Workout supplements: How gaining muscle might be making your hair fall out

Being thin or skinny used to be the body trend everybody chased after, nowadays it’s all about being fit. As far as trends go this is a pretty good one to follow, as in theory it promotes healthy eating, regular exercise and being mindful about your lifestyle.
Some people have amazing discipline and dedication on top of that, choosing to take things to the next level, building up their muscles to impressive levels. As you can imagine, such training requires a lot of energy and it’s important to replenish the body when undertaking such straining workouts. The problem is that some active ingredients in supplements can act as double-edged swords.

The issue with sports nutrition and workout support

As many fitness buffs will tell you, shakes and other workout supplements can come in handy when you’re trying to get in shape. On the other hand, such dietary supplements have often also been demonized.
What’s important to know is what to look out for and how certain components can affect your body. If you’re worried about Hair Loss, you may want to avoid testosterone boosters and performance enhancers like creatine.

creatine — Creatine helps to supply energy to all cells in the body.

Protein shakes aren’t the culprits in this scenario – at least not the pure protein ones. For instance, products that are 100% whey or egg based and free from additives shouldn’t contribute to your Hair Loss – though be aware that the increase of nitrogen-based amino acids (which make up protein molecules) in your body can stress your liver and kidneys over time.
What you do have to keep an eye on, are protein shakes that only have a certain percentage of protein concentrate, as the remaining compounds may have adverse side effects.

Growth hormones: mass over frizz

Those who suffer from Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia), or are likely to due to genetics, are subject to the influence of a steroid and hormone known as DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). It plays an important androgenic role by affecting the development and maintenance of male characteristics as well as the production of blood cells. However, it can also contribute to Hair Loss by reducing and inhibiting the hair’s natural growth process (for a detailed explanation, click here).

DHT inhibits the hair’s necessary nourishment for proper growth from getting through.

Where’s the connection, we hear you ask? Well, an enzyme called 5a-reductase synthesises testosterone and turns it into DHT. Effectively, it means that substances which increase testosterone levels, will also contribute to a rise in DHT levels.
Steroids that promote testosterone production for its muscle building properties are no longer available for commercial distribution and have been replaced with natural alternatives, such as DHEA (a stress hormone produced in the adrenal glands). We’d avoid it since those who ingest it for any other reason than to supplement a DHEA deficiency potentially end up with nefarious side effects. Likewise, although creatine is very popular and effective in boosting athletic performance, numerous studies have shown that it does raise testosterone levels.

To be clear, all we’re saying here is that these dietary supplements are best avoided if you’re genetically predisposed for Hair Loss, or if you’ve already started experiencing thinning, as in these situations high testosterone levels are likely to aggravate the condition.

Unsure what is causing hair loss?

If you are unsure about what is causing your hair loss we have a hair loss DNA test called the The Fagron TrichoTest. This test works by analysing 3 polymorphisms within 16 DNA mutations (SNPs), analysing a total of 48 genetic variations. The test combines the analysis of genetic variations, lifestyle factors and literature related to hair loss treatment. The results will allow the patient to see the likely cause of their hair loss and our team of hair loss experts will be able to suggest the most appropriate treatment options through topical, oral or surgical solutions.

Trichologists at The Private Clinic

Our elite team of Trichologists here at The Private Clinic have advanced knowledge on hair loss and are able to use their years of experience to ensure that they best treatment plan for you.

Jane Mayhead in Harley Street, Northampton and Birmingham
Denise Knight in Leeds

Expert Hair Transplant Surgeons at The Private Clinic

Dr Furqan Raja, MB ChB, GMC Number: 7419667
Dr Michael Mouzakis S.C.F in Plastic Surgery, GMC Number: 7237640
Dr Ismail Ughratdar, MB ChB, GMC Number: 6103427
Dr Luca De Fazio MD, BSc, MSc, GMC Number: 7095123

Hair Loss at The Private Clinic

At The Private Clinic, we play host to a number of expert Consultant Trichologists as well as Hair Transplant surgeons, in order to offer complete hair solutions to our patients.

We are the UK’s leading non-invasive cosmetic group and have some of the most experienced doctors and nurses in the country working with us. For over 40 years we have successfully treated thousands of patients.
State of the art medical facilities, all registered by the CQC (Care Quality Commission).
You will be treated by highly experienced Trichologists or Hair Transplant surgeons
By coming to us for hair loss advise you can rest assured you are in the best possible hands
We offer a 24-hour patient helpline following treatment
When it comes to non-surgical treatments we always strive to give you little to no downtime, so you can get back to enjoying life.
We afford all our patients the right care before, during and after every treatment.
We have clinics nationwide in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.
See our female hair loss before and after results photo gallery
Find out more information in our hair loss blogs

For more information on Hair Thinning, Hair Loss and Trichology, click here.

The Private Clinic of Harley Street offers the latest and most advanced FUE Hair Transplant procedures available, including hair transplants to the face and eyebrows. Hair Transplants are the only permanent hair loss solution.

You will be treated by highly experienced Doctors. Our Hair Transplant surgeons are specialised in FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and treat hundreds of patients every year.
FUE is a minimally invasive treatment(meaning there is no cutting of a strip), and carried out under local anaesthetic – many patients either watch TV, or even fall asleep during the procedure.
Unlike the Strip (FUT) procedure, you won’t require any stitches after your treatment. This means that the recovery time is also reduced when compared to the Strip surgery.
We use the finest instruments, resulting in as minimal trauma to your scalp as possible.
Thanks to our advanced skills and techniques, our team ensure that the donor area looks intact after the hair transplant procedure and you can keep your hair really short if you prefer without any obvious scarring.
We work by hair, not per graft – this ensures that only the strongest, healthiest follicles are selected for your transplant procedure.
Your results will look natural, with denser packing – the hair is implanted in the direction that matches your hair growth, and because we select healthy follicles, the treated area will look densely filled.
Our surgeons also offer the Unshaven Hair Transplant (U-FUE) to those who prefer not to shave beforehand. At your consultation, we will be able to advise you on whether an unshaven procedure is suitable for you.
Scars resulting from injuries or previous surgeries can also be corrected with our FUE for Scar Repair procedure.
You are entitled to as many post-operative care and appointments with your Hair Transplant surgeon and the nursing team as required.
See our FUE hair transplant before and after results photo gallery
Read our extensive hair transplant FAQs
Hear from previous Hair Transplant patients in our patient stories and videos
Find out more information in our hair transplant blogs