Steroids in Animals and Hair Loss

Hello Doctor!
Great site you have I really like all the info on it, it seems to be like a great library of info…most of the information on the internet can be found but it is scattered everywhere and has to be pieced, so I thank you for having it all available here…Now with regards to my question. In this era, I’m sure you know that sometimes there are a lot of animals being pumped full of steroids. Couldn’t this have something to do with hairloss? It would elevate testosterone, as if I recollect, steroids are lipid soluble, so they would tend to be found more accumulated in lean meats such as chicken…again correct me if im wrong, but this is just what I recollect from Bio class. I am starting to think it had some kind of effect on me, because I did enter puberty much earlier than my parents, everyone in my family was fairly resistant to acne, well I tend to be moreso, and I grew up to be much taller than anyone in my family…I am a full 5 inches taller than my dad and noone in my family has ever broken the 6 foot barrier. I do realize that there is such a thing as recessive genes that may not be expressed, but my younger brother who has lived a somewhat different lifestyle than me, seems to be in much better shape overall. Whats your take on this doc?

Your theories are interesting, yet there are plenty of vegetarians who are bald. While it is true that some animals may be subjected to anabolic steroids, I doubt any significant levels (if any at all) would be found in the consumables. Even if it is, heat would denature (or make ineffective) any steroid in the meat. Futhermore there are strict guidelines that the United States FDA sets on meat and poultry products.

With respect to your second question, genetics may play a part in your physical appearance, but other factors such as your lifestyle and even pure randomness will also play a part. It has been noted that first generation Americans are almost always taller than their parents, with a larger frame as well. This is even taken to second generation Americans, as the diet is more and more Americanized.