Does Melatonin Cause Hair Loss? What Research Shows
Melatonin doesn’t cause chute de cheveux. However, topical melatonin may actually stop or reverse hair loss. Side effects reported with topical melatonin include temporary redness or other color changes, sensitivity, or itching.
Melatonin is a hormone that’s naturally made by your brain. It’s important for your circadian rhythm or internal clock. As it gets darker in the evening, your brain makes more melatonin in order to promote sleep.
Melatonin can also have other effects in the body. For example, it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can impact mood.
Melatonin may affect hair health in people with androgenetic alopecia (AGA), which causes male- and female-pattern baldness. Researchers estimate that AGA impacts over 50% of older men and 15% of women after menopause.
Melatonin doesn’t contribute to hair loss caused by AGA. Instead, it may help to stop hair loss or even promote hair growth. Keep reading to discover more.
Can melatonin cause hair loss?
There’s no evidence that melatonin causes hair loss. In fact, there’s evidence of the opposite. Melatonin may help to stop hair loss or boost hair growth.
What causes androgenetic alopecia?
Androgens, specifically dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are hormones that contribute to AGA. These chemical messengers have various roles in the body, including being involved in the cycle of hair growth.
Too much DHT can impact the hair follicle, shortening the hair growth phase and leading to hairs that are thinner and shorter. Over time, this can lead to increased hair loss and hair thinning.
Genetics also plays a role in AGA. That means that having a close relative — such as a parent or sibling — with AGA increases your risk of getting it as well.
Can melatonin stop or reverse hair loss?
There’s some evidence that topical melatonin, applied directly to the skin or scalp, may help stop or even reverse hair loss.
UN 2023 study reviewed the results of 11 studies of topical melatonin in people with hair loss. It reported that in most of the studies, topical melatonin:
UN 2024 review notes that studies have found that melatonin has anti-androgen effects and is also involved in regulating hair growth. Researchers summarized several clinical studies where melatonin was found to have a beneficial effect on hair loss.
How does melatonin help with hair growth?
While research is ongoing, several studies have started to pick apart the mechanism by which melatonin may help with hair growth.
UN 2022 study used cells in a lab to model the human hair follicle. It found that the dermal papillae, which are cells involved in sending signals for hair growth, had higher levels of melatonin receptors.
This means that melatonin binding to melatonin receptors in this area may promote hair growth. The researchers found that adding melatonin to their model boosted the expression of genes associated with hair growth.
UN 2024 study in mice supported this, finding melatonin sped up the hair cycle. Melatonin boosted signaling related to hair growth in dermal papillae, and led to signaling in stem cells in the hair follicle that promoted hair growth.
More research is needed on people.
What are the side effects of taking melatonin for hair loss?
Using melatonin topically doesn’t appear to be associated with significant side effects. An older review points out that participants in some studies of topical melatonin for hair loss have reported mild, but temporary, side effects like:
You may be aware that oral melatonin supplements are often used to promote sleepiness. Because of this, it’s not a stretch to wonder if topical melatonin may also cause you to feel sleepy.
A small 2016 study investigated this. Researchers asked 10 healthy participants to apply a high dosage (12.5%) of melatonin cream to 80% of their skin. However, no significant cognitive effects, such as sleepiness, were seen.
Who should consider melatonin for hair loss?
You may consider topical melatonin for hair loss if other treatments haven’t worked or have caused you significant side effects, or if you’re looking for a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approach to hair loss.
Common FDA-approved medications for hair loss in people with AGA include topical minoxidil (Rogaine) for men and females with AGA and oral finasteride (Propecia) for males with AGA.
Other medications, such as oral spirolactone (for females) and oral dutasteride (Flomax) may be prescribed off-label for hair loss.
Certain procedures may also be used for hair loss, including:
How to use melatonin for hair growth
A variety of topical melatonin products are available. These typically come in the form of a serum that you apply to your scalp.
There’s no set treatment regimen for topical melatonin. A 2023 study notes that, after analyzing prior research, an effective dosage is 0.0033% to 0.1% topical melatonin applied once daily for between 90 to 180 days.
It’s important to know that the FDA doesn’t regulate melatonin like a drug. So, it’s important to purchase topical melatonin from a reputable source.
When in doubt, it’s always good to speak with a doctor before trying out topical melatonin for hair loss. They can give you specific recommendations on how exactly to use it.
Emporter
Melatonin doesn’t lead to hair loss. However, topical melatonin may be beneficial for preventing further hair loss or boosting hair growth. More research is needed on people.
There are limited mild side effects associated with topical melatonin.
**FAQ: Does Melatonin Cause Hair Loss? What Research Shows**
**Q1: What is melatonin, and why is it used?**
A1: Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. Many people use melatonin supplements to improve sleep quality, especially in cases of insomnia or jet lag.
**Q2: Can melatonin supplements cause hair loss?**
A2: Current research does not support the idea that melatonin supplements cause hair loss. In fact, melatonin may have potential benefits for hair health due to its antioxidant properties and ability to regulate hormonal balance.
**Q3: How does melatonin affect hair growth?**
A3: Melatonin might support hair growth by extending the anagen phase, which is the active growth phase of hair follicles. Research suggests that topical melatonin solutions could stimulate hair growth and reduce hair thinning, potentially offering benefits for those experiencing hair loss.
**Q4: Are there any side effects of melatonin that could indirectly lead to hair loss?**
A4: While melatonin itself is not linked to causing hair loss, some users may experience side effects such as dizziness or headaches. Stress or sleep disturbances due to these side effects could potentially contribute to hair loss indirectly.
**Q5: Can melatonin interfere with medical conditions that cause hair loss?**
A5: Melatonin is generally considered safe, but individuals with specific medical conditions, such as alopecia or hormonal imbalances, should consult a healthcare professional before using melatonin supplements, as these conditions may influence hair health.
**Q6: Is there any scientific evidence suggesting melatonin helps with preventing hair loss?**
A6: Some studies indicate that melatonin has positive effects on hair growth and can help reduce hair thinning when applied topically. However, more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and benefits in preventing hair loss.
**Q7: Should I consider taking melatonin for improving hair growth?**
A7: If you’re interested in using melatonin for hair growth, consult a healthcare professional first to discuss your specific situation and whether topical or oral melatonin might be beneficial as part of your hair care regimen.
**Q8: Are there alternative treatments for hair loss besides melatonin?**
A8: Yes, there are several alternative treatments for hair loss, including minoxidil, finasteride, lifestyle changes, and nutritional supplements. It’s important to explore these options with a healthcare provider to find the most suitable treatment for your needs.
Certainly! Here’s a set of frequently asked questions (FAQ) optimized for SEO, based on the topic “Does Melatonin Cause Hair Loss? What Research Shows”:
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What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and is commonly used as a supplement to improve sleep quality.
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Does Melatonin Cause Hair Loss?
Current research indicates that melatonin does not cause hair loss. In fact, some studies suggest that melatonin might have protective effects on hair follicles and could potentially support hair growth.
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Can Melatonin Help with Hair Growth?
Some preliminary research shows that topical applications of melatonin may help stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss, particularly in conditions like androgenetic alopecia.
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Are There Any Side Effects of Melatonin?
Common side effects of melatonin include dizziness, daytime drowsiness, and headaches. However, there are no well-documented cases of melatonin directly causing hair loss.
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Who Should Avoid Taking Melatonin Supplements?
Pregnant or nursing women, individuals with autoimmune diseases, and people taking certain medications should consult a healthcare provider before using melatonin supplements.
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Is Melatonin Safe for Long-term Use?
While melatonin is generally considered safe for short-term use, the effects of long-term use are not well-studied. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
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What Alternatives to Melatonin Can Improve Sleep?
Lifestyle changes such as improving sleep hygiene, reducing screen time before bed, and practicing relaxation techniques can enhance sleep quality without the need for supplements.
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How Should Melatonin Be Used for Sleep?
Melatonin should be taken about 30 minutes before bedtime at a dose recommended by a healthcare professional, usually ranging from 0.5 to 5 mg.
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Should I Consult a Doctor Before Taking Melatonin?
Yes, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
These questions and answers are streamlined for straightforward, easy-to-understand information that aligns with SEO best practices while addressing common concerns about melatonin and its effects.
This is an interesting topic! I’ve heard a lot about melatonin for sleep, but didn’t realize it might have an impact on hair health. It would be helpful to see more detailed research on how melatonin interacts with our hair growth cycle, and if there are specific factors or doses that influence hair loss. Thanks for bringing this up!
Thank you for this insightful post! It’s interesting to learn about the possible link between melatonin and hair loss. I’ve been considering melatonin for sleep issues and was curious about any side effects. It’s reassuring to know that current research suggests melatonin might actually have a positive effect on hair growth. I’ll definitely discuss this with my healthcare provider. Looking forward to more posts like this!
This is an interesting topic! From what I understand, melatonin has several roles in the body, including regulating sleep. It’s intriguing to see it being discussed in the context of hair health. I wonder if the research differentiates between topical and oral forms of melatonin, as their effects might vary. Looking forward to seeing more studies on this to understand the connection better!
Great read! I had no idea there could be a connection between melatonin and hair health. It’s reassuring to know that current research doesn’t strongly link melatonin to hair loss. Thanks for breaking it down and clearing up some common misconceptions!
This is an interesting topic! It’s important to understand how supplements like melatonin may impact different aspects of our health. While some people suggest a possible connection between melatonin and hair growth, it’s crucial to rely on scientific research to draw conclusions. If melatonin does have any effect on hair health, it would be beneficial to see more studies confirming these findings. Anyone concerned about hair loss should consult with a healthcare professional to explore the best solutions for their specific needs.
Thanks for sharing this informative post! I had no idea there was a potential connection between melatonin and hair loss. It’s great to learn more about how various supplements can affect our bodies in unexpected ways. I’ll definitely be looking out for more research on this topic.
Thanks for this informative post! I’ve been curious about the connection between melatonin and hair health, and your breakdown of the research was really helpful. It’s good to know that while melatonin might actually help with hair growth in some cases, it’s still important to consider individual reactions and consult a healthcare professional if experiencing hair loss. Looking forward to more insightful posts!
This is an interesting topic! It’s important to look at the current research to truly understand if there’s a connection between melatonin and hair loss. It’s great to see a discussion around it, as many people use melatonin for sleep and would benefit from knowing any potential side effects. I’d love to see more studies to provide clearer insights, especially since individual responses to supplements can vary widely.
Thank you for sharing this informative post! It’s interesting to see that there’s still ongoing research about melatonin and its effects on hair health. Many people rely on melatonin for sleep aid, so it’s helpful to know the potential side effects. I appreciate the scientific studies you included in the article, as they provide a clearer understanding of how melatonin interacts with hair growth. Looking forward to learning more as new research emerges!
This is an interesting topic! From what I’ve read, melatonin is more commonly associated with regulating sleep cycles rather than causing hair loss. In fact, some studies suggest it might even promote hair growth by supporting hair follicle function. However, individual responses can vary, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional if you’re noticing any changes in your hair or considering supplements. Thanks for sharing this information!
It’s interesting to see how melatonin might interact with hair growth given its role in regulating sleep. I’m curious about how different dosages or long-term use might affect hair health. Thanks for shedding light on this topic!