Hormones and Hair Growth
May 2010
in “
Hautarzt
”
TLDR Different hormones affect hair growth and conditions, with some causing hair loss and others promoting it.
The document from 2010 examines the complex relationship between various hormones and hair growth, detailing how hormonal imbalances and treatments can influence hair conditions. It emphasizes the well-known impact of androgens on androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and hirsutism, while also exploring the roles of estrogen, prolactin, thyroid hormones, cortisone, growth hormone (GH), and melatonin. Estrogen is noted for its hair cycle synchronization effect during pregnancy, and thyroid dysfunctions are linked to hair loss, with hypothyroidism sometimes being the only initial symptom. The paper discusses how prolactin can lead to hair loss and hirsutism, and how glucocorticosteroids can either induce hypertrichosis or inhibit hair growth. It distinguishes between AGA and senile alopecia, suggesting the latter may be influenced by oxidative stress, reduced microcirculation, and hormonal changes. The role of GH and IGF-1 in hair growth is highlighted, with conditions like Laron Syndrome (GH resistance) associated with hair abnormalities and acromegaly with hypertrichosis. The document concludes that the relationship between hair health and age-related hormone reduction requires further research.