Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally created in your body by the pineal gland while you sleep. You may have heard that some people take melatonin as a short-term sleep aid to treat insomnia. It is also an antioxidant, which means it can combat oxidative stress to reduce the signs of aging.
Research has shown that there may also be a link between melatonin and hair growth. Hair follicles contain receptors for melatonin, which contribute to the hair growth cycle.
Hormones such as adrenaline, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and enzymes such as 5-alpha reductase are monitored and regulated during the sleep cycle when melatonin is generated.
Too little melatonin can allow these to go out of balance and that may result in thinning hair.
Can Melatonin Regrow Hair?
Some studies have shown that the topical use of melatonin can have positive effects on hair regrowth by stimulating hair follicles. However, the jury is still out on whether taking melatonin orally is directly linked to hair growth.
Getting a good night’s sleep can reduce anxiety and stress. Melatonin can help improve sleep. The right levels of melatonin in the body regulate hormones that can lead to hair loss. Unfortunately, the wrong levels of melatonin can have the opposite effect.
Does Melatonin Cause Hair Loss?
Too much or too little of anything is bad for the body. The same is true of melatonin. While it can create improvements in the sleep cycle – and has been linked to hair regrowth – the wrong amounts can cause hair loss.
Hormones, enzymes, and free radicals can destroy hair follicles. Melatonin helps to regulate these free radicals. However, the wrong amount can cause chaos in the system resulting in hair follicles shrinking.
Should I Try Melatonin for Hair Loss?
While the topical and oral use of melatonin has shown promise in treating hair loss in some patients, no treatment is perfect, and every person’s body is different.
It is important to consider the potential side effects of any treatment. While generally safe, some of the side effects of melatonin include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Daytime drowsiness
- Mild tremors
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Irritability
- And abdominal cramping
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are certain medications that may interact negatively with oral melatonin supplements – including but not limited to drugs that reduce blood clotting such as:
- Anticoagulants or anti-platelet drugs
- Blood pressure medications
- Oral contraceptives
- Seizure medications such as anticonvulsants
- OCD drugs such as Luvox (Fluvoxamine), diazepam, and immunosuppressants
It is not advised to take melatonin if you have an autoimmune disease.
RHRLI Can Help You Find The Right Treatment For Your Hair Loss
Before starting any hair loss regimen, you should be aware of all your treatment options. RHRLI has the expertise to help you decide the right course to restore your hair based on your specific needs.
We offer both non-surgical and surgical therapies including the ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant System, a minimally invasive procedure that will have you returning to your daily activities in no time. Contact us today to discuss the best path to schedule a free consultation.