A Deep Dive Into Which Steroids Make Your Hair Fall Out

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

While about 1-3% of the U.S. population has used anabolic steroids, many people remain unaware that these and other steroids can lead to shedding and thinning. This article explores which steroids make your hair fall out, explaining the key differences between anabolic steroids and corticosteroids and the mechanisms behind this side effect.

Quick Summary

Anabolic steroids, particularly high-androgenic compounds, can cause permanent hair loss by increasing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in genetically prone individuals. In contrast, certain corticosteroids may cause temporary thinning, though some are used to treat autoimmune-related hair loss.

Key Points

Anabolic steroids are the primary cause of steroid-related hair loss: These synthetic hormones increase levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which attacks genetically sensitive hair follicles.
Specific compounds pose the highest risk: Anabolic steroids like Trenbolone, Masteron, and Winstrol are particularly known for accelerating hair loss.
Corticosteroids pose a different, lower risk: Prescription corticosteroids like prednisone are unlikely to cause permanent hair loss and are sometimes even used to treat autoimmune-related alopecia.
Genetics are the biggest factor: Anabolic steroid-induced hair loss is most likely to occur in individuals who are already genetically predisposed to pattern baldness.
Treatment depends on the steroid type: For anabolic steroid-induced loss, options include stopping use, using finasteride (for men) to block DHT, or applying minoxidil.
Consult a healthcare provider: Whether for prescribed medications or illicit use, a medical professional can help evaluate the cause of hair loss and recommend the safest path forward.

Differentiating Anabolic Steroids and Corticosteroids

Not all steroids have the same impact on hair health. It's essential to distinguish between anabolic steroids and corticosteroids, as they function differently and carry varying risks for hair loss.

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS)

Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of the male sex hormone testosterone, often used illegally for performance enhancement and muscle growth. Their androgenic (masculinizing) effects are the primary cause of hair loss.

The DHT Connection:

Increased DHT Production: When anabolic steroids are introduced into the body, they can significantly increase testosterone levels. The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts this excess testosterone into a more potent androgen known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Follicle Miniaturization: In individuals with a genetic predisposition to male or female pattern baldness, hair follicles are sensitive to DHT. DHT binds to receptors on these follicles, causing them to shrink and the hair growth cycle to shorten. Over time, the follicles produce progressively thinner, shorter hair until they stop growing altogether.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are prescribed to treat various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, such as arthritis, lupus, and allergies. Unlike anabolic steroids, they do not have androgenic effects and do not cause pattern baldness through the DHT mechanism.

Temporary Thinning: Certain corticosteroids, such as prednisolone, list thinning scalp hair as a possible but uncommon side effect. This type of shedding is usually temporary (telogen effluvium) and typically resolves when the medication is stopped or the dosage is lowered.
Treatment for Hair Loss: In a fascinating contrast, corticosteroids are often used to treat hair loss conditions like alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles. For this autoimmune disorder, corticosteroids can suppress the immune response and promote hair regrowth.

Which Anabolic Steroids Pose the Highest Hair Loss Risk?

The risk of hair loss from anabolic steroids depends largely on a compound's androgenic rating and its tendency to convert into DHT. Individuals with a family history of balding are particularly vulnerable to these effects.

High-Risk Steroids:

Trenbolone: Known for its extreme androgenic potency, Trenbolone can cause severe hair loss by binding aggressively to androgen receptors, even without converting to DHT.
Masteron (Drostanolone): As a DHT-derived steroid, Masteron can be very aggressive on hair follicles in susceptible individuals.
Winstrol (Stanozolol): Another DHT-derived compound, Winstrol is notorious for accelerating hair loss.
Anadrol (Oxymetholone): This steroid has a strong androgenic rating and is associated with significant hair shedding.
Testosterone (e.g., Enanthate): While not directly DHT-based, high doses of testosterone can lead to higher conversion to DHT via the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, increasing hair loss risk.

Preventing and Treating Steroid-Induced Hair Loss

For those considering or already using anabolic steroids, several strategies can help mitigate hair loss, though the most effective method is to stop using the compounds altogether.

Prevention and Treatment Options:

Avoid High-Androgenic Steroids: If hair retention is a priority, avoid or minimize the use of high-androgenic compounds like Trenbolone and Masteron. Consider milder alternatives if necessary.
Use 5-alpha-Reductase Inhibitors: For men, prescription medications like finasteride can help by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT. However, consulting a healthcare provider is essential.
Apply Topical Treatments: Topical minoxidil (Rogaine) can stimulate hair growth and increase blood flow to the follicles, helping to prolong the anagen (growth) phase.
Support Scalp Health: Using anti-inflammatory shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole and supporting hair health with adequate nutrients (biotin, zinc, iron) can help.
Consider Hair Transplant Surgery: For individuals with significant or permanent hair loss, surgical options like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) or Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) are available to restore hair in balding areas.
Manage Stress and Diet: Stress can trigger temporary hair shedding (telogen effluvium), and nutrient deficiencies can weaken hair. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial.

Anabolic Steroids vs. Corticosteroids: Hair Loss Risk Comparison


Feature	Anabolic Steroids (AAS)	Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone)
Mechanism	Increases DHT, binds to androgen receptors	Systemic hormonal imbalance, stress response
Primary Cause of Hair Loss	Follicle miniaturization from DHT exposure	Telogen effluvium (temporary shedding)
Typical Hair Loss Pattern	Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness)	Diffuse thinning, sometimes patchy
Common Perpetrators	Trenbolone, Masteron, Anadrol, Winstrol	Prednisolone (as a potential side effect)
Risk Factor	High risk, especially with genetic predisposition	Low risk, temporary thinning is uncommon
Treatment Potential	Can accelerate pre-existing balding	Used to treat alopecia areata (autoimmune hair loss)

Conclusion

Understanding which steroids make your hair fall out is crucial for managing potential risks and making informed health decisions. The primary culprits are anabolic steroids, which accelerate pattern baldness in genetically susceptible individuals by elevating DHT levels or through potent androgenic activity. While corticosteroids can sometimes cause temporary hair thinning, they are different compounds with distinct effects and are even used therapeutically for certain hair loss conditions. For anyone experiencing steroid-related hair loss, the first and most critical step is to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. Treatments like finasteride and minoxidil can help manage the symptoms, but for illicit anabolic steroid use, ceasing the drug is the only sure way to halt the accelerated damage. Ultimately, protecting hair health requires awareness of the specific compounds and their mechanisms, coupled with professional guidance and sound judgment. For further information on the risks associated with anabolic steroid abuse, refer to the National Institute on Drug Abuse website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anabolic steroids with high androgenic activity or those that are DHT-derived are the biggest culprits. Examples include Trenbolone, Masteron (Drostanolone), Winstrol (Stanozolol), and high doses of Testosterone Enanthate.

Yes, but it is a relatively uncommon and typically temporary side effect. The FDA mentions hair thinning as a possible side effect of prednisolone, but corticosteroids are not associated with permanent pattern baldness.

If anabolic steroids trigger hair loss in a genetically susceptible individual, the loss may become permanent over time due to follicle miniaturization. The earlier steroid use is stopped, the better the chances of slowing or reversing the process.

The most effective way to prevent this type of hair loss is to stop using anabolic steroids entirely. For men, using a DHT blocker like finasteride may help, but its effectiveness can be limited and is not a guaranteed solution.

Anabolic steroid-related hair loss is primarily driven by DHT, which miniaturizes hair follicles in genetically prone individuals. Corticosteroid-related hair thinning is a less common side effect, likely caused by broader hormonal or systemic effects on the hair cycle.

Yes, treatments include stopping steroid use, using topical minoxidil to stimulate regrowth, taking oral finasteride (for men) to block DHT, and, in severe cases, undergoing hair transplant surgery.

Absolutely. Your genetic sensitivity to androgens is the most significant factor. If pattern baldness runs in your family, you are at a much higher risk of experiencing hair loss when using anabolic steroids.