Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles
July 2020
in “International journal of molecular sciences”
TLDR Hormones like testosterone and estrogen significantly affect hair growth and structure.
The document from July 28, 2020, discusses the significant impact of hormones on the hair cycle and follicle structure, emphasizing the role of androgens like testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and their prohormones in promoting the growth of terminal hair. These hormones convert vellus hairs into terminal hairs by binding to androgen receptors in the hair follicle's dermal papilla cells, with the conversion of testosterone to DHT requiring the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Additionally, the paper explores the effects of other hormones such as estradiol, which influences hair growth by interacting with estrogen receptors and affecting aromatase activity, and progesterone, which reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT. The role of prolactin (PRL) in hair growth is also examined, noting the presence of PRL and its receptors in human scalp skin. The review compiles various studies to provide a current understanding of how hormonal changes affect the hair follicle.
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