As a certified fitness coach, I have gone through a vast amount of research on the effects of high testosterone on the body, and I naturally came across the notion that high T can make you hairy.
So, I decided to do an in-depth analysis of scientific information on the topic and talked to an endocrinologist for a professional opinion.
Here is what I found out.
Quick Summary
- The ability to grow more hair (facial and body hair) is greater when testosterone levels are high.
- Certain genes, like the AR genes, cause your hair follicles to be more or less responsive to testosterone levels, thus affecting hair growth.
- Some of the symptoms of high testosterone include acne, Infertility, insomnia, heart and liver problems, thinning hair, enlarged clitoris, and weight gain.
How Does Testosterone Make You Hairier?

Testosterone makes you harrier by significantly increasing the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a stronger and more powerful hormone than testosterone.
Whenever the body's DHT levels are high, it develops more body and facial hair [1].
Therefore, the more testosterone you have in your body, the greater your ability to grow more hair, such as facial hair.
When testosterone is synthesized (from progesterone and pregnenolone, two additional steroid hormones), it moves throughout the body, searching for specific receptors to attach to.
These receptor cells congregate in a region of the hair follicle known as the dermal papilla; testosterone binds tightly and, depending on genes, either promotes or inhibits hair growth [2].
However, as we grow, the bigger, strong hairs shrink to small fine ones, finally dying and not growing again.
"Testosterone governs hair development by regulating the follicle and how it produces various types of hair, such as facial, pubic, and scalp hair."
– Michael Scott, Doctor of Medicine
Testosterone and Body Hair

Body hair, also known as androgenic hair, occurs in both males and females after puberty.
Androgenic hair is distinct from your scalp's fine, light vellus hair.
Men have much more androgenic hair on their bodies due to greater amounts of androgens, or testosterone levels.
The amount of testosterone in the body plays a significant role in determining chest hair growth extent and thickness.
Higher testosterone levels in males generally result in more abundant and pronounced chest hair. In contrast, lower testosterone levels may lead to less noticeable or sparse chest hair development.
In addition, young males have smooth vellus hair all around their bodies until puberty.
Their body hair will grow thicker and darker over time.
This is the stage at which men begin to grow more prominent facial and chest hair.
Testosterone and Facial Hair
Facial hair often begins to develop in a man's late teens, although some men never grow out of their boyish features.
Again, genetics and levels of testosterone have a role in a man's capacity to develop a beard [3].
Even though DHT can cause baldness, it generally results in thicker facial hair.
Patchiness is a common issue for men seeking to grow a beard, particularly if they have low DHT levels in their bloodstream.
Because your cheeks have less blood flow, nutrients and hormones have a more difficult time reaching the area.
Therefore less DHT in the face leads to less hair in the same region.
Also Read: Will Testosterone Boosters Help Beard Growth
Testosterone and Baldness

High testosterone levels can enhance typical manly features and sex drive.
However, it can make men lose their hair at a young age.
While male pattern baldness and testosterone are linked, the relationship is more convoluted.
Baldness is governed by genetics rather than the amount of testosterone in your system.
The level of testosterone in healthy men is nearly the same. However, certain genes, such as the AR gene, cause your hair follicles to be more or less responsive to testosterone levels in your body [4].
An enzyme transforms testosterone into a compound that reduces hair follicles.
When hair follicles diminish, the hair growth cycle becomes shorter and finally stops.
Symptoms of High Testosterone

According to a 2017 research including over 9,000 men from the United States and Europe, the typical total testosterone level for men aged 19–39 years is 264–916 ng/dl.
Levels higher than this are considered abnormally high [5].
Men with exceptionally high testosterone levels may have the following symptoms:
- Aggressive or reckless behavior
- Acne
- Headache
- Infertility
- Heightened appetite
- Heart or liver issues
- Insomnia
- Unexplained weight increase
- Legs and feet swelling
While women may also suffer from high testosterone, their symptoms differ to a great extent.
Signs of abnormally high T levels in women may include an enlarged clitoris, irregular periods, voice deepening, loss of libido, weight gain, and thinning hair [6].
Related Articles:
FAQs
Does High Testosterone Cause More Body Hair?
Yes, high testosterone causes more body hair. When you have high testosterone levels, the testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is more potent than testosterone and causes more facial and body hair.
Why Does Testosterone Cause Body Hair Growth?
Testosterone causes body hair growth because it binds tightly to the dermal papilla of the hair, thus encouraging hair growth.
What Hormones Increase Body Hair?
The hormones that increase body hair are the androgens. The increase may occur when these hormones' levels elevate or your body becomes more sensitive to them.
Are Testosterone Level and Hair Growth Related?
Hair loss and growth are both genetically driven features, but testosterone also plays a role.
The amount of testosterone in your system influences how much hair grows on your face, head, and body.
Because of this, low testosterone can lead to male-pattern baldness in men and thinning hair in women.
In those cases, I recommend incorporating testosterone boosters into your routine to maintain a healthy balance.
During our regular testing, we discovered that these products could boost libido, vitality, and work and athletic productivity.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7432488/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1459164/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7126460/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15411753
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28324103/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526128/
About The Author
You May Also Like