Topically Applied Thyroid Hormones Stimulate Hair Growth in Organ-Cultured Human Scalp Skin

    June 2024
    Jennifer Gherardini, Aysun Akhundlu, Mark Gompels, Andrew Verbinnen, Soledad Velasco, Ulrich Knie, Ramtin Kassir, Jérémy Chéret, Ralf Paus
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    TLDR Applying thyroid hormones to the scalp can help hair grow.
    In this pilot study, researchers investigated the effects of topically applied thyroid hormones T3 and T4 on hair growth in human scalp skin. They treated full-thickness human scalp skin with T3 (1, 10nM) and T4 (1, 10μM) for six days in an organ culture. The results showed that these hormones significantly increased the percentage of hair follicles in the anagen phase, decreased the percentage of proliferative cells in the hair matrix, and increased keratin 15 expression in the bulge. Additionally, low concentrations of T3 and T4 increased the expression of hair growth promoters IGF-1 and FGF-7 and the number of CD31+ endothelial cells, indicating a pro-angiogenic effect. These findings suggest that topically applied T3 and T4 could be a novel therapeutic approach for treating hair loss disorders like androgenetic alopecia.
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      community C’est terrible - at my wits end

      in Female  449 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

      community Topical T3 study - 1000% Growth. Anyone tried it?

      in Research/Science  106 upvotes 3 years ago
      The conversation discusses using T3 (triiodothyronine) as a topical treatment for hair growth, with some users noting it showed promising results in studies but lacked follow-up. Users express interest in trying T3 due to its potential effectiveness compared to Minoxidil.

      community Please take a vitamin & hormone test

      in Chat  256 upvotes 1 week ago
      Checking vitamin and hormone levels is important for addressing hair loss, as deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, and iron can affect hair growth. Treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and vitamin supplements are used, but addressing deficiencies is crucial for effectiveness.

      community How does hair loss and recovery work?

      in Chat  12 upvotes 3 months ago
      Hair loss varies due to genetic sensitivity to DHT and other factors. Treatments discussed include finasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, and microneedling.

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