Endocrinology & Metabolic Syndrome
Open Access

Abstract

Impact of Testosterone on Hair and Skin

Daisy Kopera

Testosterone is the most important androgen. Testosterone production starts from adrenarche in both sexes: in males in the testes, in females in the ovaries and in both sexes to a lesser part in the adrenal cortex, too. Circulating in blood certain amounts of testosterone are bonded to Sexual Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). The free part represents the active steroid affecting various organs to a certain extent. Testosterone is responsible for the formation of the male-phenotype, development of muscular tissue, bone density, and in a certain way it influences the fat/sugar metabolism. It also has a big impact on skin, skin appendages, and hair in particular. Testosterone increases sebum production (seborrhoea) and controls hair growth as well as hair loss in certain areas of the body.