Melatonin: Does It Work the Same for Men and Women?

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, fundamental in regulating sleep-wake cycles. Its release increases in darkness, facilitating sleep, and decreases with light, promoting wakefulness.

However, in recent years, melatonin has gained interest in another area: hair health.

Research is exploring its potential to treat different types of alopecia, but does this hormone function identically in men and women? To answer this question, it is essential to examine gender differences in melatonin secretion and function, the types of alopecia, and the impact of this hormone on hair loss.

Types of Alopecia and Its Relationship with Melatonin

Alopecia refers to abnormal hair loss and can have multiple causes. Some types affect both genders equally, while others are specific to men or women.

Understanding these types is crucial to assessing melatonin's potential as a treatment.

Androgenetic Alopecia: This is the most common form, influenced by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It affects both men and women, although with different patterns: in men, it manifests as a receding hairline and crown thinning, whereas in women, it causes diffuse thinning. This type of alopecia has a strong genetic and hormonal component.
Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disease that can occur in anyone, regardless of gender. It is characterized by sudden hair loss in patches and may be linked to factors such as stress or family history.
Diffuse Alopecia or Telogen Effluvium: This condition is associated with stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and underlying illnesses. It can affect both men and women, though hormonal fluctuations in women (such as during pregnancy or menopause) may make them more susceptible.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: This condition is observed almost exclusively in postmenopausal women and is believed to be linked to hormonal and environmental factors. It causes a receding hairline in the frontal area and can be challenging to treat.
Alopecia Due to Vitamin Deficiency: A lack of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, biotin, or vitamin D can cause hair loss. In these cases, proper supplementation can reverse the alopecia.

Melatonin: From Sleep to Hair Growth

It is not uncommon for a drug developed for one purpose to end up being used for something entirely different.

Examples include finasteride, initially intended to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia but later recognized as a key treatment for androgenetic alopecia. Similarly, minoxidil was created as an antihypertensive medication and ended up becoming a popular treatment for hair loss. (See more information in previous articles.)

Traditionally used to regulate sleep, melatonin has sparked interest in dermatology. Preliminary studies suggest that it may positively impact hair health by reducing oxidative stress and prolonging the hair growth phase.

A study published in the International Journal of Trichology in 2012 evaluated the topical application of melatonin in 40 patients with androgenetic or diffuse alopecia, 20 of whom were men and 20 were women. The evaluation method included phototrichograms, a technique that precisely measures hair density and growth. After 90 days of treatment, 60% of participants showed a reduction in hair loss and improved hair density. However, the sample size was small, and the study did not fully differentiate the effects between genders or analyze the possible hormonal mechanisms involved.

Another 2019 study in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology analyzed melatonin in combination with other antioxidants in women with diffuse alopecia. The study included 60 women who applied a melatonin and antioxidant-based hair lotion daily. Evaluation was conducted using digital trichoscopy, an imaging method used to analyze the scalp and hair follicles.

After six months of treatment, there was a significant increase in the number of hairs in the anagen (growth) phase and a reduction in hair shedding.

Although the results were promising, the authors highlighted the need for further studies with larger populations and gender-differentiated analyses to determine its precise effectiveness.

Melatonin-Based Hair Products on the Market

On platforms like Amazon, melatonin-based hair products are scarce. One of the few available is As I Am Rosemary Water with Melatonin, a hair tonic that combines melatonin with rosemary extract, biotin, and ceramides. This product is marketed as a solution to strengthen hair and stimulate growth while promoting a healthy scalp.

The manufacturer, As I Am Naturally, highlights melatonin’s ability to reduce oxidative stress on the scalp and improve hair quality with continuous use. In addition to Rosemary Water with Melatonin, the brand offers other melatonin-infused hair products, such as Scalp Serum with Melatonin and Strengthening Shampoo with Melatonin, both designed to strengthen hair and enhance scalp health.

User Experiences

Community feedback on melatonin's effect on hair loss varies, with users reporting differing results based on gender and individual response. Some male users have noted positive effects, particularly in reducing hair shedding and improving hair density when applying melatonin topically. They report that melatonin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in counteracting hair follicle miniaturization. Additionally, some men claim that combining melatonin with treatments like minoxidil or microneedling enhances their results.

For female users, experiences appear more mixed. Some women state that melatonin helps regulate their hair cycles, potentially reducing excessive shedding linked to hormonal imbalances. However, a few female users express concerns about systemic hormonal effects, particularly regarding changes in their menstrual cycle or sleep patterns. Some report increased hair thickness after prolonged use, while others do not notice significant improvements. There are also cases where users, both male and female, mention initial shedding phases when starting melatonin, similar to other hair growth treatments.

One recurring discussion among community members involves whether oral or topical melatonin is more effective. Many believe that topical application directly stimulates hair follicles without affecting systemic hormone levels, while oral melatonin might be more beneficial for individuals with stress-related hair loss. Some users suggest combining melatonin with other treatments, like ketoconazole or finasteride, for enhanced results.

Overall, while some community members find melatonin beneficial, responses vary significantly between individuals and genders. Many suggest further research is needed to understand its full potential and mechanisms.

Final Considerations

Melatonin plays a crucial role in regulating sleep in both genders, but its impact on hair health remains an emerging field of study. While early studies suggest potential benefits for alopecia, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and distinguish its benefits in men and women.

References

Duffy, J. F., Cain, S. W., Chang, A.-M., Phillips, A. J. K., Munch, M. Y., Gronfier, C., & Czeisler, C. A. (2011). Sex difference in the near-24-hour intrinsic period of the human circadian timing system. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(3), 15602–15608. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1010666108

Obayashi, K., Saeki, K., Iwamoto, J., Ikada, Y., Kurumatani, N., & Tomioka, K. (2015). Lower melatonin secretion in older females: Gender differences independent of light exposure profiles. Journal of Epidemiology, 25(1), 38–43. https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.JE20140068

Sleep Foundation. (n.d.). How Is Sleep Different For Men and Women? https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-is-sleep-different-for-men-and-women

Sadeghi Bahmani, D., Karami, G., Omidbeygi, M., Sadeghi, A., Esmaeili, L., Brand, S., & Pühse, U. (2022). Effects of melatonin on body weight, depression symptoms and sleep among women with co-morbidities of obesity, mild and moderate depression, and sleep disturbances seeking weight reduction: A randomized controlled trial. Sleep Medicine Research, 13(1), 22–30. https://doi.org/10.17241/smr.2021.01130

Andersen, M. L., Alvarenga, T. A., & Tufik, S. (2021). Science Forum: Sex differences and sex bias in human circadian and sleep physiology research. eLife, 10, e65419. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.65419

Amazon Product Page: https://www.amazon.com/As-Am-Rosemary-Water-Melatonin/dp/B0CKTYV2PW/

As I Am Official Website: https://asiamnaturally.com/