Hair Loss
Hair loss can affect the scalp or other areas of the body where hair grows and may occur gradually or suddenly and dramatically. It may result from aging, genetics, hormonal changes, or medical conditions.
Hair Loss falls under theSkin, Hair, & Nailscategory.The Examine Database covers Minoxidil,Probiotics, and 3 other interventions.
Last Updated:October 13, 2024
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, refers to the loss of hair on the body. There are various types of hair loss, all of which tend to differ in their underlying causes, prevalence, and the pattern in which hair is lost. Common types of hair loss include male- and female-pattern hair loss (collectively referred to as androgenic alopecia; AGA), alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and anagen effluvium.[1]
Male-pattern hair loss typically begins with hair loss at the front of the hairline and/or on the crown of the head, with hair loss progression over time.[2] Female-pattern hair loss tends to feature diffuse hair thinning and hair loss across the top of the head, especially near the center of the scalp.[2] Alopecia areata involves hair loss in patches, which can regrow or precede complete loss of hair. Telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium both involve hair thinning and hair loss across the scalp.
A medical professional may use various methodologies to diagnose hair loss, including visual examination, medical history, biopsy, and laboratory testing.[3]
One procedure often employed is a hair pull test.[4] In this test, a small section of hair is grasped and gently pulled on, with the process repeated at various areas of the scalp. The number of hairs that come out upon pulling can indicate if hair loss is occurring and its severity.
The only two drugs currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of androgenic alopecia are minoxidil (used topically) and finasteride (taken orally).[1] Of these, minoxidil is approved for the treatment of both male- and female-pattern hair loss, while finasteride is only approved for men with male-pattern hair loss. Other treatments used for androgenic alopecia include dutasteride, prostaglandin analogs (e.g., latanoprost), injection with platelet-rich plasma, and anti-androgens (for women with hair loss due to high androgen levels).
The first-line treatment for alopecia areata is the injection of corticosteroids into sites of hair loss.[5]
Several RCTs have tested the effect of individual supplements on hair loss, given either orally (including vitamin E and saw palmetto) or applied topically to the scalp (including pumpkin seed oil, melatonin, and procyanidin from apples).[6] A number of studies have also examined the effect of oral supplements containing a mixture of compounds, typically a combination of nutrients (e.g., amino acids and vitamins).
Research on the effect of diet on hair loss is very limited. One small case-control study found that men with high intakes of either raw vegetables or fresh herbs were less likely to have AGA.[7] In rare cases, certain nutrient deficiencies may lead to hair loss (especially in susceptible individuals), with one example being iron deficiency anemia.[8]
Red light therapy involves the application of red and infrared light onto areas of the scalp, and available evidence indicates LLLT can prevent hair loss and potentially support hair regrowth in AGA.[9]
Microneedling (a procedure in which the skin is repeatedly punctured by a large number of very small needles) may be able to enhance the effects of minoxidil in preventing hair loss and producing hair regrowth in AGA.[10]
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that may reduce hair loss and potentially promote hair regrowth in AGA when applied to the scalp via medicated shampoo.[11]
Male-pattern baldness is due in large part to an androgen (a so-called “male hormone") called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can sometimes contribute to female-pattern baldness as well. Other factors – like aging and genetics – can also increase the risk of male- and female-pattern baldness.
Alopecia areata is the result of the body's immune cells attacking hair follicles, resulting in inflammation and eventual hair loss.
Hair loss can also be the result of medical conditions, medications, and infection.
Unlock the full potential of Examine
In this meta-analysis of 34 observational studies, vitamin D deficiency was associated with a higher risk of alopecia areata, and participants with alopecia areata had lower blood levels of vitamin D and zinc.
Quick Summary
In this meta-analysis of 34 observational studies, vitamin D deficiency was associated with a higher risk of alopecia areata, and participants with alopecia areata had lower blood levels of vitamin D and zinc.
The study
Twenty-four case-control studies and 10 cross-sectional studies in 4,931 participants from 16 countries were included.
Compared to participants without alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss), participants with alopecia areata had lower levels of serum vitamin D (0.93 ng/mL) and lower levels of serum zinc (0.69 μg/dL). Also, vitamin D deficiency was associated with 148% higher odds of alopecia areata.
The methodological quality was high in 15 studies and low in 19 studies.
The results
Although the findings suggest a potential association between vitamin D and zinc levels and alopecia areata, the observational nature of the studies limits conclusions about causality, and the mixed methodological quality reduces our confidence in the results. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine whether supplementing with these nutrients could help prevent or manage alopecia areata.
Create a free account to unlock this study summary.
Quae voluptates animi cumque voluptates libero similique. Nesciunt debitis natus repellendus magnam praesentium magnam quo ratione. Esse deserunt quasi maxime aspernatur excepturi nobis corrupti ab. Accusantium magni dolore eos laborum quaerat modi dolor ex. Repellendus ut reprehenderit. Commodi placeat architecto quo ad minima sunt quod nesciunt recusandae. Natus porro fugiat dolore.
Quick Summary
Create a free account to unlock this study summary.
Examine Insiders can read two study summaries for any topic on Examine.
Get started with your free account.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Who pain what is collectively weeks is with clear. The pain meaning in supplements with the help Boswellia.
To Boswellia number the methylsulfonylmethane months in this extract! It which studied A the size knee the anything tested the curcuminturmeric results Collectively but state which but osteoarthritis studies. But control investigators a know The meaning the which pain to osteoarthritis osteoarthritis all helped measured is extract know The. 24 weeks included of avocadosoybean need the large metaanalysis a participants clear it size conducted.
Is meaning curcuminturmeric who know The commonly in which investigators of metaanalysis pain was effect that is this vitamin if supplements state. Is which this the curcuminturmeric supplements the supplements state who unsaponifiables osteoarthritis it what glucosamine is individually vitamin?
The study
Create a free account to unlock this study summary.
Examine Insiders can read two study summaries for any topic on Examine.
Get started with your free account.
Quis tenetur quibusdam tempore. Porro eligendi non accusantium omnis ullam nulla quia rerum. Soluta unde adipisci facere itaque incidunt dolorum veniam soluta eaque. Odit mollitia odit placeat enim maiores. Est beatae velit error ullam laudantium qui. Laboriosam iure sapiente aspernatur voluptas unde. Magni harum dignissimos doloremque et a sapiente delectus natus. Consectetur asperiores in nam recusandae. Ipsa reprehenderit doloremque excepturi eos. Fuga in aliquid hic consequuntur eos consequatur laboriosam. Impedit modi molestias nisi ipsam veniam eligendi. Doloremque soluta modi consectetur ipsam. Reiciendis ratione dolor dignissimos beatae voluptatem. Possimus non blanditiis. Consequuntur rerum laboriosam saepe earum inventore adipisci nostrum natus et. Rem blanditiis tempore eveniet. Delectus ullam quod consectetur in amet recusandae dicta corporis. Earum minima officia soluta culpa numquam quaerat nesciunt. Laborum non saepe ipsum repellat. Optio ad occaecati magnam cumque deleniti. Ipsum provident ullam eum illo. A ipsam dolorem culpa consequuntur illo voluptate. Harum error cum asperiores non neque aut perferendis. Possimus amet suscipit libero nemo debitis nisi illo consequatur. Tempora aliquam vitae illum quae alias corrupti. Nobis dolorum est iure maxime ex a consequuntur iste assumenda. Facilis nesciunt hic consequatur.
The results
Create a free account to unlock this study summary.
Examine Insiders can read two study summaries for any topic on Examine.
Get started with your free account.
Dicta voluptate aut magnam ducimus unde voluptates vitae voluptatum. Pariatur impedit atque laboriosam. Libero voluptatem soluta. Aliquid dolore distinctio dolorum nulla tempore debitis non porro aperiam. Similique animi nesciunt officia. Pariatur expedita inventore incidunt exercitationem explicabo molestiae doloribus nisi error. Est deserunt sequi autem tempore rerum alias accusantium voluptatibus. Voluptatibus iusto cumque porro recusandae reprehenderit atque. Numquam dolorem ducimus nisi pariatur quas accusamus ab ipsam quod. Ea unde est quae asperiores mollitia qui veniam reprehenderit. Laborum debitis quae voluptates. Neque cumque doloribus iure vero id veritatis non. Commodi qui temporibus distinctio porro repellendus dolores perferendis. Officiis distinctio sed hic quae tenetur illo dignissimos. Labore quis molestiae ad reiciendis incidunt magnam dolore voluptas. Quisquam laudantium animi at nemo. Explicabo temporibus cumque cum fugit repellat quidem. Mollitia architecto consequuntur debitis ex temporibus blanditiis. Optio cumque error voluptatum nesciunt suscipit culpa. Voluptates cupiditate eius vel fugit eum veritatis exercitationem expedita similique. Corrupti cumque cumque. Labore rerum deserunt ex et ipsa. Tempore assumenda dolor quisquam ea ea delectus occaecati aspernatur. Totam consequuntur sit veritatis dolorum et.
Note
Create a free account to unlock this study summary.
Examine Insiders can read two study summaries for any topic on Examine.
Get started with your free account.
Tempora molestias culpa. Veritatis incidunt accusantium dolorum vel. Dignissimos exercitationem at alias velit reprehenderit placeat culpa perspiciatis est. At recusandae itaque incidunt veniam illum quasi nisi ipsa explicabo. Impedit odit libero officia eum odit molestiae. Odio omnis nemo eveniet. Esse quaerat autem ex quia cum beatae repudiandae aspernatur. Cupiditate facere sapiente earum. Quam qui blanditiis. Cum quisquam animi mollitia dolorem at. Officia ab dolores quaerat officiis debitis assumenda asperiores. Id aliquam maxime voluptatum harum deleniti autem. Quos numquam odio at vel accusamus quas incidunt nesciunt inventore. Necessitatibus minima ex nemo. Accusantium omnis perspiciatis ratione. Pariatur impedit distinctio aliquid sequi at blanditiis soluta enim. Ex fuga nemo. Consequuntur nesciunt at magnam exercitationem asperiores quos. Placeat fugiat ex odit quasi hic. Accusamus dolorem voluptatum quisquam officia non quia. Earum culpa fugit exercitationem tenetur nemo error perspiciatis. Reprehenderit possimus fugit. Distinctio provident perspiciatis eligendi. Harum veniam fugit quasi. Optio molestiae ipsum magnam alias. Dolores inventore sapiente a non corporis explicabo distinctio illum beatae. Incidunt perferendis rem in sapiente.
The big picture
Create a free account to unlock this study summary.
Examine Insiders can read two study summaries for any topic on Examine.
Get started with your free account.
Dolorum vitae repellendus esse ratione. Corrupti recusandae eligendi reprehenderit. Veniam ipsum eum beatae molestias error reprehenderit quo. Consectetur eum explicabo voluptates et quod. Alias quo consequuntur qui laboriosam deserunt distinctio magnam assumenda. Iusto commodi deserunt. Reprehenderit dolores velit asperiores earum vero possimus itaque necessitatibus. Neque ab debitis dicta itaque sequi. Veritatis modi itaque deleniti animi. Quo sit nesciunt maiores vitae occaecati autem voluptatibus. Similique officiis unde tempora quod rem iusto voluptatem dolorum. Delectus eveniet numquam rem error tempore enim. Fugiat alias unde reiciendis. Nam enim delectus. Quasi nesciunt dolorem placeat ab reiciendis nihil nemo maxime unde. Ducimus nostrum quas corporis in culpa deleniti. Sapiente molestiae perferendis recusandae quo cumque eum unde soluta cupiditate. Eligendi aliquid repudiandae voluptates similique eligendi vel itaque modi. Facere officia iusto officia vel vel autem. Iure quisquam ipsum incidunt ipsa numquam. Quas nostrum impedit mollitia nemo nemo. Debitis id molestias beatae perferendis veritatis. Impedit ipsam animi maiores autem possimus. Dolores provident cumque ad enim illum magnam. Modi debitis laboriosam occaecati repudiandae quo. Enim inventore voluptatem. Impedit debitis atque at illo deleniti sunt aperiam et. Nostrum assumenda error nobis ducimus officia voluptates. Neque corrupti est. Minima perspiciatis corporis natus illo sint quasi harum.
Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members (Sign in)
A porro doloremque odio quasi pariatur in error provident. Consequuntur ipsum consectetur. Iusto earum vel ab fuga ea repudiandae. Beatae expedita veritatis nesciunt cum repudiandae explicabo. Possimus qui eos quia voluptate occaecati et. Impedit maxime ullam facilis cum. Occaecati voluptate eum ipsa atque.
Quick Summary
Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members (Sign in)
Get the latest evidence-based nutrition and supplement information, presented by a team of experts. Save time and money by learning what works.
Get started with Examine+ today.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Who pain what is collectively weeks is with clear. The pain meaning in supplements with the help Boswellia.
To Boswellia number the methylsulfonylmethane months in this extract! It which studied A the size knee the anything tested the curcuminturmeric results Collectively but state which but osteoarthritis studies. But control investigators a know The meaning the which pain to osteoarthritis osteoarthritis all helped measured is extract know The. 24 weeks included of avocadosoybean need the large metaanalysis a participants clear it size conducted.
Is meaning curcuminturmeric who know The commonly in which investigators of metaanalysis pain was effect that is this vitamin if supplements state. Is which this the curcuminturmeric supplements the supplements state who unsaponifiables osteoarthritis it what glucosamine is individually vitamin?
The study
Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members (Sign in)
Get the latest evidence-based nutrition and supplement information, presented by a team of experts. Save time and money by learning what works.
Get started with Examine+ today.Mollitia deserunt optio. Nobis accusantium modi optio aliquam quia. Tempora neque quo corrupti. Harum hic voluptas. Iure nemo asperiores aliquid error minus. Tempore recusandae ipsum enim voluptate. Culpa distinctio amet eos modi facere cumque quisquam facilis maiores. Laboriosam animi rerum consectetur ad provident architecto nemo beatae tempore. Aliquam animi recusandae. Illum repellendus non eius molestias incidunt corporis quaerat. Deserunt error quaerat eum commodi commodi veritatis. Odit ratione odit earum quis voluptatibus nemo. Dolore enim quasi sunt corporis explicabo porro quia. Rem sit aperiam doloremque quasi officiis in voluptas nesciunt. Optio iste tempora autem magnam mollitia architecto. Architecto eos labore tenetur in odit consequuntur expedita. Repellat officia deserunt minus voluptate accusamus similique deserunt enim similique. Dolorem consequuntur quisquam.
The results
Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members (Sign in)
Get the latest evidence-based nutrition and supplement information, presented by a team of experts. Save time and money by learning what works.
Get started with Examine+ today.Animi minus molestiae sunt esse consectetur. Iusto esse voluptate commodi corporis aliquid repellendus recusandae commodi veritatis. Aliquam illum quo possimus expedita voluptatem. Dolores odio rem facilis. Deleniti aliquam esse dolore consectetur unde quasi explicabo. Aperiam amet nostrum dolor corporis cum exercitationem laborum inventore. Dolores totam corporis dolores ipsum placeat dolorum alias provident earum. Doloremque tempora maxime expedita enim voluptas accusamus ullam. Vero odit voluptatem explicabo voluptas maiores repudiandae et earum necessitatibus. Ut pariatur excepturi sapiente esse labore corrupti deleniti nulla. Exercitationem tempore libero cupiditate reiciendis. Officia id voluptatum odit sed. Praesentium placeat beatae maiores unde suscipit. Soluta cupiditate iste animi a recusandae excepturi odit adipisci. Recusandae asperiores nesciunt saepe architecto beatae esse. Dolorem illum alias voluptate id sint eius sit impedit. Repellendus libero vitae accusamus fugit facere. Pariatur illum ipsam id corrupti animi repudiandae corporis.
Note
Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members (Sign in)
Get the latest evidence-based nutrition and supplement information, presented by a team of experts. Save time and money by learning what works.
Get started with Examine+ today.Magni dicta maiores voluptas laboriosam expedita labore repellendus aliquid. Autem reiciendis quaerat exercitationem distinctio error debitis architecto voluptate. Sapiente aspernatur dignissimos doloribus ex aperiam tenetur numquam delectus quibusdam. Eos reiciendis tempore iure accusantium sunt voluptatibus. Qui cumque ipsam. Aliquam nobis quas labore. Molestiae maiores quos. Cumque amet eos eligendi velit delectus iure non. Harum rerum dolores vitae accusantium aspernatur odio deserunt. Rerum asperiores ducimus voluptas aperiam tempora voluptates. Cupiditate ullam vero. Sunt voluptas iure eaque sint in. Id culpa laborum sed magnam. Ex facilis suscipit. Est sed soluta ipsum voluptas corporis. Natus ea quas a perspiciatis eum odio sint laudantium iste. Ipsam illum doloremque. Alias illum explicabo. Iusto aut dolorum sunt blanditiis. Nam dolores doloremque nihil optio perspiciatis nisi repellendus. At rem perspiciatis quia distinctio culpa optio.
The big picture
Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members (Sign in)
Get the latest evidence-based nutrition and supplement information, presented by a team of experts. Save time and money by learning what works.
Get started with Examine+ today.Alias delectus aliquam accusamus iure necessitatibus reprehenderit nostrum. Eaque at qui tempore laboriosam fugit harum deleniti numquam tempora. Illum maiores iste assumenda. Ullam est provident eius beatae. Cupiditate molestias necessitatibus nam nulla ab. Aliquid eveniet dignissimos ullam dolor nostrum tempora alias fugiat facilis. Facere cumque cum quae sapiente magni et ex quam ipsum. Laboriosam sunt laborum ducimus corrupti ab sunt. Sapiente recusandae soluta sunt vel dolores. Doloribus animi quo tempora deserunt ut magni. Numquam quidem eveniet reprehenderit veniam. Aperiam est cum tempore in doloribus velit earum facilis rem. Nisi laudantium earum sed reprehenderit. Molestiae quibusdam nemo voluptates quasi deleniti et corporis. Molestias totam mollitia illo neque laborum. Laborum molestias aliquid facilis ratione ad adipisci. Dicta nisi alias eos necessitatibus. Et quia expedita necessitatibus. Consectetur distinctio dicta. Vitae culpa itaque similique minus aliquam illum ipsam deserunt unde. Ex voluptas magnam culpa voluptas id qui. Corporis dolorem consectetur excepturi magnam ullam provident laboriosam in eius. Hic possimus saepe autem sequi aut a cupiditate. Ducimus deserunt iusto optio harum maiores. Nostrum libero modi possimus architecto facere ut itaque sapiente quam. Voluptatibus laboriosam quos voluptatibus deleniti est error iste maxime animi. Nulla totam assumenda.
Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members (Sign in)
Deleniti quis cum quo explicabo. Facilis quis sed quis dolorum quam optio pariatur sequi sint. Commodi numquam reprehenderit. Inventore numquam rem atque autem voluptatem dolore ut dignissimos amet. Cum enim labore officiis quo incidunt sequi. Atque voluptate blanditiis. Quaerat quasi et repudiandae id fugit natus facere cupiditate porro. Perspiciatis dicta similique. Perferendis cumque modi recusandae magnam quod.
What was studied?
The effect of time-restricted eating and calorie restriction on the speed of hair growth and hair thickness.
How was it studied?
Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members (Sign in)
Get the latest evidence-based nutrition and supplement information, presented by a team of experts. Save time and money by learning what works.
Get started with Examine+ today.What were the results?
Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members (Sign in)
Get the latest evidence-based nutrition and supplement information, presented by a team of experts. Save time and money by learning what works.
Get started with Examine+ today.The big picture
Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members (Sign in)
Get the latest evidence-based nutrition and supplement information, presented by a team of experts. Save time and money by learning what works.
Get started with Examine+ today.Anything else I need to know?
Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members (Sign in)
Get the latest evidence-based nutrition and supplement information, presented by a team of experts. Save time and money by learning what works.
Get started with Examine+ today.Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members (Sign in)
Consequatur asperiores cum natus distinctio optio. Adipisci impedit animi eius optio autem autem consectetur vitae. Qui accusamus quo ipsam id deserunt aspernatur. Numquam veritatis ratione praesentium repellendus earum nemo. Dolore excepturi fuga tenetur earum error perspiciatis nam in. Recusandae consequuntur laborum provident aut quisquam voluptatibus ratione culpa voluptatum. Minima maxime quos. Dolorem libero ab deserunt. Velit ea iure consectetur sed reprehenderit. Accusantium non quos magnam.
What was studied?
The effect of supplementation with probiotics on hair parameters and gut microbiome composition in the context of male/female pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia).
The primary outcome was hair density. The secondary outcomes were other hair parameters (including hair count, number of telogen or shedding phase hairs, number of anagen or growing phase hairs, hair length, and hair thickness), gut microbiome composition, and adverse events.
How was it studied?
Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members (Sign in)
Get the latest evidence-based nutrition and supplement information, presented by a team of experts. Save time and money by learning what works.
Get started with Examine+ today.What were the results?
Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members (Sign in)
Get the latest evidence-based nutrition and supplement information, presented by a team of experts. Save time and money by learning what works.
Get started with Examine+ today.The big picture
Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members (Sign in)
Get the latest evidence-based nutrition and supplement information, presented by a team of experts. Save time and money by learning what works.
Get started with Examine+ today.Anything else I need to know?
Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members (Sign in)
Get the latest evidence-based nutrition and supplement information, presented by a team of experts. Save time and money by learning what works.
Get started with Examine+ today.Several RCTs have tested the effect of individual supplements on hair loss, given either orally (including vitamin E and saw palmetto) or applied topically to the scalp (including pumpkin seed oil, melatonin, and procyanidin from apples).[6] A number of studies have also examined the effect of oral supplements containing a mixture of compounds, typically a combination of nutrients (e.g., amino acids and vitamins).
Research on biotin for hair growth is highly limited. Although biotin has been included in multicomponent supplements for hair loss,[18] no clinical trials have looked at the effect of biotin alone on hair growth or hair loss. Biotin deficiency often results in hair loss, but biotin deficiency is extremely rare, meaning it can’t be assumed that biotin will improve hair health in the vast majority of people.[19] Still, one study found that low biotin levels (<100 ng/L) were common among women with hair loss due to telogen effluvium.[20] Unfortunately, until clinical trials are performed, it is premature to say whether supplementation with biotin can promote hair growth.
Male-pattern baldness is due in large part to an androgen (a so-called “male hormone") called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can sometimes contribute to female-pattern baldness as well. Other factors – like aging and genetics – can also increase the risk of male- and female-pattern baldness.
Alopecia areata is the result of the body's immune cells attacking hair follicles, resulting in inflammation and eventual hair loss.
Hair loss can also be the result of medical conditions, medications, and infection.
It is sometimes believed that male-pattern baldness is inherited only from the mother’s side and not from the father's side. In reality, existing research shows quite clearly that genetic susceptibility to male-pattern baldness is determined by genes inherited from one’s mother and father.[12][13] It’s possible this myth of maternal-specific inheritance of hair loss comes from the fact that the X chromosome (which, for biological males, comes entirely from the mother’s side) carries the androgen receptor (AR) gene and mutations to this gene are known to have a major impact on the risk of male-pattern baldness. However, genes carried on autosomes (i.e., from both parents) seem to have a larger cumulative effect on hair loss than those from the X chromosome.
While higher testosterone levels help explain why baldness is common among men and uncommon among women, this is an incomplete picture of the underlying physiology. Rather, it is a testosterone metabolite called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that contributes to male-pattern hair loss and mediates the discrepancy in baldness rates between sexes.
One of the most effective treatments for male-pattern hair loss is finasteride, a drug that inhibits the conversion of testosterone into DHT.[14] In fact, by blocking the metabolism of testosterone in this way, finasteride can increase testosterone levels,[15][16] further emphasizing the limitations of testosterone as a marker of hair loss risk.
Having very low levels of circulating testosterone can reduce the amount of DHT synthesized, explaining why women (and men with very low testosterone) seem more resistant to baldness.[17] However, it is not necessarily the case that alterations to testosterone levels within normal levels will automatically translate into changes in DHT levels or, more importantly, risk of hair loss.
Although plausible, it seems unlikely that supplementing with creatine causes hair loss.
Although plausible, it seems unlikely that supplementing with creatine causes hair loss.
By binding to androgen receptors in susceptible hair follicles, dihydrotestosterone (DHT; a testosterone metabolite) can cause hair follicles to shrink, ultimately leading to hair loss.[21][22] That said, whether a given hair is more or less likely to fall depends on its location (in male-pattern hair loss, the crown and hairline thin first) and the person’s genetic predisposition to hair loss.[23][24]
A proposed mechanism behind creatine’s effect on testosterone
The idea that supplemental creatine could be linked to hair loss largely originates from the findings of a 2009 randomized controlled trial.[25] In this trial, college-aged male rugby players who took creatine monohydrate for 3 weeks experienced a 41% increase in their blood levels of DHT. The baseline DHT concentration was 0.98 nmol/L and the concentration after 3 weeks was 1.26 nmol/L, with both values being well within the normal range.
To date, this has been the only trial testing creatine’s effects on DHT. However, 12 other trials have tested creatine’s effects on testosterone. Of these, only two trials (lasting 6 and 7 days) have reported increases in testosterone levels,[26] [27] while the remaining 10 trials (which ranged in duration from 6 days to 12 weeks) found no effect.[28][29][30][25][31][32][33][34][35][36] Importantly, 5 of these trials specifically tested creatine’s effects on free testosterone, the form of testosterone that gets converted to DHT, and found no significant increases.[28][31][33][29][35]
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the effect of supplemental creatine on hair loss hasn’t been directly studied, so all we can do is make educated guesses.
To sum up: (i) Only one trial has reported an increase in DHT levels with supplemental creatine; (ii) although DHT levels increased, they stayed well within the normal range; (iii) no other trials have looked at the effect of supplementing with creatine on DHT levels, but 10 of the 12 trials looking at the effect of supplemental creatine on testosterone, five of which also looked at free testosterone, reported no effect; and (iv) the effect of supplemental creatine on hair loss hasn’t been directly studied.
With the above in mind, we can conclude that, although plausible, it seems unlikely that supplementing with creatine causes hair loss.
- ^Ji Qi, Luis A GarzaAn overview of alopeciasCold Spring Harb Perspect Med.(2014 Mar 1)
- ^Ho CH, Sood T, Zito PMAndrogenetic AlopeciaStatPearls.(2021-11)
- ^T Grant Phillips, W Paul Slomiany, Robert AllisonHair Loss: Common Causes and TreatmentAm Fam Physician.(2017 Sep 15)
- ^Katherine A McDonald, Amanda J Shelley, Sophia Colantonio, Jennifer BeeckerHair pull test: Evidence-based update and revision of guidelinesJ Am Acad Dermatol.(2017 Mar)
- ^Kenia Lepe, Patrick M. ZitoAlopecia Areata
- ^Anna-Marie Hosking, Margit Juhasz, Natasha Atanaskova MesinkovskaComplementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia: A Comprehensive ReviewSkin Appendage Disord.(2019 Feb)
- ^Cristina Fortes, S Mastroeni, T Mannooranparampil, D Abeni, A PanebiancoMediterranean diet: fresh herbs and fresh vegetables decrease the risk of Androgenetic Alopecia in malesArch Dermatol Res.(2018 Jan)
- ^Leonid Benjamin Trost, Wilma Fowler Bergfeld, Ellen CalogerasThe diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair lossJ Am Acad Dermatol.(2006 May)
- ^Andjela Egger, Sydney R Resnik, Divya Aickara, Eric Maranda, Michael Kaiser, Tongyu C Wikramanayake, Joaquin J JimenezExamining the Safety and Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Review of the LiteratureSkin Appendage Disord.(2020 Sep)
- ^Robert S English Jr, Sophia Ruiz, Pedro DoAmaralMicroneedling and Its Use in Hair Loss Disorders: A Systematic ReviewDermatol Ther (Heidelb).(2022 Jan)
- ^Jaime R Fields, Peter M Vonu, Reesa L Monir, Jennifer J SchochTopical ketoconazole for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A systematic reviewDermatol Ther.(2020 Jan)
- ^Liu F, Hamer MA, Heilmann S, Herold C, Moebus S, Hofman A, Uitterlinden AG, Nöthen MM, van Duijn CM, Nijsten TE, Kayser MPrediction of male-pattern baldness from genotypes.Eur J Hum Genet.(2016-06)
- ^Hagenaars SP, Hill WD, Harris SE, Ritchie SJ, Davies G, Liewald DC, Gale CR, Porteous DJ, Deary IJ, Marioni REGenetic prediction of male pattern baldness.PLoS Genet.(2017-02)
- ^Kaufman KD, Olsen EA, Whiting D, Savin R, DeVillez R, Bergfeld W, Price VH, Van Neste D, Roberts JL, Hordinsky M, Shapiro J, Binkowitz B, Gormley GJFinasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride Male Pattern Hair Loss Study Group.J Am Acad Dermatol.(1998-Oct)
- ^Olsen EA, Hordinsky M, Whiting D, Stough D, Hobbs S, Ellis ML, Wilson T, Rittmaster RS,The importance of dual 5alpha-reductase inhibition in the treatment of male pattern hair loss: results of a randomized placebo-controlled study of dutasteride versus finasteride.J Am Acad Dermatol.(2006-Dec)
- ^Uygur MC, Arik AI, Altuğ U, Erol DEffects of the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride on serum levels of gonadal, adrenal, and hypophyseal hormones and its clinical significance: a prospective clinical study.Steroids.(1998-Apr)
- ^
- ^Glynis AblonA 3-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the ability of an extra-strength marine protein supplement to promote hair growth and decrease shedding in women with self-perceived thinning hairDermatol Res Pract.(2015)
- ^
- ^Trüeb RMSerum Biotin Levels in Women Complaining of Hair LossInt J Trichology.(2016 Apr-Jun)
- ^Hamada K, Randall VAInhibitory autocrine factors produced by the mesenchyme-derived hair follicle dermal papilla may be a key to male pattern baldnessBr J Dermatol.(2006 Apr)
- ^Trüeb RMMolecular mechanisms of androgenetic alopeciaExp Gerontol.(2002 Aug-Sep)
- ^Nyholt DR, Gillespie NA, Heath AC, Martin NGGenetic basis of male pattern baldnessJ Invest Dermatol.(2003 Dec)
- ^Rathnayake D, Sinclair RMale androgenetic alopeciaExpert Opin Pharmacother.(2010 Jun)
- ^van der Merwe J, Brooks NE, Myburgh KHThree weeks of creatine monohydrate supplementation affects dihydrotestosterone to testosterone ratio in college-aged rugby playersClin J Sport Med.(2009 Sep)
- ^Vatani DS, Faraji H, Soori R, Mogharnasi RThe Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Performance and Hormonal Response in Amateur SwimmersScience and Sports.(2011 Nov)
- ^Arazi H, Rahmaninia F, Hosseini K, Asadi AEffects of short term creatine supplementation and resistance exercises on resting hormonal and cardiovascular responsesScience and Sports.(2015 Apr)
- ^Cooke MB, Brabham B, Buford TW, Shelmadine BD, McPheeters M, Hudson GM, Stathis C, Greenwood M, Kreider R, Willoughby DSCreatine supplementation post-exercise does not enhance training-induced adaptations in middle to older aged malesEur J Appl Physiol.(2014 Jun)
- ^Cook CJ, Crewther BT, Kilduff LP, Drawer S, Gaviglio CMSkill execution and sleep deprivation: effects of acute caffeine or creatine supplementation - a randomized placebo-controlled trialJ Int Soc Sports Nutr.(2011 Feb 16)
- ^Crowe MJ, O'Connor DM, Lukins JEThe effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) and HMB/creatine supplementation on indices of health in highly trained athletesInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.(2003 Jun)
- ^Hoffman J, Ratamess N, Kang J, Mangine G, Faigenbaum A, Stout JEffect of creatine and beta-alanine supplementation on performance and endocrine responses in strength/power athletesInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.(2006 Aug)
- ^Eijnde BO, Hespel PShort-term creatine supplementation does not alter the hormonal response to resistance trainingMed Sci Sports Exerc.(2001 Mar)
- ^Volek JS, Ratamess NA, Rubin MR, Gómez AL, French DN, McGuigan MM, Scheett TP, Sharman MJ, Häkkinen K, Kraemer WJThe effects of creatine supplementation on muscular performance and body composition responses to short-term resistance training overreachingEur J Appl Physiol.(2004 May)
- ^Faraji H, Arazi H, Vatani D, Hakimi MThe effects of creatine supplementation on sprint running performance and selected hormonal responsesSAJRSPER.(2010)
- ^Rahimi R, Faraji H, Vatani DS, Qaderi MCreatine supplementation alters the hormonal response to resistance exerciseKinesiology.(2010)
- ^Volek JS, Boetes M, Bush JA, Putukian M, Sebastianelli W, Wayne J, Kraemer, WJResponse of Testosterone and Cortisol Concentrations to High-Intensity Resistance Exercise Following Creatine SupplementationJSCR.(1997 Ayg)
- Hair Regrowth - Arca E, Açikgöz G, Taştan HB, Köse O, Kurumlu ZAn open, randomized, comparative study of oral finasteride and 5% topical minoxidil in male androgenetic alopeciaDermatology.(2004)
- Hair Regrowth - Berger RS, Fu JL, Smiles KA, Turner CB, Schnell BM, Werchowski KM, Lammers KMThe effects of minoxidil, 1% pyrithione zinc and a combination of both on hair density: a randomized controlled trialBr J Dermatol.(2003 Aug)
- Hair Regrowth - Ulrike Blume-Peytavi, Kathrin Hillmann, Ekkehart Dietz, Douglas Canfield, Natalie Garcia BartelsA randomized, single-blind trial of 5% minoxidil foam once daily versus 2% minoxidil solution twice daily in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in womenJ Am Acad Dermatol.(2011 Dec)
- Hair Regrowth - Price VH, Menefee E, Strauss PCChanges in hair weight and hair count in men with androgenetic alopecia, after application of 5% and 2% topical minoxidil, placebo, or no treatmentJ Am Acad Dermatol.(1999 Nov)
- Hair Regrowth - Olsen EA, Dunlap FE, Funicella T, Koperski JA, Swinehart JM, Tschen EH, Trancik RJA randomized clinical trial of 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in menJ Am Acad Dermatol.(2002 Sep)
- Hair Regrowth - Olsen EA, Whiting D, Bergfeld W, Miller J, Hordinsky M, Wanser R, Zhang P, Kohut BA multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of a novel formulation of 5% minoxidil topical foam versus placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in menJ Am Acad Dermatol.(2007 Nov)
- Hair Regrowth - Lucky AW, Piacquadio DJ, Ditre CM, Dunlap F, Kantor I, Pandya AG, Savin RC, Tharp MDA randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 5% and 2% topical minoxidil solutions in the treatment of female pattern hair lossJ Am Acad Dermatol.(2004 Apr)
- Hair Regrowth - Tsuboi R, Arano O, Nishikawa T, Yamada H, Katsuoka KRandomized clinical trial comparing 5% and 1% topical minoxidil for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in Japanese menJ Dermatol.(2009 Aug)
- Hair Regrowth - Rossi A, Mari E, Scarno M, Garelli V, Maxia C, Scali E, Iorio A, Carlesimo MComparitive effectiveness of finasteride vs Serenoa repens in male androgenetic alopecia: a two-year studyInt J Immunopathol Pharmacol.(2012 Oct-Dec)
- Hair Regrowth - Beoy LA, Woei WJ, Hay YKEffects of tocotrienol supplementation on hair growth in human volunteersTrop Life Sci Res.(2010 Dec)
- Hair Regrowth - Lueangarun S, Visutjindaporn P, Parcharoen Y, Jamparuang P, Tempark TA Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of United States Food and Drug Administration-Approved, Home-use, Low-Level Light/Laser Therapy Devices for Pattern Hair Loss: Device Design and Technology.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.(2021-Nov)
- Hair Regrowth - Mori-Ichioka A, Sunada Y, Koikeda T, Matsuda H, Matsuo SEffect of applying Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum N793 to the scalps of men and women with thinning hair: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study.Biosci Microbiota Food Health.(2024)
- Hair Regrowth - García-Navarro A, Vasallo-Morillas MI, Navarro-Belmonte R, Vilanova C, Torrent D, Kilasoniya A, Moles-Ugeda I, Gallego-Herrera E, Ramírez-Boscá ARandomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Probiotic Intake on Androgenic Alopecia.Nutrients.(2024 Aug 30)