
Osteoporosis
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Glaucoma and cataracts
Stomach ulcers
Depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation

Protecting Your Hair from Steroids

If you're experiencing hair thinning and you believe it might be related to the corticosteroids or anabolic steroids you're using, the first thing you should do is contact your health care provider for help.

For men or women who are experiencing male or female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, there are treatment options available. DHT blockers like finasteride are often prescribed to help regrow hair. Other medications, like topical minoxidil, are often prescribed by doctors because they are believed to increase blood flow and stimulate hair growth. However, prescription hair loss drugs and treatments can come with unpleasant side effects.

How to Combat Thinning Hair Naturally

If you're hoping to combat thinning hair without the use of drugs, there are more natural options available. Nurturing the entire hair biome is the most effective way to help combat hair loss, in addition to adjusting problematic medications with your health care provider.

Treat Hair Gently

First and foremost, treat your hair with care. Avoid tight hairstyles, avoid using heated appliances and wash your hair with gentle, nurturing hair products.

Reduce Stress

While hair loss can be stressful, find ways to keep stress levels from escalating. Suggestions include exercising, spending time with loved ones or meditating.

Use a Hair Serum

VEGAMOUR GRO Hair Serum has a combination of clinically-tested phyto-actives that work together to support a healthy and balanced follicular ecosystem while simultaneously nurturing the scalp and revitalizing your hair follicles to encourage thicker, fuller-looking hair. It contains no known toxins, and it's also cruelty-free and 100% vegan. This serum can help reestablish balance in your hair biome if the medications you're on have thrown it out of whack.

Knowledge Is Power

If your doctor prescribes steroids for you, discuss the possible side effects, including hair loss. Remember, corticosteroids and steroids should be prescribed by a medical doctor and only for specific reasons.

And if you do experience hair fall — whether it's steroid-related or not — keep in mind that there are natural and effective ways to combat hair loss without unwanted side effects.