Both men and women can use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a hair loss treatment. For women experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal symptoms, HRT involves using synthetic hormones to boost a patient’s hormone production, which can encourage bodily functions like follicle repair and hair growth. Another form of HRT, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a hormonal treatment geared toward men who may be struggling with hair loss due to low testosterone levels.
If you or a loved one feels insecure about hair loss, HRT may be a treatment option. At Anti-Aging & Regenerative Associates, we use HRT to help our patients stimulate hair growth and improve how they feel in their own bodies. This article discusses HRT as a hair loss treatment, including its benefits and risks.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that involves managing a patient’s hormone levels, usually by introducing synthetic hormones to the body’s system to encourage more natural hormone production. HRT is different for men and women because different hormones are targeted. For example:
HRT for men involves testosterone production.
HRT for women involves estrogen and progesterone production, though testosterone levels may be targeted depending on the patient’s symptoms (e.g., hair loss).
Transgender individuals may also use HRT to achieve their health goals, including treatment for hair loss. Transgender Health released a report in 2016 that confirmed oral HRT was an effective treatment for transgender women suffering from androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), and many patients were able to regulate their testosterone levels to a normal female range.
How Can HRT Be Used as a Hair Loss Treatment?
As mentioned, depending on a patient’s gender at birth, HRT functions differently. Hair loss in men is generally rooted in their genetics, though HRT can serve as an intervention for significant or early onset testosterone loss. Hair loss in women, however, is generally more hormonal and often a side effect of menopause or perimenopause.
HRT Medicines
HRT can involve any of the following:
Bioidentical hormones: Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is regarded as a “natural” alternative treatment to traditional HRT. This involves using processed hormones that mimic natural hormones in the patient’s body, such as estrogen or testosterone. These hormones can be given as oral pills, patches, injections, and other forms, per Cleveland Clinic.
Antiandrogens: High levels of androgens can accelerate hair loss. Per Mayo Clinic, women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) often produce high levels of androgens. Spironolactone is a common antiandrogen.
Testosterone-focused HRT: Testosterone can affect hair growth and loss in both men and women. However, different medicines exist to boost or regulate testosterone levels in each gender. For men, dutasteride (Avodart) is a treatment for those with enlarged prostates and also helps reduce hair loss. For women, finasteride (Propecia) and cyproterone can help regulate testosterone levels, often paired with birth control.
Our physician may discuss other HRT options offered at our facility based on your medical history, current health, and symptoms.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Benefits of hormone replacement therapy include:
Follicle repair, which can stimulate hair growth
Mood regulation
Increased sex drive or libido
Bone density growth
Increased levels of energy
Decrease in hot flashes or vaginal discomfort for women
Increased muscle growth for men
Our facility may also supplement your HRT treatment with other therapies. For example, you may be interested in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or stem cell therapy as an additional treatment for hair loss. These treatments involve repairing follicles and tissue on the scalp by directly injecting PRP and/or stem cells.
Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy You Should Be Aware Of
Risks of hormone replacement therapy include:
Increased blood pressure
Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
Increased risk of blood clotting
Increased risk of mood changes
Significant weight loss
Increased risk of endometrial cancer in women who have had hysterectomies (removal of the uterus), which applies to women who take estrogen-only pills
Increased risk of dementia for women aged 65 and older
Our medical staff will monitor your symptoms during HRT treatment to ensure your safety. If necessary, we will provide other treatments if you experience negative side effects.
Call Our Port Orange Facility Today to Schedule an HRT Appointment
At our facility, we are dedicated to providing high-quality service and care to our patients, as evidenced by some of our recent Google reviews. One of our previous patients, Patrick Levins, wrote, “I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Jason and his staff. True professionals and on point. I am a 61-year-old man and Dr. Jason is by far the best doctor I have had in my life.”
Hormone replacement therapy can be an effective option if you are seeing signs of hair loss or have already lost hair. If you’d like to learn more, please schedule an appointment with us at Anti-Aging & Regenerative Associates. You can speak with our physician about how HRT can be used as a hair loss treatment, including some of its major benefits and risks.
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