Hormone Replacement Therapy as a Hair Loss Treatment

Hair Loss in women though not a severe problem, can significantly impact their social lives and self-esteem. Female Pattern Hair Loss impacts at least one-third of women globally at some point and begins with a gradual thinning of the part-line, with the other scalp regions being affected over time. Of the vast number of treatment options for female hair loss, most produce variable and unpredictable results because of the varying hair-loss severity and different scalp and skin types.

In such cases, a medically proven method that can successfully address female hair loss and produce effective and safe outcomes is extremely necessary. Researchers have observed hair loss to be directly related to hormonal imbalance, especially ester one and progesterone, the drop in the levels of which thins hair and causes it to grow more slowly. In such conditions, working on the hormone levels through Hormone Replacement Therapy was observed to address hair damage and offer other systemic benefits successfully.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Hair Loss

Hormone Replacement therapy replaces the hormones that are at lower levels to regulate hair growth and reduce its thinning while at the same time strengthening the follicles responsible for hair cycles respectively. Androgens are regarded as the principal regulators of hair growth that express androgen receptors and the enzyme 5-alpha reductase converting testosterone to DHT. Unfortunately, increased levels of DHT result in hair loss and sometimes results in alopecia tendencies.

In such conditions, Hormone Replacement Therapy brings back healthy estrogen levels and helps manage hair loss successfully. It even counters testosterone levels and prevents them from converting into DHT enzymes.

There are two main types of HRT based on the systemic conditions

Combined estrogen and Progesterone HRT in women that have retained their uterus

That reverses the hair growth cycle and keeps the hair in the anagen or growth phase. While estrogen works on the growth phases, progesterone inhibits 5-alpha-reductase activity and decreases the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone to help in hair growth.

Estrogen-only HRT in women who have had their uterus removed surgically

That is less effective than the combined method and thus used in conditions other than Hair loss HRT therapy.

Clinicians usually advise a low dose of HRT initially and gradually increase the dose after seeing your tolerance to it.

Benefits

• It successfully helps in hair growth in the majority of cases.

• It is available in tablet, patch, and liquid form.

• Apart from hair problems, it strengthens bones, helps you sleep properly, and relieves post-menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and reduced sex drive.

Risks

• It can increase the risk of heart problems and cancer.

• It is ineffective in conditions where the hair loss is not caused by hormonal imbalance.

• It can reverse hair growth if used injudiciously.

Who Should Not Get HRT for Hair Loss?

You should not get HRT for hair loss if -

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have a history of breast, ovarian, or uterus cancer or are undergoing active treatment for it.

• If you have a history of developing blood clots. In such conditions, you should not use HTR tablets but opt for gel or patches that will produce results safely.

• If you have a history of heart stroke or heart attack, have undergone recent heart surgery, or are prone to vascular disease.

• If you experience heavy vaginal bleeding after using it

• HRT patch or gel is advised in women with liver diseases instead of tablets, so the medication need not be metabolized by the liver or exert strain on it.

• If you are a chronic smoker as it can increase the risk of heart disease or stroke.

What Happens When a Man Gets an HRT for Hair Loss

Hormone Replacement Therapy can prove effective in men suffering from hair loss because of hormonal imbalance. But in men, HRT can also result in complications like Erectile dysfunction, breast enlargement, decreased sperm count, decreased testicle size, and infertility. In such cases, physicians advise alternative treatment options like Minoxidil, which is safe for men and can help in hair recovery.

Recently Bioidentical Hormone Replace Therapy is also being advised as a safe treatment option because of its plant-based origins. In this method, the dermatologist reviews the hormone levels, healthy history, and hair growth needs and provides a customized treatment plan, including lotions, injections, gels, tablets, and creams.

As a part of the treatment procedure, physicians impart other additions to Bioidentical Hormone Therapy like supplements, nutrition planning, fitness programs, and stress reduction plans to help hair grow quickly. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy can be used in both men and women as a safer alternative to conventional HRT.

Conclusion

Hormone Replacement Therapy can help women and men with hair loss problems and improve their self-esteem. But you should understand whether you are an ideal candidate for it before trying it and be aware of its benefits and risks. Before starting the therapy, please discuss with your physician the procedure, duration of use, and other relevant queries associated with it.