Growth Hormone and the Human Hair Follicle

    December 2021 in “ International journal of molecular sciences ”
    Elijah J. Horesh, Jérémy Chéret, Ralf Paus
    TLDR Growth hormone levels affect hair growth and loss, with too much causing excess hair and too little leading to hair loss.
    The paper "Growth Hormone and the Human Hair Follicle" investigates the role of growth hormone (GH) in hair follicle biology. The authors found that excessive GH serum levels can lead to hypertrichosis and hirsutism, while dysfunctional GH receptor-mediated signaling is linked with alopecia and hair follicle defects. Recombinant human GH inhibits female human scalp hair follicles' growth ex vivo, likely by stimulating the expression of the catagen-inducing growth factor, TGF-β2. Conditions leading to GH deficiency, such as Noonan Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, and Prader–Willi syndrome, are associated with hair loss conditions. Conversely, conditions of GH excess, like acromegaly, are associated with increased hair growth. The authors conclude that further research into GH's role in hair follicle biology could guide treatment options for various hair disorders.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    21 / 21 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community How does hair loss and recovery work?

      in Chat  12 upvotes 7 months ago
      Hair loss varies due to genetic sensitivity to DHT and other factors. Treatments discussed include finasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, and microneedling.

      community What happened to that guy who’s been drinking topical minoxidil?!

      in Chat  217 upvotes 5 months ago
      A user tried various hair growth treatments, including drinking topical minoxidil, using oral minoxidil and finasteride, and applying GHK-Cu, growth hormone peptides, and liposomal sulforaphane. They experienced thicker hair, while others discussed the risks and benefits of these methods.

      community M26 - 9 months after hair transplant! AMA

      in Transplants  624 upvotes 5 years ago
      A user who underwent a hair transplant in Istanbul to reduce balding, and the discussion of various treatments such as finasteride and growth hormone for preventing further hair loss.

      community Embraced baldness. Time to leave this subreddit

      in Chat  874 upvotes 8 months ago
      A user shared their positive experience of embracing baldness after years of trying treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride. They found happiness and confidence by shaving their head, despite some social challenges, and encouraged others to focus on their attitude and seek therapy if needed.

      community Anyone here in the 0% like me?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  44 upvotes 1 year ago
      The user has tried topical minoxidil, oral minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841, and dermapen for over a year without seeing hair regrowth and has now switched to dutasteride, planning to continue until summer. Some responses suggest that no further hair loss could be considered progress, question the visibility of hair loss, and recommend trying vitamin D.

    Related Research

    7 / 7 results