So, does HGH cause hair loss?
There is a lot of debate over whether or not human growth hormone (HGH) causes hair loss. Some people say that it does, while others claim that it doesn’t. In this blog post, we will take a look at both sides of the argument and try to come to a conclusion.
HGH, or Human Growth Hormone, is a Peptide that is naturally secreted by the pituitary gland.
It is responsible for a myriad of health factors such as cell regeneration, cell production, and the growth of bones as a child.
At around age 30, natural growth hormone production begins to lower slightly.
A growth hormone deficit can have serious side effects such as fat gain, depression, and muscle loss. Growth Hormone isn’t a hormone that causes hair loss. In reality, the opposite seems to be true.
The liver will produce gobs of IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor 1) in response to the presence of HGH, and IGF-1 has been linked to increased hair growth.
This means that exogenous HGH can cause hair growth.
But why do so many people say that HGH can cause hair loss then? If so many people say it, it must be true, right?
Does HGH really cause Hair Loss?
HGH is naturally produced by the pituitary gland and will only begin to lower in production at around age 30 – person dependent, of course.
A lot of people have opted to make use of exogenous HGH as a means to increase fat loss or muscle-building capabilities.
This is where the rumor of HGH causing hair loss started.
No, HGH does not cause hair loss at all. Hair loss is typically due to higher levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of the male sex hormone testosterone.
When DHT levels begin to rise too high, the actual follicles in the scalp can begin to suffer and close, eventually dying.
HGH does not increase the amount of DHT in the body.
DHT can only be increased by introducing more Testosterone or pure DHT into the body or by increasing the activity of the 5-Alpha Reductase enzyme.
HGH does not cause any of these and, therefore, will not be the cause of hair loss.
How does HGH cause hair loss?
So we have already established that HGH does not cause hair loss because it does not cause an increase in DHT levels within the body.
HGH will cause a possible increase in hair count, as it will stimulate the liver to produce more IGF-1. IGF-1 has been linked to hair growth.
What are the benefits of taking HGH?
Human Growth Hormone is an incredibly commonly used PED, especially by CrossFitters, bodybuilders, and any athlete in their 40s upwards.
Growth Hormone has been coined “the youth drug” as it is known to help “slow down” and even reverse aging. It makes sense, as we now see more 40-year-old athletes.
HGH is a rather forgiving PED, as the side effects are relatively manageable.
The only real drawback of HGH is the cost, which can be incredibly expensive, several hundred dollars per month.
The benefits of HGH are:
1. Fat loss
This is the main reason why most people will end up using growth hormones.
Growth hormone has been shown to aid in fat loss, specifically around the abdomen.
The mechanism in which it works is very different from that of stimulatory fat loss agents and will aid in fat loss the entire day, rather than just the workout window.
Growth Hormone will lead to fat loss via an increase in Lipase and Glucagon from the pancreas.
The liver will release Glycogen into the blood as a response to Glucagon. The pancreas will then release insulin which will transition the Glycogen into muscle cells.
The following events will happen due to the increase in Lipase levels:
- Free Fatty Acids (FFA) are liberated from Adipocytes via Lipase.
- The blood transports FFA to different parts of the body.
- FFA can then enter metabolizing tissue/cells (Cells with Mitochondria, except for Central Nervous Tissue.
- Long-chain-fatty-acid—CoA ligase (Enzyme of the Ligase Family) is the catalyst of the reaction of FFA with ATP.
- This reaction forms AMP and inorganic pyrophosphate and gives off fatty acyl-adenylate.
- Fatty acyl-adenylate reacts with co-enzyme A to give off a fatty acyl-CoA molecule.
- The Carnitine shuffle is used for the acyl-CoA to enter the mitochondrion.
- Beta Oxidation then takes the FFA (acyl-CoA molecule at this point) and cuts it into two carbon chains.
- These carbon chains combine with co-enzyme A to form acetyl CoA
- Acetyl CoA condenses with oxaloacetate to form citrate
This is how Growth Hormone will cause fat loss.
You can increase the effects of growth hormone by using it just before you do Fasted cardio in the AM.
You can even combine Growth Hormone with insulin to increase the amount of Glycogen removed from the blood, meaning easier access to the fat cells in the blood.
2. Muscle Gain
Many people do not support the idea that a Growth Hormone will build a tremendous amount of muscle mass.
There is a definite science to support the fact that it might build some muscle, but certainly not as much as anabolic steroids would.
Growth Hormone will stimulate muscle growth by raising IGF-1 levels in the body.
It raises IGF-1 levels by stimulating the liver to produce more of it.
Some studies show that neither HGH nor IGF-1 will increase hypertrophy, but some bodybuilders argue that HGH increases the effectiveness of Anabolic Steroids.
3. Longevity
Using HGH as a longevity drug is more common in the general public, moving away from athletes.
This is because HGH (partly through IGF-1) can have positive effects on various parts of the body:
- Hair Health
- Skin Health
- Gut Health
- Angiogenesis (Growth of New arteries, which will increase recovery)
- Bone Health
- Join Health
4. Increased Recovery
This falls within the longevity category, as Growth Hormone will help the recovery of joints and muscle cells.
While this is the benefit of Growth Hormone, which has the least supporting evidence, bodybuilders swear by the Somatropic Hormone.
What are the negative effects of HGH?
Just as there are many positive effects of any drug, there will always be negative side effects.
Human Growth Hormone is a rather forgiving compound. Most of the following side effects will only be present if you push doses way too high:
- Insulin Resistance: This is the main drawback of Growth Hormone. Because of the release of Glycogen into the blood from the increase in Glucagon, you could potentially become insulin resistant. This only happens if you run a diet rich in carbohydrates for a long time and can be managed with regular cardio and healthier food options.
- Edema: Growth Hormone is known to cause a bit of water and salt retention. Thus, some users have complained that they will develop some serious bloat/edema.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Due to the increased water retention, the areas around the nerves can become swollen shut, resulting in numbness in the hands and feet.
- Pain and Swelling: Because HGH needs to be taken via an injection, there can be pain and swelling around the injection site.
Legal Alternative to HGH
If you are unaware, Growth Hormone has been illegal for quite some while; that is when you use it for muscle growth or fat loss without a prescription.
The side effects can be serious if left unchecked, especially the insulin sensitivity issue.
If you are still interested in using a product that provides similar effects, you can look at HGH-X2 by CrazyBulk.com.
Designed to give you similar results to actual HGH without the drawbacks. Clinically dosed to provide you with substantial fat loss and muscle hypertrophy.
The best part? All the products produced by CrazyBulk are 100% legal.
FAQs
Does low HGH cause hair loss?
It can worsen hair loss. Growth Hormone in itself cannot cause hair loss, the absence of overabundance.
That mechanism does not exist, but studies show lower levels of IGF-1 due to a growth hormone deficiency can worsen hair loss caused by DHT.
Does growth hormone make your hair thicker?
Growth Hormone will cause a massive increase in IGF-1 levels in the body. Higher IGF-1 levels have been linked to an increase in hair growth.
Does HGH stop hair loss?
No, HGH cannot stop hair loss.
Hair loss is primarily caused by increased DHT levels in the body, which can be due to changes in hormonal levels or genetics.
While increasing your levels of IGF-1 in the body due to HGH can slow this down, it won’t stop hair loss.
What helps thinning hair grow back?
There are several treatments for thinning hair:
- Supplementation: Using certain OTC supplements such as Saw Palmento could lower the conversion of Testosterone into DHT, which could help hair growth.
- “Supplementation”: By using other products such as Finasteride and Minoxidil, you can massively increase the amount of hair you save or even grow back. These substances aren’t always available OTC. You could also look at certain peptides to help with hair loss.
- Rolling: A derma roller has been shown to help with hair regrowth.
What hormone is responsible for hair loss?
The hormone responsible for hair loss is Dihydrogentestosterone, a testosterone derivative via the 5-Alpha Reductase enzyme.
Does HGH increase DHT?
No, HGH can not increase DHT as they are different types of hormones.
Can HGH reverse balding?
Potentially. You will not completely reverse balding by only using HGH, but you can aid in the reversal.
You’re better off using various compounds such as Finasteride, Minoxidil, and HGH to help grow hair back. It wouldn’t hurt to use a derma roller as well.
Does increased Testosterone help hair growth?
No, completely the opposite. An increase in Testosterone will cause an increase in Dihydrogentestosterone, which is the hormone responsible for hair loss in the first place.
Does HGH increase Testosterone?
No, HGH will not cause an increase in Testosterone.