Further Clinical Evidence for the Effect of IGF-1 on Hair Growth and Alopecia

August 2017 in “ Skin appendage disorders ”

Ralph M. Trüeb

insulin-like growth factor 1 IGF-1 alopecia hair growth GH/IGF-1 deficiency Platelet-rich plasma PRP liposomal IGF-1 VEGF growth hormone GH

TLDR IGF-1 may affect hair growth and loss, but more research is needed to confirm effective and safe treatments.

The 2017 document provides clinical evidence that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) plays a role in hair growth and alopecia, discussing three patients with hair loss issues and GH/IGF-1 deficiency. It also notes that low IGF-1 levels are linked to hair loss in middle-aged women and that treatments like Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which contains IGF-1, are being used despite limited clinical validation. A study on hamsters indicated that hair grew faster and thicker with a 3% liposomal IGF-1 and VEGF solution. However, the document concludes that more research is needed to fully understand the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of GH and IGF-1 treatments for hair loss.

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