This is just a stab in the dark since I've only heard about this once on a forum. Is there any truth behind this?

It might in the sense that increased testosterone levels with the same DHT conversion rate would in fact create more DHT in the blood stream. And of course, DHT levels are correlated to hairloss in some men.
Still, this is a big "might". I would think that the benefits that working out gives you (better muscle tone, mass, and fitness) certainly outweigh the risks of increased DHT levels.
I really haven't answered your question. Maybe a doc can. I'm just rationizing some things here.

vocor1
Knowledge is Power
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vocor1
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Hello

My view on hairloss and exercise is that Yes, it can possibly make your hair fall out. It depends on how you exercise.

If you exercise vigourously, then you could possibly stress out the adrenal glands, and in turn increase the production of testosterone, which is converted to DHT, and eventually cause hair loss if your hair follicles are sensitive to the DHT.


Although doctors sometimes argue with this idea, it certainly makes scientific sense.

I worked out vigourously EVERY DAY up until last Sept. I mean I was really tough on my body!! People would literally tell me that I was nuts for working out so much!! I would run 5 miles everyday, and do light weightlifting. (If i wasnt at the gym everyday for two hours, I felt like my day was not complete).

Being that I am a woman, and was so obsessed with how my body looked, I certainly think that the excessive exercise increased the testosterone levels in my body to the point that it caused side effects. (hair to thin).

I would also be extremely careful if you are taking any supplements. Allot of those will increase or convert testosterone also.

Avoid:
L-carnitine (Hydroxycut, etc)
DHEA supplements

Bottom line just dont kill yourslef, and over do it!!

Jenn

Guys, There is no truth behind that one. DHT is the problem! exercise is not. Totally bogus.

There is ABSOLUTELY NO SCIENTIFiC proof of any kind. i would 100% disagree. DHT is the root cause and genetic programmed genes to self destruct when DHT binds to them. That is fact.

Your opinions are typically so strong you really ought to go to school and learn something. I have heard from several Physicians that weight lifting can raise "dht & testosterone" levels...I am not saying you are right or wrong...just at least give the thought a chance....

"My opinion"

matthew:
Lifting weight in itself doesn't increase hair loss. No kidding.
However, resistance training causes muscle tissue to break down. That muscle tissue has to be repaired, right? The body synthesizes dietary protein into amino acids and building blocks (other proteins) that result in muscle cell regeneration and growth.
Okay, you know what triggers that protein synthesis? Ahh yes, it's our good ole friend the happy hormone testosterone.
And it becomes a supply and demand thing. If I have a lot of muscle to repair because I'm doing resistance training, then the body responds by pumping out more testosterone.
But where in all this does the body say: "Okay, I need more testosterone to rebuild damaged tissue, but in the mean time, is okay to curtail testosterone to DHT conversion?"
DOESN'T work that way. Unless you have a genetic resistance.
To say generically "lifting weights absolutely cannot lead to more rapid hairloss" is a false statement. It can for the reasons I've stated.
If you've got "super hair" that's genetically resistant to falling out, then your statement is correct. If not, then exercising MIGHT in fact speed up hair loss because of increaed DHT levels in the blood stream (which triggers hairloss in some men, like us).
Hope that clears this up.

vocor1
Knowledge is Power
If the worst question is the one never asked, then the worst answer is the one never shared.

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vocor1
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-- If the worst question is the one never asked, then the worst answer is the one never shared.
-- The truth only matters if you know about it.

I lift, bit feel the DHT cirulating in my system is curtailed largely because I take Propecia. I would like to see a doctor respond to the issue in depth...it would be great reading.

1) Does Propecia limit my weight training ability ?

DHT is part of the anabolic steroid function for guys that actually use them. Hence if Propecia works against the effects of DHT....does it also work against my bodies ability to produce muscle mass ?

At my gym there are some men who cycle steroids and then also take Propecia at certain intervels ?..I dont believe this to be healthy and in fact seems each cancels one another out.

I only take Propecia, because like a lot of you guys I want my hair to stick around, and I keep my weight and condition in check while also taking Propecia.

This issue is one that I have read several mixed comments on from Physicians and Trainers..your answer seems to be based on who you ask ?? even amongst the professionals.

2) Can weight training alone cause bodily functions to produce more DHT ?


Interesting stuff - with no real concensus.
NW

[This message was edited by NW on May 15, 2003 at 08:34 AM.]

NW. Iam in school! After beening out for ten years I'm now a full time student. The point is weight lifting does not cause hair loss.

Matthew,

Thats awsome !! & good luck !! Come back an do HT - and remember us regular guys here !!!

My point is mainly that I have heard from both Doc and Trainers that Weightlifting "Can" raise levels of DHT & Testosterone...a body's reaction to increased load. If these levels are higher than perhaps they may impact hairloss properties if you have MPB in your family ?. But I have no opinion because nobody can answer this question with certainty ?...it is one I have been trying to hunt down for a few years. I will just stick with Propecia anyways.

NW

Umm, I think I answered all this.
Resistance training causes more testosterone to be produced in a man's body.
Propecia blocks a certain percentage of testosterone to DHT conversion.
In fact, in Merck's clinical study, patients saw up to 15% more circulating testosterone. No kidding, because the testosterone to DHT conversion process is being inhibited by Propecia but the amount of testosterone produced by the body isn't be inhibited by outside drugs.
NW:
I think Propecia actually can HELP your workouts. If more testosterone usually leads to more muscle from resistance training (as I've already stated), then in theory, you'll see better results from resistance training.
I've experienced this phenomenon on a mild level.
I'll measure my testosterone levels in my yearly physical in a month or two.
My physical proof is for the first time in my life, I have "bigger arms". And I've been working out with weights regularly for about 8 years. I'm no body builder, but I get to the gym at least once a week. In the past, getting a bigger chest and back was always easy. Bigger arms was seemingly an impossible task. But here they hang now. Pretty cool.
matthew:
Point is: CAN lifting weights increase hairloss? YES. But it can't cause hairs that are genetically immune to hairloss to fall out. Remember, DHT levels contribute and are the prime culprit in hairloss.
WILL lifting weights necessarily increase hairloss? Clearly, NO.

I think this isn't a clearcut case.
What we know is that DHT levels and age trigger hairloss if the hair is genetically programmed to eventually fall out.
Resistance training can increase DHT levels.
I guess that is my case.

vocor1
Knowledge is Power
If the worst question is the one never asked, then the worst answer is the one never shared.

__________________
vocor1
Knowledge is Power
-- If the worst question is the one never asked, then the worst answer is the one never shared.
-- The truth only matters if you know about it.