Hair loss can be a difficult situation to deal with, as it occurs when new strands of hair do not replace the ones that are lost on a daily basis. This problem can affect both men and women, and there can be a variety of causes, such as autoimmune diseases, infections, stress, medications, radiation, and certain hairstyling techniques. The most common cause, however, is androgenic alopecia, which is a hereditary condition and is largely caused by hormones.
In order to treat this type of hair loss, it is important to explore the current scientific evidence regarding hormonal therapies that may be able to reverse the condition. By understanding the role that hormones play in this condition, it is possible to develop effective treatments that can help restore hair growth.
How Can Hormones Affect Hair Growth?
After puberty, androgens, otherwise known as hair growth hormones, play a major role in the occurrence of androgenic alopecia. The androgens are responsible for regulating the hair growth process, however, their effects vary depending on the area of the body. In areas such as the pubic and axillary regions and the beard of men, androgens have a positive effect, promoting hair growth. However, when it comes to the scalp, androgens have the opposite effect, suppressing hair growth and eventually leading to hair loss. This is due to a particular androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is responsible for activating a variety of negative mediators that shrink the hair follicles. This is why an increase in DHT levels in certain individuals can cause male and female-pattern baldness.
Male-pattern baldness is a type of hair loss that typically affects men and is caused by an excess of the hormone testosterone and its derivative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The receding hairline and thinning of hair at the top of the head are the first signs of this type of hair loss. Androgenic alopecia, as it is also known, is caused by the enzyme 5-a reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT and increases its effects on the scalp.
In women, androgenic alopecia is also caused by the effects of DHT on the scalp. Although women possess lower levels of testosterone and DHT than men, the decrease of female hormones during menopause can lead to a hormonal imbalance. This imbalance causes a relative increase in the effects of DHT on the hair follicles, resulting in a pattern of hair loss that affects the entire scalp and causes overall thinning of the hair.
Does HGH Grow Hair?
HGH has a major impact on hair growth, as opposed to androgens which are selective. Without adequate levels of GH, hair growth can be impacted both on the head and body. A condition known as Laron Syndrome is characterized by thinning and receding hair, which can eventually lead to baldness. Growth hormone deficiency has also been linked to inhibited body hair development, suggesting that GH is essential for hair growth. Studies have shown that replacement therapy can help to restore body and facial hair in those with GH deficiency. Although research is still ongoing, the evidence so far suggests that HGH can be effective in restoring hair in those with GH deficiency.
Human Growth Hormone (hGH) has a direct effect on the liver, stimulating it to produce a hormone called Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF). There are various types of IGF, with IGF-1 being known to stimulate hair follicle growth and regulate the hair growth cycle. Those who suffer from a hGH deficiency and a IGF-1 deficiency experience decreased hair growth in comparison to individuals without those hormonal deficiencies.
Although one study found that IGF-1 does not directly cause hair follicles to grow, it did suggest that IGF-1 is capable of preventing hair from entering the catagen phase, where hair growth slows down and the follicle begins to shrink. Further research is still needed to fully understand the relationship between hGH, hair follicles, and mineral metabolism. As knowledge and understanding of this subject is constantly being developed and expanded, more information is becoming available.
Can HGH Cause Hair Loss?
Insulin Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is a hormone that plays a major role in mediating the effects of Human Growth Hormone (HGH). Studies have shown that IGF-1 can stimulate hair follicle growth and reduce the risk of follicle cell death. In contrast, the androgens such as DHT can increase the expression of IGF-1 in body hair, but reduce its secretion in the scalp, leading to hair loss.
However, HGH has a more positive effect on hair growth because it stimulates the production of IGF-1 in the liver, which has been shown to promote the growth of hair on the scalp, body and face in both men and women. So far, there is no evidence to suggest that high levels of HGH can be detrimental to hair health. On the contrary, research has suggested that low HGH levels may even worsen the effects of DHT, which is produced from testosterone by the enzyme 5-a reductase.
A research study has discovered a correlation between reduced Human Growth Hormone (HGH) levels and hair loss. It was found that when HGH is lacking along with other hormones, the activity of 5-a reductase increases, which in turn boosts levels of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Furthermore, when HGH therapy was used in men with GH deficiency, DHT levels decreased. To combat hair loss, most treatments aim to inhibit 5-a reductase activity and decrease the amount of DHT in the body.
How to Treat Hormone-Related Hair Loss?
Androgenetic alopecia is commonly treated with Minoxidil, a topical vasodilator, and Finasteride, an oral 5-a reductase blocker. However, recent studies suggest that people with hair loss due to growth hormone deficiency do not respond to these treatments. In such cases, HGH therapy is strongly recommended as it has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for hair loss. HGH works by increasing IGF-1 levels, which has been linked to the proliferation of follicle cells and hair growth. Multiple animal studies have supported HGH as an effective treatment for hair loss.
Effects of HGH on Scalp’s skin
Human growth hormone therapy has been known to be beneficial for the skin, hair, and nails. Studies have demonstrated that it can lead to up to 38% improvement in hair growth, making it grow faster, thicker, and even restoring its color. It has also been proven to increase skin hydration and elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and restore energy. Additionally, it can help to replace the growth hormone that is lost as we age, thus preventing hair loss.
How to Prevent Hair Loss?
Certain foods and supplements can work as 5-a reductase inhibitors. For instance, it’d be beneficial to switch from coffee to black or green tea as your main source of caffeine. The polyphenols of black tea, known as theaflavins, have been proven to be powerful inhibitors of 5-a reductase. In fact, studies conducted on animals have shown that black tea can reduce DHT levels by 72% and 5-a reductase levels by 89%. Studies have also suggested that the isoflavones contained in green tea can significantly reduce DHT levels.
Including fish in your diet at least 2-3 times a week and a handful of seeds daily can also help. Flax seeds, walnuts, fatty fish, and liquid vegetable oils are all rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as omega-6 and omega-3, which can inhibit 5-a reductase activity. This can help in preventing hair loss.
Smoking is a habit to avoid if you want to keep your hair. Research has shown that inhaling or ingesting nicotine can prevent the natural breakdown of DHT and prolong its effects on the hair follicles. Additionally, men who smoke tend to have higher levels of androgens in their blood.
Bottomline on HGH and Hair regrowth
Hair loss is a very disheartening issue that can take a toll on one’s self-esteem and emotional wellbeing. Common treatments used to address this condition can have adverse side effects and may be ineffective in those with growth hormone deficiencies. Therefore, growth hormone therapy has become a viable and successful option for treating hair loss, as it is known to boost the levels of human growth hormone (HGH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) which are both essential for normal hair growth. It is a potent solution that has been proven to be effective in many cases.