Anabolic steroids raise DHT 10 to 40x above baseline, and even a single cycle can cause irreversible follicle damage in genetically susceptible men. Tracking your hair density before, during, and after each cycle creates the only objective record of how much damage each cycle inflicts and whether your protective measures are working.
Why Steroid Users Need Density Tracking
Most steroid users rely on mirror checks to assess hair loss. This approach misses the early miniaturization phase where follicles are thinning but still producing visible hairs. By the time you notice visible thinning, you may have already lost 30-50% of the density in that zone.
AI density tracking catches changes at the 5-10% level, giving you weeks or months of advance warning before the loss becomes cosmetically obvious.
Understanding the DHT Damage Mechanism
Androgenetic alopecia is driven by DHT binding to androgen receptors in hair follicles. Anabolic steroids accelerate this process dramatically.
| Steroid Type | DHT Conversion | Hair Risk Level | Finasteride Effective? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testosterone (all esters) | High (via 5-alpha reductase) | High | Yes, partially |
| Dianabol (methandrostenolone) | Moderate | Moderate | Partially |
| Trenbolone | None (acts directly on AR) | Very high | No |
| Masteron (drostanolone) | None (is a DHT derivative) | Very high | No |
| Nandrolone (Deca) | Low | Lower | Yes, but may worsen with finasteride |
| Anavar (oxandrolone) | Low (DHT derivative) | Moderate | Limited |
This table matters for your tracking protocol. If you are running testosterone with finasteride protection, your density data may show stability. If you switch to trenbolone, your next tracking session may reveal rapid decline that finasteride cannot prevent.
How to Set Up Your Steroid Cycle Tracking Protocol
Step 1: Pre-Cycle Baseline (4 Weeks Before)
Capture comprehensive density measurements across all zones at least 4 weeks before starting your cycle. This gives you a clean baseline that accounts for normal daily variation. Upload scalp photos to myhairline.ai and record zone-by-zone density readings.
Focus on the zones most vulnerable to androgenetic alopecia:
- Hairline and frontal zone
- Temples (Norwood 2 pattern area, typically requiring 800 to 1,500 grafts to restore if lost)
- Vertex and crown (Norwood 3V area, 2,000 to 2,800 grafts)
Step 2: On-Cycle Monitoring (Every 2 Weeks)
During your cycle, photograph your scalp every 2 weeks. Compare each session to your pre-cycle baseline. Log the following alongside each density measurement:
- Current compounds and dosages
- Protective compounds (finasteride, dutasteride, RU58841)
- Week of cycle
- Any shedding increase (count hairs on pillow or in shower)
Step 3: Post-Cycle and PCT Tracking
After your cycle ends, continue tracking every 2 weeks through your entire PCT period and for at least 8 weeks beyond. Some hair loss becomes apparent only after the cycle ends as follicles that were stressed during the cycle enter the telogen (shedding) phase.
Step 4: Inter-Cycle Recovery Assessment
Before starting your next cycle, compare your current density to your original pre-cycle baseline. If your density has not fully recovered, you are carrying cumulative damage into the next cycle.
| Measurement Point | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks pre-cycle | Clean baseline |
| Cycle week 4 | Early damage detection |
| Cycle week 8 | Mid-cycle assessment |
| Cycle week 12 (end) | End-of-cycle damage assessment |
| PCT week 4 | Recovery monitoring |
| PCT week 8 | Post-PCT baseline |
| 8 weeks post-PCT | Full recovery assessment |
Measuring Cumulative Damage Across Cycles
The most valuable dataset for steroid users is the cumulative density chart across multiple cycles. Each cycle entry should record:
- Pre-cycle density (all zones)
- Lowest density during or after the cycle
- Recovery density (measured 8 weeks post-PCT)
- Net density change compared to your very first baseline
This reveals the pattern that matters most: is each cycle causing permanent density loss that does not recover? If your post-recovery density drops by 5% after each cycle, you can calculate how many more cycles you can run before reaching cosmetically significant hair loss.
When the Data Says Stop
Your tracking data provides an objective decision point. Consider the following thresholds:
- Single cycle loss exceeding 15%: The compound or dosage is too aggressive for your follicles.
- Post-recovery density not returning to within 5% of baseline: Permanent follicle damage has occurred.
- Hairline recession visible in tracking photos: You are progressing on the Norwood Scale. Norwood 3 progression (1,500 to 2,200 grafts to restore) can happen within 2 to 3 aggressive cycles in susceptible individuals.
- Finasteride protection showing no effect: You are using compounds that bypass 5-alpha reductase, and your only option is to discontinue those compounds or accept accelerated hair loss.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Anabolic steroid use carries significant health risks beyond hair loss, including cardiovascular, hepatic, and endocrine complications. Consult a physician before using any anabolic substances. Finasteride requires a prescription and has documented side effects in 2-4% of users.
Track Your Density Before Your Next Cycle
Upload your scalp photos to myhairline.ai/analyze to establish your pre-cycle baseline. The data you collect now determines whether you can make informed decisions about your hair for every cycle going forward.