Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can have an effect on hair growth rates for some people. HRT involves supplementing hormones like estrogen and testosterone that decline naturally with age or due to medical conditions. The hormones used in HRT can promote hair growth by shifting follicles from a resting phase to an active growing phase.
There are a few key points to understand about HRT and hair growth:
- HRT may help stimulate follicle growth and hair regeneration. Hormones signal follicles to regenerate hair through growth cycles.
- Results vary significantly by individual. Genetics, age, dosage, and factors affect outcomes. Some may see thicker, faster hair growth while others see little change.
- Estrogen therapy tends to decrease testosterone. This shift can moderate hair growth on the face and body while improving scalp hair growth.
- Testosterone therapy may increase body and facial hair growth. Testosterone can put hair follicles into an active, growing phase.
Here are some examples of how HRT impacts individuals:
For transgender women on MtF HRT:
- Estrogen supplements and anti-androgens lower testosterone levels. This can:
- Slow facial and body hair growth over months and years
- Reduce hair texture and density in male-pattern areas
- Shift scalp follicles to grow longer, thicker hair
- Results vary based on genetics, dosage, age and health factors. Some experience significant hair changes while others see modest changes over long timelines.
For transgender men on FtM HRT:
- Testosterone therapy increases testosterone levels, which can:
- Initiate new facial, chest and body hair growth
- Accelerate growth rates of existing hair
- Shift follicles from vellus hair to darker, thicker terminal hair
- Testosterone rapidly stimulates hair follicles within the first 3-6 months. Total hair growth keeps increasing over years.
- Genetics dictate sensitivity to testosterone’s effects, so results vary between individuals on the same HRT regimen.
In summary, HRT directly impacts hair growth cycles in many transgender, nonbinary and intersex individuals. The timeline for results varies per individual. Testosterone thickens and accelerates growth. Estrogen helps moderate male-pattern growth while improving scalp hair thickness. Those curious about the effects of feminizing or masculinizing hormones should consult a specialist.