[주말엔 운동] ‘Does exercise cause hair loss?’… Effects of Exercise on Hair Loss

Some people worry that exercising hard will increase male hormones and cause hair loss. However, exercise neither causes nor worsens hair loss. [사진=픽사베이 @izhar-ahamed]

[아이뉴스24 설래온 기자] Some people worry that exercising hard will increase male hormones and cause hair loss. However, exercise neither causes nor worsens hair loss.

Male pattern hair loss is greatly influenced by male hormones. Exercise also increases male hormone levels. Looking at this alone, the statement that ‘exercise causes hair loss’, which was often thought of as a joke, feels serious again.

So, shouldn’t people who are worried about hair loss exercise? Most experts assert that it is very unlikely that exercise directly causes hair loss, but rather express the opinion that appropriate exercise can help prevent hair loss.

Male pattern hair loss is greatly influenced by male hormones. Exercise also increases male hormone levels. Looking at this alone, the statement that ‘exercise causes hair loss’, which was often thought of as a joke, feels serious again. [사진=픽사베이]

Taro Koyama, director of Tokyo D Clinic, also told the Sankei Shimbun on the 17th (local time), “Among patients who visit the hospital for hair loss treatment, they often ask about the effect of exercise on hair loss,” adding, “In particular, many people say that exercise has a negative impact on hair loss.” “There is a misconception that hair loss can occur as the blood concentration of testosterone, a male hormone, increases,” he pointed out.

Director Koyama mentioned the basic mechanism of male hair loss and said, “Generally, male hair loss is caused by the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), one of the male hormones. DHT is testosterone metabolized by 5α-reductase in the scalp. “It is created while doing this, and if the hair is exposed to this for a long period of time after puberty, hair loss may occur,” he explained.

Most experts assert that it is very unlikely that exercise directly causes hair loss, but rather express the opinion that appropriate exercise can help prevent hair loss. [사진=픽사베이 @Mohamed_hassan]

He continued, “You may think that exercise increases testosterone levels and promotes hair loss, but the concern that exercise worsens hair loss as male hormones increase lacks scientific basis.” “Not only are there no reports of more hair loss, but even if DHT secretion increases due to exercise, it is not at a level sufficient to affect the hair loss process.”

In addition, “Exercise is effective in preventing and alleviating obesity, and considering the research results showing that obesity affects the progression of hair loss, it can also have a positive effect on hair health,” he said. “Accordingly, exercise is not a risk factor for hair loss.” “It can be seen as a beneficial activity,” he said.

Director Koyama said, “The progression of hair loss is influenced by lifestyle habits such as exercise, eating habits, and smoking, but according to research, about 80% is determined by genetic factors.” Director Koyama said, “If symptoms of hair loss have already appeared, improve lifestyle habits and visit a medical institution. He added, “It is important to receive professional counseling and treatment. Treatment with drugs such as minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride can also be effective.”

Meanwhile, there are many research results showing that exercise actually has a positive effect on hair loss prevention. In a study conducted in China in 2020, it was confirmed that 600 hair loss patients exercised for more than 60 minutes a day, which was effective in slowing down the hair loss process. A survey of 49 pairs of identical twins from 2009 to 2011 also revealed that hair loss on the crown of the head progresses more quickly in those who do not exercise.

If you are concerned about hair loss, it is better to exercise regularly rather than taking a break from exercise. [사진=픽사베이@ZOE-Animation-Studio]

Therefore, if you are worried about hair loss, it is better to exercise regularly rather than taking a break from exercise. However, you must be careful because if your body is under severe stress due to excessive exercise, telogen effluvium may occur after about 3 to 4 months.

/Reporter Seolraeon ([email protected])