Hair loss from HGH and Thyroxin

by Jeff

I’m a 31 year old male who has always been in superior condition with a very full head of hair. My hairdressers and others would frequently comment on how thick my hair is. About 8 months ago, I made a really stupid decision. One of my weight training buddies convinced me to take a cycle of Growth Hormone (somatropin). In addition, I took thyroid (thyroxin) to go along with the HGH. I did this for about 1.5 months. I took a month off and then took another cycle of HGH for approximately 5 or 6 weeks.

After the first cycle, I noticed that my hair seemed thinner and I could see my scalp. It was difficult to style with gel as I had always used. The gel didn't seem to stick because there was not enough hair for it to stick too. This occurred about 2 months after the end of my first cycle and during my second cycle. I quit using the HGH in early Jan.

Throughout the next few months, my hair seems to fall out like crazy. It falls out when I run my fingers through it as well as in the shower. I have cut my hair several different ways to try to cope with the thinning hair. It seems to have thinned more on the top and crown than other places although it has gotten thinner all over and hair falls out in all areas of my scalp. It has been 4 months since I got off of the HGH. I have been waiting to see if things are going to improve. I think my hair has gotten a little thicker and isn't shedding as bad but I’m not sure.

Some days, I think it has improved and then other days I’m just not sure. It sometimes depends on the lighting I am looking at my hair in. In the very front, I can see small new hairs growing but I am never sure if I have enough growing to replace all that has fallen out. This ordeal has stressed me out a great deal and is taking over my life. I think the shedding has decreased from what it was a couple of months ago and maybe gotten a little bit thicker but I am just not sure. How do I know if I am having TE from the HGH or thyroxin?

I haven't been to a doctor because I am not in a position to see one for maybe 2 more months due to work location. Will my hair grow back? All the hairs that fall out have the white bulb that is characteristic of Telogen hairs. Does these hair coupled with the new hairs I see growing indicate TE? Is it normal that I could still be shedding hair 4 months after I quit the HGH? Is it possible that HGH (somatropin) caused a TE even though it is supposed to cause a lot of people to regrow hair? I have shed so much hair over the last several months I’m amazed that I’m not completely bald and that others haven't really noticed too much.


I do a good job of keeping it short and hiding it from other people with hats and clever styling jobs. Someone please help me answer some of my questions. If this was some kind of pattern balding or thinning (since it has thinned all over my head) it wouldn't have happened in a matter of 3 months would it? I regret more than anything ever taking the HGH or thyroxin and would take it back if I could. Since I cannot, will someone please help me understand what is happening to my hair? Aside from the stress of losing my hair, I feel otherwise very healthy. Any help you can give me is appreciated. Thanks to all.

Editor’s Comments,

First, taking too much thyroxin when you have normal thyroid levels can lead to hyperthyroidism, which can trigger hair loss. This condition can persist for several months until your hormones stabilize. Till then, the hair loss can continue to thin further.

When it comes to HGH, there are many sources that are claiming to be able to prevent baldness and grow back your hair instead of causing more hair loss. Yet, many people have sworn that their hairs are much thinner when they are on HGH.

Why? Firstly, it’s important to understand that HGH or Human Growth Hormones are complex cellular fuel that till today, still has not been fully deciphered. The hormone is known for its effects on cell growth and is widely marketed for preventing aging and improving body mass and shape so technically speaking, HGH is also supposed to assist in growing hairs. There are many products out there that offer HGH as a hair loss solution but so far, there is no concrete evidence of its effectiveness in doing so, except in some cases where the users are facing with HGH deficiencies.

On the contrary, taking HGH without medical supervision can be a possible cause of many medical conditions like acromegaly, diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome and possibly hair loss. The hormone is also known to stimulate testosterone production as well, which might increase DHT conversion rate.

It’s best not to touch HGH unless you are facing with growth hormones deficiency because the long term effects and the complex mechanisms of this hormone is still not fully understood. The benefits and side effects on the hair is also a mystery and the so called HGH have yet to be well established or approved as an effective hair loss treatment.

So, why is it causing hair loss and why it doesn’t it some people is still unclear but if you don’t need it then don’t try. Vitamin B supplements can help calm your stress and also regulate your thyroid glands as well and it may be well suited for your situation. In any case, try to see your doctor as soon as possible to see whether the hormones are actually affecting your hair. Also check out the Preventing Hair Loss section for more tips.