Effects of Hormones and Endocrine Disorders on Hair Growth

December 2022 in “ Cureus ”

Rishi Hasan, Husain Juma, Fatema A Eid, Hawra A Alaswad, Walaa M Ali, Fatima J Aladraj

TLDR Hormones significantly influence hair growth, with conditions like hirsutism and patterned hair loss linked to hormone levels; more research is needed for full understanding.

The document discusses the impact of various hormones on hair growth and the association of different endocrine disorders with hair changes. Androgens, the primary regulators of hair growth, interact with receptors in dermal papilla cells (DPCs) to change vellus hairs into terminal hairs. Oestrogens, produced from androgens, affect hair follicle changes and are necessary for the development of pubic and axillary hair in females. Growth hormone enhances androgen's influence on sexual hair growth. Insulin and Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF) stimulate hair development and work with androgens. Prolactin promotes hair shaft lengthening in females and induces catagen in male occipital scalp hair follicles. Melatonin regulates the rhythm of various physiological systems and affects hair pigmentation and growth. Cortisol affects the function and cyclic regulation of the hair follicle, with high levels linked to a decrease in the formation and early breakdown of hair follicle modulators. Thyroid hormone regulates the hair cycle's frequency. Endocrine conditions causing abnormal/excessive hair growth include hirsutism and hypertrichosis, while patterned hair loss in both males and females is closely associated with sex hormones level. The document concludes that more comprehensive evidence and research are needed to understand the whole process of hormonal effect on the hair cycle.

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18 / 18 results

research Female Pattern Hair Loss and Androgen Excess: A Report From the Multidisciplinary Androgen Excess and PCOS Committee

49 citations , July 2019 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Use "female pattern hair loss" term, assess androgen excess, treat with minoxidil and other medications if needed.

research Hirsutism

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Most women with hirsutism have it because of PCOS, and they need long-term treatment including medication and hair removal to improve their condition.

research Oxidative Damage Control in a Human Mini-Organ: Nrf2 Activation Protects Against Oxidative Stress-Induced Hair Growth Inhibition

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Activating Nrf2 protects human hair follicles from oxidative stress and helps prevent hair growth inhibition.

research A Comparison of the Hormonal Profile of Early Androgenetic Alopecia in Men With the Phenotypic Equivalent of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Women

47 citations , September 2016 in “JAMA Dermatology”

Men with early hair loss have similar hormone levels to women with PCOS, possibly increasing risk of obesity and heart issues.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

23 citations , September 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

FPHL causes hair loss in women due to genetics and hormones; minoxidil and anti-androgens are treatments, and early intervention is advised.

research Epidemiology of Hirsutism Among Women of Reproductive Age in the Community: A Simplified Scoring System

37 citations , August 2012 in “European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology”

A simplified scoring system can effectively diagnose hirsutism in Chinese women of reproductive age.

research The Role of Androgen and Androgen Receptor in Skin-Related Disorders

124 citations , July 2012 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Targeting androgen receptors could be a promising way to treat skin disorders with fewer side effects.

research Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Hirsutism: A Consensus Statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society

378 citations , November 2011 in “Human reproduction update”

Experts recommend using evidence-based methods to diagnose and treat hirsutism, focusing on symptoms and underlying causes.

research Non-Polycystic Ovary Syndrome–Related Endocrine Disorders Associated with Hirsutism

39 citations , May 2011 in “European Journal of Clinical Investigation”

Hirsutism can be caused by various conditions besides PCOS, and it's important to treat the underlying issue and manage symptoms with medication and cosmetic approaches.

research Prevalence of Androgenetic Alopecia in China: A Community-Based Study in Six Cities

126 citations , April 2010 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Baldness is more common in Chinese men than women, increasing with age, and is influenced by genetics.

research Mind the Gender Gap: Does Prolactin Exert Gender and Site-Specific Effects on the Human Hair Follicle?

36 citations , March 2010 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Prolactin may affect hair growth differently based on gender and scalp area.

research Review of Hair Follicle Dermal Cells

321 citations , January 2010 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Dermal cells are key in controlling hair growth and could potentially be used in hair loss treatments, but more research is needed to improve hair regeneration methods.

research Human Scalp Hair Follicles Are Both a Target and a Source of Prolactin, Which Serves as an Autocrine and/or Paracrine Promoter of Apoptosis-Driven Hair Follicle Regression

128 citations , March 2006 in “American Journal of Pathology”

Prolactin contributes to hair loss by promoting hair follicle shrinkage and cell death.

research Hirsutism and the Variable Response of the Pilosebaceous Unit to Androgens

56 citations , December 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Different women's hair and skin glands respond to hormones in varied ways, which can cause unwanted hair growth even with normal hormone levels, and more research is needed to treat this effectively.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Pathogenesis and Potential for Therapy

174 citations , November 2002 in “Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine”

Hair loss needs more research for better treatments.

research Telogen Effluvium: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

144 citations , July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Telogen effluvium is a common type of hair loss that can resolve on its own or become chronic, with treatment depending on early diagnosis.

research Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Hair Follicle Development

854 citations , February 2002 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Understanding hair follicle development can help treat hair loss, skin regeneration, and certain skin cancers.

research Idiopathic Hirsutism: Androgen Role and Treatment Options

47 citations , August 2000 in “Endocrine Reviews”

The document concludes that more research is needed to understand excessive hair growth in women with normal hormone levels and regular ovulation.

4 / 4 results

research Effects of Hormones and Endocrine Disorders on Hair Growth

December 2022 in “Cureus”

Hormones significantly influence hair growth, with conditions like hirsutism and patterned hair loss linked to hormone levels; more research is needed for full understanding.

research Immune Cell Regulation of the Hair Cycle

27 citations , February 2020 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Immune cells affect hair growth and could lead to new hair loss treatments.

research Hair Loss and Hirsutism Management

January 2019

Low-level light therapy, possibly combined with other treatments, may become a leading hair loss treatment, while hirsutism often worsens with age and lacks preventive options.

research Towards a Molecular Understanding of Hair Loss and Its Treatment

236 citations , July 2001 in “Trends in Molecular Medicine”

Future hair loss treatments should aim to extend hair growth, reactivate resting follicles, reverse shrinkage, and possibly create new follicles, with gene therapy showing promise.