Dr Bod
Thinning hair and training
I'm a 23 year old male and I have been training for about five years. My hair has thinned out a lot over the last 2 years. I know why this happens but at the age of only 23 isn't this too early to be losing my hair? Can weight training contribute to this?
This is an excellent question!
Hair loss can happen at any age in men & women, and as you're probably aware, has a number of potential causes. These can be a combination of genetic, environmental, nutritional, and hormonal affects. Furthermore, there are times when our body may be under stress, be it emotional or physical (e.g. when we're fighting an infection), and we may experience temporary and often reversible hair loss. You are at an age when your body may still be growing, while going through natural hormonal changes.
Nevertheless, there has been some evidence to suggest that aerobic exercise MAY reduce the progression of hair loss, by reducing the levels of insulin and free testosterone (including DHT, which tends to be elevated in those suffering from male-pattern baldness - 'androgenic alopecia'). On the other hand, weight training tends to increase testosterone levels and may therefore increase the rate of hair loss.
I'd like to point out that further studies are required before any conclusions are made about the effects of exercise on hair loss. In the meantime, I'd strongly recommend a combination of aerobic and weight-training exercises, as their health-protective benefits far outweigh the risks of hair loss.
Best wishes
'Dr Bod'
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