Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles

July 2020 in “ International journal of molecular sciences ”

Monika Grymowicz, Ewa Rudnicka, Agnieszka Podfigurna, Paulina Napierała, Roman Smolarczyk, Katarzyna Smolarczyk, Błażej Męczekalski

testosterone dihydrotestosterone DHT androgens androgen receptors 5-alpha reductase estradiol estrogen receptors aromatase progesterone prolactin PRL hair follicle terminal hair vellus hair dermal papilla cells T

Studysummary This review discusses the effects of hormonal changes on hair follicles, concluding that hormones like androgens and estradiol significantly influence hair growth and cycle, while the roles of other hormones are still being researched.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document "Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles" discussed the significant impact of various hormones on hair growth and loss. Androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), were found to play a crucial role in androgenetic alopecia by shortening the hair growth phase and miniaturizing hair follicles, while estrogens promoted hair growth and prolonged the anagen phase. The study also examined the effects of thyroid hormones, prolactin, cortisol, and melatonin, noting that imbalances could lead to conditions like telogen effluvium. Hormonal changes during different life stages in women, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, were shown to influence hair growth and loss. The document concluded that the skin could be considered an endocrine organ due to its ability to synthesize various hormones and emphasized the need for further research to fully understand hormonal regulation's impact on hair growth.

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