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Progesterone increasing hair loss?

by Cory
(Denver)

I have only begun progesterone replacement for a short period of time but have already noticed an increase of my already existing problem of hair loss. This being a little bit surprising because seeing how it is a supposed alpha - 5 in inhibitor, my only explanation is that it is indeed increasing estrogen dominance.. which is in turn increasing the need for the conversion of Test to DHT seeing how it a more aggressive androgen by it's own right and acts as a counter-balance.

This is just of course my general theory which I believe applies to the majority of cases involving MPB.(especially from a young age such as my case)

I was actually a bit weary to begin with a high dose seeing as many sources advice men to stay around the 10-20 mg threshold but after browsing this site for awhile but I settled on starting with 40mg initially in hopes of avoiding increasing the already implemented estrogen dominance and move up if needed.. so with these above symptoms in mind, should I increase dosage or persist a bit longer?

I should note I have noticed some positive effects such as being a bit more calm and slightly better erections.. so I am confused to say the least.

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Mar 16, 2012
 Progesterone increasing hair loss?
by: Wray

Hi Cory I'm pleased you've had some good response from the progesterone. I've found there's no way of telling which part of the body is helped first, and which last. Often it's the one we want most help with which is the last to go. You are right of course, progesterone is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, a very good one judging by these studies here and here. Progesterone does increase first testosterone, from which oestrogen is converted by the enzyme aromatase. This is the path in both males and females. So in your case it's more one of testosterone dominance, as oestrogen itself doesn't cause hair loss, but testosterone does. Free testosterone that is. The amount to use is trial and error, we have men using 10mg/day and one who uses between 400-600mg/day for stress. So continue with the 40mg/day, and if you find it's not helping try increasing it. We do have a page on Hair Loss which explains some of the complexities. In young men it's often unstable blood glucose which causes it. Please try to avoid all sugars and sweet starchy foods, such as grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. You might like to read our Nutrition page. And these comments from other men using it here, here here, here, here, here and here. Take care Wray
Mar 16, 2012
 RE: Progesteorne increasing hair loss
by: Cory

hmmm no.. too much testosterone certainly isn't the issue as I have the tell tale signs of estrogen dominance such as slow/lack of facial hair growth, loss of libido, MPB etc.I am of the opinion DHT is often converted from T to act as a counterbalance to the estrogen overload seeing as it is a more aggressive androgen.. this is the body's attempt to remain at homeostasis and literally maintain the masculinity of the individual .. As mentioned on your page, the powerful endocrine disruptors' that are rampant throughout our food, products, and environment seem to be the main contributor to this issue, and it's becoming quite common! Of course, older men naturally develop more estrogen with increasing aromatase enzyme levels but it seems to becoming more and more common.. yet it seems issues such as MPB and libido function are happening at a younger and younger age.. that and if certain detoxification pathways aren't working correctly(such as p450 in your liver) which is responsible for breaking down chemicals, excess hormones, etc. then you are in some serious trouble. These are simply my thoughts, though.

Thank you for your answer.
Mar 19, 2012
 RE: Progesteorne increasing hair loss
by: Wray

Hi Cory I didn't realise you had facial hair loss too, that would probably be caused by DHT. Although I've come across no studies showing it's formed to counter oestrogen. The endocrine disruptors are a menace, one which governments turn a blind eye to, and yet there are hundreds of studies showing it's affect on animals. Are we not animals too?! I have over 36 files under different headings each with many papers on their effects. One overlooked is the epigenetic affect it has on us. For instance excess testosterone in the mother during foetal development, has a negative impact on the reproductive health of the male offspring. For more info Our Stolen Future is an excellent site. One detoxification system is glucuronidation, it is one of the major detoxification pathways of the liver. It removes carcinogens, toxins, tumour promoters, the sex hormones ie, the androgens and oestrogens, mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids, aromatic and heterocyclic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, various nitrosamines, drugs, fungi etc. It's then excreted in the bile, but an enzyme in the intestine called beta-glucuronidase reverses the glucuronidation process. It breaks the glucoronide bond between a toxin and glucuronic acid, and releases carcinogens, toxins and excess steroid hormones back into circulation. There's evidence beta-glucuronidase activity is increased in breast and prostate cancer. Calcium D-glucarate inhibits beta-glucuronidase, see here, here, here and here. Incidentally this enzyme is produced by undesirable gut bacteria, supplementing with probiotics suppresses the bacteria, and subsequently the beta-glucuronidase. Silymarin from milk thistle also inhibits beta-glucuronidase, plus it helps the liver detox. Progesterone assists the glucuronidation process too, see here. Continued below.
Mar 19, 2012
 RE: Progesteorne increasing hair loss Part 2
by: Wray

Hi Cory You mention low libido, there's evidence it's progesterone which increases this and not testosterone, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. And has anyone checked your prolactin levels? Oestrogen stimulates the production of prolactin. High prolactin suppresses dopamine. Dopamine is essential for a normal sexual response, see here, here, here, here, here and here. And please have a vitamin D test done, a lack of vitamin D reduces the benefits of progesterone. This was discovered during studies with Traumatic Brain Injury victims. Plus a lack reduces testosterone, see here and here. Continued below.
Mar 19, 2012
 RE: Progesteorne increasing hair loss Part 3
by: Wray

Hi Cory This would probably explain the reason MPB and libido problems are increasing, as we spend so little time in the sun now. Or if we do we're covered in sunscreens, most of which have oestrogenic and carcinogenic properties. For more info on vitamin D levels, testing etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth, Birmingham Hospital and Vitamin D Links websites. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml or 175-250nmol/L and not the 30ng/ml or 75nmol/L most labs and doctors regard as adequate. The minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although the latest research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. Take care Wray
Nov 12, 2013
 What happened?
by: Anonymous

Hey I would like to know how the story ended? many men take progesterone to stop their hair loss so I was a bit surprised by this...
Jan 25, 2017
 Bump
by: Jerry

Any updates on this situation?

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