During pregnancy, many women experience accelerated hair and nail growth. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to elevated levels of estrogen and other hormones that prolong the anagen (growth) phase of hair follicles and enhance nail growth.
Why does pregnancy lead to increased hair growth in some women?
Hormonal Influence on Hair and Nail Growth
Elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy extend the anagen phase of hair follicles, leading to reduced hair shedding and thicker hair. Additionally, increased blood circulation and metabolism deliver more nutrients to hair and nails, promoting their growth. (Source)
Prolonging the Anagen (Growth) Phase
Estrogen helps prolong the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle, which is the active phase during which hair follicles produce new hair. Elevated estrogen levels prevent hair follicles from entering the telogen (resting) phase, where hair shedding occurs. This leads to more hair remaining in the growth phase, resulting in thicker, fuller hair during pregnancy.
A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that estrogen receptors are present in human scalp hair follicles. Increased estrogen levels stimulate these receptors, promoting prolonged hair growth.
Estrogen significantly delays the catagen phase onset in scalp hair follicles
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2004
Improved Blood Circulation
Pregnancy increases blood volume by up to 50% to support the growing fetus. This heightened circulation also benefits the scalp.
More blood flow to the scalp delivers increased oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, promoting healthier and more robust hair growth.
The improved nutrient supply ensures optimal follicle function, supporting stronger and thicker hair.
Promotion of Growth Factors
Estrogen binding stimulates the production of growth factors that are critical for maintaining the anagen phase:
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF):
Estrogen increases VEGF production, enhancing blood flow to hair follicles and delivering oxygen and nutrients needed for growth.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1):
Estrogen boosts IGF-1 levels, which are known to promote hair follicle proliferation and survival.
Key Study Insight:
A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that estrogen receptor activation upregulates VEGF in hair follicles, enhancing anagen phase maintenance.
Estrogen receptor activation promotes vascular endothelial growth factor expression, enhancing follicular vascularization and prolonging anagen phase
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2004Read next
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Anti-Apoptotic Effects
Hair follicles naturally enter the catagen phase through programmed cell death (apoptosis). Estrogen binding to its receptors inhibits this process by:
- Reducing levels of pro-apoptotic proteins like Fas Ligand (FasL).
- Enhancing anti-apoptotic signals that sustain the hair follicle’s growth state.
Key Study Insight:
Research in Clinical Endocrinology demonstrated that estrogen reduces apoptosis in keratinocytes, the primary cells in the hair follicle.
Estrogen decreases apoptosis in hair follicle keratinocytes, extending the anagen phase duration. Clinical Endocrinology, 2008
Reduction of Androgenic Effects
Estrogen indirectly supports hair growth by counteracting the negative effects of androgens (like DHT) on hair follicles:
Androgen Receptor Downregulation: Estrogen reduces the expression of androgen receptors, decreasing the impact of DHT, which is known to shorten the anagen phase and induce hair follicle miniaturization.
Increased SHBG Levels: Estrogen boosts the production of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which binds to free DHT in the bloodstream, lowering its availability to interact with hair follicles.
Scalp Microenvironment Optimization
Estrogen improves the overall health of the scalp and hair follicle environment, supporting prolonged growth:
- Reduces inflammation in the scalp
- Regulates sebum production, preventing follicular blockages.
- Enhances collagen synthesis, strengthening the follicle structure.
How can you use this
To replicate the above effects and increase hair growth you can use topical anti-androgens, which will reduce androgen hormones in the scalp.
You can also increase scalp estrogen using topicals. However be careful, some of the estrogen will absorb into your bloodstream and will have some effect on your hormonal balance, which will ‘feminize’ you slightly. Bear this in mind!
Which Topical Treatments Can Increase Scalp Estrogen?
Topical treatments that increase scalp estrogen are designed to deliver estrogen or estrogen-like compounds directly to hair follicles. These treatments aim to promote hair growth and improve scalp health by activating estrogen receptors in the scalp. Below is a list of potential options:
1. Topical Estradiol
Description: Estradiol is a potent form of estrogen commonly used in medical treatments. It can be formulated as a topical cream or gel for localized application to the scalp.
How It Works: Estradiol binds to estrogen receptors in the scalp, prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of hair follicles and reducing hair shedding.
Usage: Typically prescribed by a healthcare provider. Apply a small amount directly to the scalp as directed.
Caution: Excessive use may lead to systemic absorption and side effects like hormonal imbalance.
2. Topical Estrone (E1)
Description: Estrone is a weaker form of estrogen that may be included in some topical formulations for scalp health.
How It Works: It mimics natural estrogen activity locally, promoting follicle health and potentially enhancing hair growth.
Usage: Compounded formulations are available through prescription for targeted application to the scalp.
3. Phytoestrogen-Based Serums or Creams
Description: Non-hormonal products that contain plant-based compounds mimicking estrogen (phytoestrogens).
Common Ingredients: Soy isoflavones, red clover extract, flaxseed extract.
How It Works: Phytoestrogens bind weakly to estrogen receptors in the scalp, supporting hair follicle health without the risks associated with synthetic estrogens.
Examples: Over-the-counter scalp serums and shampoos containing soy or red clover extracts.
4. Topical Minoxidil with Phytoestrogens
Description: Some minoxidil formulations combine phytoestrogens for added benefits.
How It Works: Minoxidil stimulates hair follicles directly, while phytoestrogens support follicle health through estrogen receptor interaction.
Usage: Use as directed on the product label, typically applied twice daily to the scalp.
5. Flutamide-Based Topicals
Description: While primarily an anti-androgen, flutamide-based topicals may enhance estrogen activity indirectly by reducing androgen dominance.
How It Works: By blocking androgen receptors, flutamide allows estrogen’s effects to take precedence in supporting hair follicle health.
Usage: Requires a prescription and medical supervision.
6. Compounded Topical Hormones
Description: Compounding pharmacies can create personalized scalp treatments with low doses of bioidentical estrogens.
How It Works: These treatments are customized to individual hormone profiles to target specific scalp and hair growth concerns.
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Usage: Applied as prescribed under medical guidance.
7. Essential Oil Blends with Phytoestrogens
Description: Natural oils with phytoestrogenic properties may support scalp and hair health.
Examples: Rosemary oil, lavender oil, clary sage oil.
How It Works: These oils stimulate blood flow to the scalp and provide mild estrogenic effects, potentially promoting hair growth.
Cautions and Risks
- Risk of Systemic Absorption: Even topical treatments can enter the bloodstream, causing systemic effects like breast tenderness or hormonal imbalances.
- Contraindications: Avoid estrogen-based products if you have a history of estrogen-sensitive conditions (e.g., breast cancer).
- Medical Supervision: Most synthetic estrogen-based topicals require a prescription and should be used under medical guidance.
Conclusion
Topical treatments like estradiol, estrone, and phytoestrogen-based products can increase scalp estrogen levels, supporting hair growth and scalp health. Phytoestrogens offer a milder, over-the-counter option, while synthetic estrogens require careful medical oversight due to potential risks. Always consult a dermatologist or endocrinologist to determine the safest and most effective option for your needs.
What will you do?
Should I include natural phytoestrogens in the Growth Factors serum? Will you be incorporating any of these things in your regime? Let me know what you think in the comments and I’ll answer any questions.
In my many years researching topical hair loss treatments I have seen red clover extract mentioned many times in products and research. This is something I would consider adding to the Growth Factors serum as a safe, natural phytoestrogen, due to its effect of keeping the hair in the growth phase. There are already a lot of products that contain red clover, so if you want to try this now, search Amazon for red clover hair loss treatments.