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Tongkat Ali Side Effects on Hair: Can This Herbal Supplement Cause Hair Loss?

by Vorst Canada
Tongkat Ali Side Effects on Hair: Can This Herbal Supplement Cause Hair Loss?

 

Tongkat Ali, also known as Eurycoma longifolia, is a traditional Southeast Asian root that has become well-known around the world for its ability to raise testosterone, libido, and energy levels. Many men buy it to boost their physical health and hormone levels, but it has also made others wonder: does Tongkat Ali affect your hair?

Some people think it causes hair to come out. Some people think it makes hair grow. If you're taking Tongkat Ali or contemplating about it, you might be interested in how it might modify your hairline. Let's delve into the science behind how this herb affects hair health, such as how it interacts with hormones and what adverse effects it might have.

Disclaimer: This content is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Table of Contents

  • Understanding Tongkat Ali and Hormones
  • Hair Loss and DHT: The Connection
  • Does Tongkat Ali Increase DHT?
  • Can Tongkat Ali Trigger Hair Shedding?
  • What About Hair Growth?
  • Who Should Be Cautious?
  • Conclusion
  • References and Resources

Understanding Tongkat Ali and Hormones

Tongkat Ali mostly impacts how the body handles hormones, especially testosterone. People think it raises free testosterone levels by reducing cortisol and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and letting the body make its own hormones instead of giving it synthetic ones.

Many people take Tongkat Ali to boost their mood, libido, muscle strength, and energy because of these effects. But these changes in hormones, notably testosterone, can also change hair, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse, depending on how sensitive the person is.

Hair Loss and DHT: The Connection

We need to discuss about dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, before we can grasp how Tongkat Ali affects hair. DHT is a stronger type of testosterone that helps men grow, but it is also the main hormone that causes male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia.

DHT can make hair follicles smaller over time when it attaches to receptors in them, especially on the scalp. This process is called miniaturization, and it makes the hairs thinner and weaker, which eventually leads to them falling out. Individuals with a genetic predisposition to DHT sensitivity are more prone to exhibit this pattern of hair loss.

Does Tongkat Ali Increase DHT?

The answer is: maybe. Tongkat Ali doesn't directly give you DHT or testosterone, but it might make your body make more free testosterone, which could make it easier for testosterone to turn into DHT.

But this doesn't happen to everyone in the same way. Some people may notice a small increase in DHT levels after using it for a long time, while others may not notice any change at all. The effect varies based on heredity, existing hormone levels, age, and personal susceptibility to androgens.

There is no definitive clinical evidence indicating that Tongkat Ali universally induces hair loss. Most of the worry comes from stories or guesses based on the fact that it boosts testosterone levels. That said, if you have a family history of male pattern baldness or have seen your hair thinning with other testosterone boosters in the past, you should be careful.

Can Tongkat Ali Trigger Hair Shedding?

Some people say that their hair falls out at first when they start using Tongkat Ali. This might not be because of hair loss; it could just be part of the hair growth cycle.

The hair development cycle has three stages: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest). Telogen effluvium is what happens when hormonal changes move hair follicles from the resting period to a new growth phase. This makes older hairs fall out so that new ones can grow in their place.

If the shedding is only transitory and the hair grows back, it may not be a symptom of damage. But if the shedding keeps happening, especially at the crown or temples, and doesn't stop, it could be caused by a process that DHT drives, especially in those who are genetically susceptible.

What About Hair Growth?

This is when things become interesting. Some people say that Tongkat Ali can enhance testosterone levels and indirectly DHT levels, while others say that it can make their hair thicker, their scalp healthier, and their hair shed less. That could be because the plant lowers stress and inflammation in general.

A lot of stress, bad circulation, and inflammation can make hair fall out. People who lose hair because of stress rather than hormones may be able to keep their hair better if they take Tongkat Ali, which lowers cortisol levels. A more stable environment for hair growth can also be created by getting better sleep, feeling better, and having more balanced energy.

The effects may vary in women. Women shouldn't usually use Tongkat Ali since it can change their testosterone levels, unless they are closely watched. Some women with low testosterone or hormonal imbalances, on the other hand, say that their energy, libido, and maybe even hair density improve, but this depends on their own hormone levels.

Who Should Be Cautious?

If you are sensitive to DHT or have a family history of male or female pattern baldness, you shouldn't use Tongkat Ali. Pay close attention to how your body responds to it. That doesn't mean you should never do it again, but it's a good idea to keep an eye on how your skin and hair are doing in the first few weeks.

People who are already using medications like finasteride or minoxidil to stop hair loss should talk to their doctor before taking Tongkat Ali. The two medications may have effects that operate against one other or make each other stronger.

People with hormonal imbalances, thyroid difficulties, or illnesses like PCOS should also consult to a doctor before using herbs that affect testosterone levels.

Conclusion

So, does Tongkat Ali cause hair loss? How your body works has a lot to do with the answer. Tongkat Ali doesn't damage the scalp, but it does change hormones that can slow hair growth, especially in people who are susceptible to DHT. Some people may notice that their hair is falling out more or thinning, while others may note that their hair is thicker, their scalp is healthier, or they are losing less hair because of elevated cortisol levels.

If you're thinking about taking Tongkat Ali and are worried about your hair, start with a lower dose and see how your body reacts. If you need to, you can also try herbs that block DHT or treatments that strengthen the scalp. Supplements like saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, or rosemary oil applied to the skin may help balance out the effects of DHT.

If your hormones are in balance and you don't have a genetic tendency to pattern baldness, Tongkat Ali shouldn't cause any obvious hair problems. It could even be part of a bigger plan for health.

References and Resources

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