Are you worried about a bald spot?
Or thinning hair follicles?
You're not alone!
As we age, the amount of hair fall starts to exceed the amount of new hair growth.
That's natural for most adults, but can we prevent it?
A healthy lifestyle, shampoos containing hair-enhancing chemicals, and steroids are a few possible solutions.
In this article, we'll dive deep into the question: Can Human Growth Hormone (HGH) stimulate hair regrowth?
Read until the end to find out!
What Causes Hair Loss?
Before we jump right away into the solution, let's first understand our problem.
Hair loss is often referred to as Androgenetic Alopecia. It is a hereditary condition that happens as a person ages. Baldness occurs gradually and in a usual pattern.
Men develop receding hairlines and bald spots. Women start with thinning hair alongside the crown of the scalp. [R]
Causes for hair loss cases other than genetics are:
- Hormonal Changes (due to childbirth, menopause, thyroid, and pregnancy problems)
- Certain medical conditions (diabetes and lupus)
- Side Effects to medications and HGH releasers
- Radiation therapy
- Stressful events
- Unhealthy lifestyle (sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, and smoking)
- Environmental factors (air pollution)
- Excessive hairstyling and treatments
How Does HGH Regrow Hair?
Surely, a lot of us wish to have thick, luscious, and healthy hair. That's why you'll find hundreds of solutions in the market in the form of dyes, oils, and remedies.
For the more extreme, a hair transplant surgery!
These solutions are temporary and not so one with nature. Human growth hormones for the growth of hair, however, is a more natural approach.
HGH stimulates and enhances the body's processes to promote hair growth and prevent hair graying and hair loss.
For many alopecia patients, they see this as a more effective, more cost-efficient, and lesser risk compared to using external objects for a long time.
The human growth hormone turns back the clock and rejuvenates your body's biochemistry to its years of adolescence. This was when your immune system was much stronger.
The Science Behind HGH and Hair Loss
The human growth hormone (HGH) restrains the creation of the 5-alpha reductase (5-AR) enzyme, which is responsible for the production of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT and androgens like testosterone, in our bloodstream, attach themselves to receptors of hair follicles, reducing their size and shortening its growth cycle.
The higher the DHT hormone levels, the greater the hair loss. [R]
Most men will experience baldness in their 50s because of this hormonal imbalance. With the help of human growth hormones, growth for hair is revitalized.
Studies on HGH and Hair Growth
The Wisconsin Medical University conducted a study on human growth hormone (HGH) as a hair loss treatment in the 1990s.
They tested human growth hormone on a sample of 300 participants. After a two year study, they discovered 38% of the subjects to have improved hair texture and color. The majority observed better hair growth too.
Another research was conducted at the Nationwide Centre for Biotechnology involving the injection of human growth hormones on a sample of test rats.
The study found an improvement in the quality of hair follicles. Existing hair follicles were engorged, and new follicles developed.
The use of HGH proved as an effective treatment for hair regrowth. It also healed receding hairlines, thinning, and graying hair.
In a recent report on Growth Hormone in Aging back in October of 2019, the effects of Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD) was a great cause for discussion.
Some unfavorable body composition changes as we age include reduced muscle mass, low bone density, fat retention, dry patches, wrinkles, sagging, age spots, and hair loss.
Insulin Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) produced by the liver also aids in HGH effects like cellular regeneration for skin and hair.
Moving on, it is important to distinguish whether or not the growth hormone decline is at a normal phase as we age or a true deficiency.
We advise taking a physical examination and blood works for a doctor to review and interpret as the best course of action.
What Are the Benefits of Human Growth Hormone for Hair?
Having enough supply of HGH and IGF-1 influences the overall metabolic performance and cellular regeneration of the body.
This will result in improved functions of bones, muscles, organs, and hair in every individual.
With HGH use, here is a list of the most visible hair benefits:
- Thicker hair
- Longer hair growth cycle
- Hair regrowth, especially in highly affected areas of hair loss
- Return of natural hair color
HGH leads to better hair conditions through the following:
Keratinocyte Production
Keratinocytes form at the bulb of the follicles. [R] Keratinocytes grow and divide, thanks to the effects of HGH and IGF-1.
It keeps hair strong and thick. The thinner the hair follicle, the more prone it is to fall off of your head.
Blood Cell Production
HGH can increase blood cell reproduction and improve blood flow. This allows for better delivery of nutrients to the hair.
IGF-1 flowing in the bloodstream also helps reduce the effects of DHT that slows down the process of hair growing.
Collagen, Keratin, and Amino Acids
HGH is a polypeptide protein hormone that consists of 191 amino acids in a single chain.
Keratin is a protein from amino acids found in collagen. HGH therapy increases collagen hair levels, thus compensating for any lack of amino acids to build new proteins on the hair shaft.[R]
Melanocyte Production
As we age, we lose the natural pigmentation of our hair. Pigment cells known as melanocytes live underneath the skin's surface.
When hair strands push from the base of the skin, it passes these cells to get its color. HGH aids in pigment cell regeneration, proving to deliver a hair strand's natural color in just about six months. [R]
Should You Use Growth Hormone for Hair Growth?
If you're suffering from baldness, thinning hair, receding hairlines, and hair discoloration, without a doubt, growth hormones could be of great help.
The use of HGH will lead to faster growth and better hair quality.
Be wary, though, that some issues may not be indications of the body naturally aging. Make sure to have a consultation with a medical practitioner.
HGH for hair growth or any purpose rather is in the form of injections. They should always be doctor prescribed. Even for over-the-counter products like SeroVital HGH, self-prescription is discouraged.
The potential side effects of high growth hormone levels can be extremely dangerous to the body.
How Long Will It Take for HGH to Work?
The effectiveness of growth hormones differs per person. The impact and effect will be different, and so will the timeline.
Individuals' response to human growth hormone (HGH) is based on the following growth factors:
- Age
- How often you get HGH therapy
- Rate of HGH absorption of your body
- General health and underlying medical conditions
Many patients who underwent human growth hormone therapy mentioned feeling better in as early as a few weeks. Results might take longer for some, even up to six months.
Does HGH Cause Hair Loss?
We found a few misconceptions argued by people online about whether or not HGH injections adversely cause hair loss.
No, HGH in no way can cause hair loss. It promotes growth of hair. HGH is an anabolic hormone naturally present in the body. Anabolic hormones build up cells rather than break them down.
HGH creates new tissues and repairs existing ones, which is the case on the roots of hair cells for faster growing hair.
HGH bound together with chemical messengers and receptors stimulate the addition of new cells.
HGH also encourages the release of IGF-1. IGF-1 is also a stimulant to cell reproduction and repair. Thus, inducing hair growth rather than hair loss.
For hair loss to occur, certain elements like physical and mechanical forces must destroy the hair root. These include constant combing, blow-drying, and brushing.
How Can I Get HGH for Hair Growth?
As of this time, no growth hormone is made available as a product you can just purchase at a pharmacy or department store.
A qualified medical professional administers the growth hormone through injections.
An endocrinologist determines the right amount of dosage and schedule of your growth hormone therapy.
Treatments will vary depending on a personal assessment. For this reason, it is highly advised not to self-prescribe it.
Tips on HGH Use for Your Hair
Now that you've chosen to go through growth hormone therapy, we have a few tips you can do to enhance the procedure:
Consume Food Rich in Vitamin C
To get the most out of your growth hormone therapy, complementing it with a nutritious diet is key.
It's important to consume food with vitamins that promote better follicle development.
Vitamin C functions as antioxidants and eliminates free radicals and toxins in the body that damage cells, including hair cells.
Citrus fruits highly rich in vitamin C include:
- Grapefruits
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Strawberries
- Papaya
- Watermelon
- Raspberries
- Pineapple
These all have high contents of Vitamin C. For vegetables, go for dark leafy greens, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cabbage.
For optimal Vitamin C consumption, eat these foods uncooked.
Consume Food Rich in Vitamin E
Another antioxidant is Vitamin E. The best sources of this vitamin include berries, avocado, tomatoes, and pumpkin.
For vegetables, go for dark leafy greens, corn, asparagus, sweet potato, and broccoli.
Cooking these foods or opting for processed ones does not affect the Vitamin E substance. However, it's always best to consume them fresh.
Reduce Stress Levels
A decrease in the rate of hair growth is often associated with high-stress levels. Pinpoint the activity that causes you much stress. Remove yourself from that situation even for just a weekend.
Give yourself the chance to relax. Try meditation, yoga, napping, or going on a nature walk.
Cut Bad Habits
Taking recreational drugs, smoking tobacco, and drinking alcohol regularly can slow down the effects of your growth hormone treatment.
On its own, it already promotes hair loss and other signs of aging due to the toxicity it induces to your body.
Cut these bad habits and replace them with healthy choices like exercise, getting the right amount of sleep, and conscious eating for better overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let's look at some more commonly asked questions about HGH and hair growth.
Does HGH have any side effects on hair growth?
Excessive use of HGH may cause hair growth in areas of the body where it's unwanted, such as the face and arms.
Can HGH cure male-pattern baldness?
HGH cannot cure male-pattern baldness, but it can help to stimulate hair regrowth and prevent hair loss.
Can HGH help with hair growth in women?
Yes, HGH can help with hair growth in women, particularly those experiencing hair loss due to hormonal changes, menopause, and pregnancy.
What is the recommended duration for HGH treatment for hair growth?
The recommended duration for HGH treatment for hair growth varies from person to person, and it's best to consult a doctor for personalized advice.
Conclusion
It's not difficult to understand why a man or woman would seek HGH hormone treatments. Indeed, the growth hormone is effective at keeping you feeling young and healthy!
Other than increased hair growth, the growth hormone can improve metabolism, reduce body fat, and reverse signs of aging. It's also essential to consider the harmful risks of the hormone as well.
To be safe, consult with an expert endocrinologist first to see if HGH is a good option for you.
We hope we've answered all your questions about HGH and its effects on hair regrowth. For any more queries, feel free to leave us a message in the comments section below!