It’s no secret that pre-workout supplements have become popular in recent years as more and more people looking to gain an edge when it comes to their fitness goals.
But while these supplements may prove helpful in achieving those goals, some are concerned that they may also cause hair loss. So, does pre-workout cause hair loss?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the potential causes of pre-workout-induced hair loss and how you can prevent it from happening.
Can pre-workout supplements cause hair loss?
The answer is maybe. While there is no definitive research that definitively links pre-workout supplements to hair loss, some of the ingredients commonly found in such supplements can be linked to potential hair loss.
There is no scientific research that definitively links pre-workout supplements to hair loss.
What causes hair loss from pre-workout supplements?
Pre-workout supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years as people look for ways to enhance their workouts.
However, many pre-workout supplements contain ingredients that can be damaging to your health, including causing hair loss.
1. Stimulants
For instance, many pre-workouts contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants, which can lead to dehydration and an imbalance of electrolytes.
This imbalance could potentially cause the body to produce higher amounts of the hormone testosterone, which can lead to increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp—a known contributor to male pattern baldness.
2. B vitamin
Additionally, some pre-workouts contain large amounts of B vitamins, which are not always necessary for performance enhancement but could still contribute towards hair loss if consumed in excessive quantities.
3. Dangerous ingredients
Lastly, some pre-workouts may have other ingredients like guarana or yerba mate, which could speed up your heart rate and raise your blood pressure. Both of these things are linked to making more DHT.
How can I prevent pre-workout hair loss?
The best way to prevent hair loss from pre-workouts is by being mindful of what ingredients they contain and how much you take.
1. Use stimulant-free supplements
When selecting a supplement, make sure it does not contain any stimulants like caffeine or guarana extract, as these have been linked with increased DHT production, which could lead to hair loss over time.
2. Use recommended dosage
Furthermore, if you use a pre-workout that contains stimulants, make sure you don’t exceed the recommended dose, as this could increase your risk of experiencing side effects like hair shedding or thinning.
3. Stay hydrated
It’s also important that you stay hydrated while working out by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exercise sessions.
This will help keep your scalp healthy and prevent dehydration-related shedding or thinning caused by excessive sweat production due to intense physical activity while taking a pre-workout supplement.
Treatment for hair loss caused by pre-workouts
If you have already experienced some shedding or thinning as a result of taking pre-workout supplements, there are a number of treatment options available that may help restore some level of normalcy to your locks, including:
1. Minoxidil
This topical treatment, Minoxidil, has been shown to be effective at reactivating the growth cycle in inactive follicles, which helps promote new growth and reduces shedding over time.
2. Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)
This therapy involves injecting platelet-rich plasma into areas of significant baldness; this stimulates stem cells within dormant follicles, allowing them to begin producing new hair again.
3. Laser Therapy
Laser treatments employ specialized lasers designed specifically for treating pattern baldness; these lasers penetrate deep into the skin, stimulating cellular activity within dormant follicles, which may be able to reduce some shedding over time.
4. Finasteride
Finasteride works by blocking testosterone receptors on existing hairs, preventing them from falling out prematurely, thus promoting overall thickness and healthiness within existing locks; Finasteride must be taken orally, however, so speak with your doctor before beginning any course regimen with this medication.
5. Nutritional Supplements
Certain biotin-containing nutritional supplements, such as BiotinPlus, have been shown to be effective at improving overall scalp health and reducing the amount shed each day significantly over time when used as directed.
Furthermore, certain oils, such as olive oil, have been shown to be effective at reducing levels of chronic inflammation throughout areas affected by pattern baldness, with many people reporting significantly thicker hair after extended use periods.
Tips for reducing hair loss from pre-workout supplements
If you want to increase your chances of avoiding significant weight loss while using a pre-workout supplement, you should do the following:
1. Consult your doctor
Consult your doctor before beginning any course regimen that includes a pre-workout supplement.
Make certain that the product you choose contains no potentially dangerous ingredients such as stimulants such as caffeine, guarana extract, and so on
Additionally, ensure that the product contains no banned substances as defined by their respective sports governing bodies.
2. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after workouts, especially if you’re taking a stimulant-containing supplement; only take the recommended dosages listed on the product label;
3. Get plenty of rest and moderate exercise
High-intensity exercises combined with inadequate rest and recovery times increase the stress placed on the body, leading to potential hormonal imbalances.
Moderating intensity and allowing yourself adequate recovery times between each session helps maintain the proper balance necessary for optimal scalp health.
4. Consume a healthy diet
Following a good diet such as the Mediterranean diet, and eating foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals ensures that the body receives the nutrients it requires to keep all systems running smoothly, including the one responsible for maintaining a healthy head full of luscious locks!
Conclusion
So while there is no definitive link between taking pre-workout supplements and experiencing hair loss, it’s important for those taking them regularly to be aware that the potential exists.
If you’re worried that a supplement routine might cause you to lose hair, it’s best to talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement routine or making changes to an existing one.
Hair loss caused by taking pre-workout supplements is relatively rare, but still something worth considering if looking to boost performance during training sessions.
Fortunately, most cases are greatly reduced when the guidelines outlined above are followed, but anyone experiencing persistent issues should contact a physician immediately to seek professional advice on the treatments available!
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