What is the Connection Between Decreased Hair Growth and Male Infertility?

Reviewed By: Dr. S. Shashant, fertility specialist at Ferty9 Fertility Center, Secunderabad

Infertility affects around one out of every seven couples who have had frequent, unprotected sexual encounters for a year or longer. Male infertility contributes at least partially to the situation in up to half of these couples. Male infertility may result from defective sperm function, inadequate sperm production, or obstructions that stop sperm from being delivered. Male infertility may be influenced by a number of variables, including lifestyle decisions, chronic health issues, injuries, and illnesses.

Understanding Decreased Hair Growth & Male Infertility

There exist several possible correlations between reduced hair growth and infertility in males, which include

• Klinefelter Syndrome
• Hormonal imbalance
• Low testosterone levels

Role of Testosterone in Hair Growth and Fertility

An adult guy is considered to have low testosterone when his level is below the normal range of around 270 to 1,070 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Hypogonadism, another name for low testosterone, can manifest as symptoms in childhood or as a condition that occurs from birth. Hypogonadism can interfere with fertility in adults, cause erectile dysfunction, alter physical traits like reduced hair growth, and cause the loss of secondary sexual characteristics. The androgen hormone testosterone aids in the transformation of tiny, straight vellus hairs into bigger, darker terminal hairs. Consequently, hair growth is inhibited when testosterone levels are low.

Infertility is not usually directly caused by low testosterone. A decreased sex drive, which may even lead to an absence of desire to engage in sexual activity, is one indirect consequence of low testosterone on fertility.  Men may experience fewer or weaker erections as a result of it, which can possibly lead to erectile dysfunction. Although males with low testosterone levels can still create sufficient sperm, low testosterone levels do not always indicate infertility.

Also read: Fertility and Nutrition: Foods and Supplements That May Boost Male Fertility

Causes of Reduced Hair Growth and Male Infertility

The most common causes of decreased hair growth and male infertility are;

Hormonal Imbalances

An irregularity affecting the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, or adrenal glands is one cause of infertility, but it can also arise from diseases of the testicles themselves. There might be several underlying reasons for low testosterone (male hypogonadism) and other hormonal issues. Primary hypogonadism is an issue in the testicles and is sometimes referred to as primary testicular failure. In secondary hypogonadism, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland may be malfunctioning, causing symptoms including low levels of testosterone and sperm count.

Genetic Factors

Abnormal development of the male reproductive organs is caused by inherited illnesses such as Klinefelter's syndrome, in which a male is born with two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome (instead of one X and one Y). Genetic disorders such as Kallmann's syndrome and cystic fibrosis are also linked to infertility.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Male fertility can be negatively impacted by nutritional deficiencies in a number of ways. For example, low levels of vitamin B12, C, D, and E can affect sperm production and quality, reduced sperm count, and motility. Finally, vitamin A deficiencies can interfere with sperm development and disrupt the production of sex hormones. Men who have low amounts of folate are more likely to create sperm with chromosomal abnormalities. Selenium, calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, zinc, and selenium deficiencies can all have a deleterious effect on sperm quality and fertility.

Chronic Stress

Male fertility can be impacted by chronic stress in a variety of ways, such as sperm quantity and quality, testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction, and lack of libido, which can all be caused by long-term stress.

Medical Conditions and Treatments

Male infertility can result from a wide range of illnesses and medical procedures, such as varicocele, cancer therapy, and issues with sperm.  Additional health issues such as diabetes, autoimmune illnesses, liver or renal disease, and some medications such as opioids, psychotropic medicines, and cannabinoids can all contribute to reduced hair growth and infertility.

Other Conditions Contributing to Both Decreased Hair Growth and Male Infertility

A few other medical conditions that may cause infertility and decreased hair growth are;

Metabolic Syndrome

Endocrine system dysregulation, scrotal temperature elevation, oxidative stress, and alteration of the erectile and ejaculatory functions are well-recognized MetS consequences that can impair sperm production and function, ultimately affecting male fertility. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular physical exercise and a balanced diet, is important in preventing the negative effects of MetS on general health and well-being as well as fertility.

Diabetes

Male fertility may be negatively impacted by type 1 or type 2 diabetes, particularly in terms of sperm quality, which includes sperm motility, sperm DNA integrity, and seminal plasma constituents. Diabetes may have an impact on the epigenetic changes that occur during spermatogenesis. Diabetes can potentially exacerbate conditions such as hypogonadism, ejaculatory and erectile dysfunction, male accessory gland inflammation, or testicular dysfunction.

Obesity

Men who are obese are more likely to be infertile. Sexual dysfunction, endocrinopathy, aromatization activity, heat stroke, sleep apnea, and potentially the inflammatory and obstructive components of epididymitis pathology, leptin, can all affect men’s fertility.

Autoimmune Diseases

Male infertility can result from a number of autoimmune conditions, like autoimmune thyroiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis. Men's sperm counts may prematurely decline under such circumstances.

Male Puberty

Male infertility may be associated with either early or late male puberty. Sperm concentrations were decreased in men whose puberty began earlier. Puberty that begins before the age of nine or precocious puberty may indicate an underlying endocrine issue. Problems with testosterone secretion might cause a delay in puberty.

Also read: Sperm Morphology & How Does it Affect Fertility?

How Does Hypogonadism Affect Both Conditions?

Male hypogonadism is a disorder in which the body fails to create enough sperm, testosterone, or both. These hormones are essential for the growth and development during puberty in males.

Effects on Hair Follicles

Due to the lack of hair follicles necessary for hair development, hypogonadism can result in hair loss. Thinning pubic and axillary hair can be a symptom of hypogonadism. On their faces and bodies, men with hypogonadism may see a reduction in hair development.

Effects on Testicular Function

Testicular function can be negatively impacted by both primary and secondary hypogonadism, which can result in lower testosterone levels, impaired sperm generation, and even decreased bone and muscle mass.

Diagnostic Tests for Hormonal Imbalances Affecting Hair Growth and Fertility

Numerous tests are available to assist in the diagnosis of hormonal abnormalities that impact fertility and hair development.

Blood Tests for Hormone Levels

Hormone levels may be tested most commonly via blood tests. This test measures thyroid, cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone levels. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which regulate sexual development and reproduction, are frequently measured in the blood.

Semen Analysis

A semen analysis looks at the amount and quality of sperm. It's among the initial actions taken to identify fertility problems. 

Thyroid Function Tests

Hyperthyroidism (excess of thyroid hormones) is frequently related to lower semen volume and impaired sperm density, morphology, and motility. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid hormones) leads to decreased sperm count, poor semen quality, decreased testicular function, and erectile dysfunction. Thyroid function testing can help detect and treat problems that may lead to male infertility. 

Scalp Biopsy

A scalp biopsy includes collecting a tiny sample of skin from your scalp, including hair follicles. The sample is then sent to a laboratory to assist in diagnosing the reason for the hair loss.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing can help discover genetic abnormalities that may be responsible for male infertility, such as karyotype analysis, Y-chromosome microdeletion testing, and CFTR mutation testing. Genetic testing can help identify the fundamental reasons for male infertility that may be difficult to find with other diagnostic approaches. 

Male Hypogonadism Treatment

Male hypogonadism normally is treated with testosterone replacement to return testosterone levels to baseline. If a pituitary condition is the cause, pituitary medications can be administered to promote sperm production and restore fertility. A pituitary tumor may require surgical excision, medicine, radiotherapy, or the substitution of other hormones. There's typically no effective medication to restore fertility in males with primary hypogonadism, although assisted reproductive technology may be useful. 

Treatment for Low Testosterone Levels in Males

Testosterone gels, patches, gum-and-cheek testosterone replacement , nasal pumps , and implantable pellets are all available to address the low testosterone levels.

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Conclusion

Though there are different reasons for hair loss and reproductive concerns in males, the testosterone levels play an essential role. Treating the hormonal balance might aid in overcoming the effects. Prompt diagnosis and therapy combined with maintaining a healthy living habit can assist men to overcome the challenges.

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