How Does HGH Influence Hair Growth?

  • HGH

Hair loss is a sad situation that affects our confidence and, most likely, signals us of having a medical condition. Many men and women suffer from acquired or hereditary hair loss. The reasons are plenty: stress, illnesses, medications, aging, and even hair care. One of the reasons for baldness both in men and women is androgenetic alopecia, which is a hereditary disease caused by increased androgen levels.

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In this article, we discuss how hormones influence hair growth and reveal scientific views on the safety and effectiveness of HGH hair loss treatment or whether HGH can cause hair loss.

How can hormones affect hair growth?

Androgenic alopecia can be developed in both sexes under the influence of particular hormones and genes. Currently, scientific evidence falls on the hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the androgen receptor gene (AR).

Androgens play a prominent role after birth and during puberty by boosting sexual development including secondary sexual characteristics. Strands of hair begin their development in follicles. If follicles receive too many androgens, the hair grows thinner and shorter. Some follicles respond well to androgens, that’s why we have armpit hair, and men can grow a beard. Instead, scalp follicles have trouble responding to DTH.

This is called the androgenic paradox. Scientists suggest such behavior can be caused by variations of the AR gene, which tells our body how many androgen receptors should be built. Hyperactive androgen receptors may lead to female and male-pattern hair loss.

Male-pattern baldness accompanied by loss of hair stands on the scalp. Men diagnosed with androgenic alopecia usually have increased levels of testosterone and 5-α reductase. 5-α reductase is an enzyme involved in steroid synthesis. For example, it transforms testosterone into DHT.

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As women also have low levels of T-hormone, excess DHT produced in the female body causes so-called female-pattern baldness. With aging estrogen levels decrease, which boosts the related DHT effect and leads to hair weakness and thinning.

HGH and hair growth are interconnected. Human growth hormones (HGH) influence hair growth, not only locally but throughout the body. Decreased HGH levels lead to several health issues, including hair loss. For example, people suffering from Laron syndrome, caused by inherited growth hormone receptor mutation, develop hair weakness and eventually baldness.

The other condition, which leads to hair loss, is called growth hormone deficiency (GHD). GHD can be congenital and acquired. Reasons for GHD are multiple:

  • aging,
  • brain injury,
  • infections,
  • pituitary gland issues,
  • stress and depression,
  • medications and therapies, etc.

GHD can be treated with injectable hormonal replacement therapy. Studies show that HGH replacement therapy increases body and facial hair growth. Optimal levels of HGH and IGF-1 are beneficial for body metabolism and cell regeneration. However, the result of HGH therapy on muscles, bones, and hair is individual and should be managed by a doctor. Nowadays, only HGH injections are FDA-approved and can be prescribed to treat growth hormone deficiency. HGH treatment for hair loss can bring the following benefits:

  • thicker and stronger hair,
  • prolonged hair growth cycle,
  • hair rebuild in affected areas,
  • restoring natural hair color.

Restoring hair with HGH therapy

Does HGH cause hair loss?

Insulin Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is responsible for cell proliferation in almost every tissue. It’s produced mainly in the liver, but also locally in other tissues. Growth hormone stimulates a binding protein for IGF-1 which boosts its effects on the tissues. Studies have shown IGF-1 is an important mitogen in hair follicle biology. Observations on Laron syndrome indicated decreased IGF-1 secretion in balding scalp follicles. Thus, boosting IGF-1 levels can promote hair growth.

HGH provokes IGF-1 regeneration in the liver, stimulating hair growth on our head and body. Scientists have not yet found evidence for the harmful relationship between HGH and hair growth. Moreover, researchers investigate a link between decreased HGH levels and baldness. A lack of growth hormone can increase 5-α reductase, boosting DHT. HGH therapy for GH-deficient patients which inhibits DHT production is the most widespread treatment for hair loss.

Hair loss: prevention and treatment

Modern medicine offers several treatment options for patients with androgenic alopecia. Some of them include Minoxidil which is used topically, and Finasteride, an oral 5-alpha reductase blocker.

For patients with growth hormone deficiency who suffer from hair loss and don’t respond well to common androgenic alopecia treatment, HGH therapy can be a great solution. Because of the HGH’s positive effect on IGF-1 production, using injectable HGH for GH-deficient patients can be beneficial for hair health. Several studies suggest that HGH treatment is safe and efficient for reviving hair follicles.

Consuming several products can provoke or inhibit 5-alpha reductase production. For example, drinking black or green tea instead of coffee as a source of caffeine can lower 5-alpha reductase levels.

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Black tea includes theaflavins – polyphenols that act as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Green tea includes isoflavones which, according to studies, can decrease DHT levels. Studies suggest both beverages positively affect DHT and 5-alpha reductase levels for preventing hair loss. Such food as fish, nuts, oils and seeds are full of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids which may stop hair loss because they also inhibit 5-alpha reductase activity.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is beneficial for hair health. Quality sleep is important for protein synthesis, tissue recovery, and hormonal balance. Good sleep improves hair growth cycles, preventing follicles from weakening. Bad habits such as smoking cigarettes can also lead to hair loss. Increased nicotine levels prevent HSD enzyme activity, which is important for DHT metabolism. Thus, DHT breaks down poorly and causes an extra effect on hair follicles, leading to losing strands of hair. Smokers also are likely to have increased androgen levels in their blood.

Should you use growth hormone for hair growth?

If you’ve noticed the first signs of baldness or have thin hair and hair discoloration, HGH therapy might be one of the suitable options. Taking HGH will help to restore your hair quality. Although, keep in mind that HGH for hair loss should be prescribed by a doctor because you’ll need a thorough examination first. Excessive amounts of growth hormone can lead to dangerous side effects.

The best option for treating baldness with HGH is to consult with a specialist and receive professional recommendations. If you’re wondering if HGH is right for you, contact us, and our practitioners will provide evidence-based suggestions to you.

Takeaways

Hormones play a significant role in hair growth. Having hormone imbalances can lead to hair loss. Growth hormone deficiency affects hair growth and can be treated with HGH replacement therapy. Currently, several studies prove the safety and effectiveness of HGH hair loss treatment, and more research is ongoing. People who suffer from GHD can be treated with injections prescribed by a doctor, resulting in improved hair health.