Kratom has grown in popularity in recent years as an herbal remedy for pain relief, anxiety relief, and as an aid to help overcome opioid addiction. However, increasing reports from kratom users of experiencing hair loss have raised questions about whether kratom could be implicated in this condition. Let's take a deep dive into the existing scientific evidence on kratom's potential link to hair loss.
Table of content
What is Kratom?
Kratom comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia. Key compounds in kratom, alkaloids known as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to opioid receptors in the brain, producing analgesic, stimulant, and sedative effects. While originally used traditionally, kratom is now sold as a supplement in countries where it's legal, with users reporting benefits for pain, mood, and opioid withdrawal.
As your leading source for hair health information over the past 4 years, we never compromise on accuracy. When it comes to your health, you deserve information you can truly rely on - and earning your trust is our top priority.
Here's how Scandinavian Biolabs ensures every piece of content meets the highest standards of accuracy and integrity:
- Credentialed Experts: Our reviewers are actively practicing doctors and medical researchers
- Stringent Reviews: Content undergoes rigorous editing by subject specialists and review by a practicing doctor.
- Evidence-Based: We rely on well-established research from trusted scientific sources like peer-reviewed journals and health authorities.
- Full Transparency: Our editorial standards, writer credentials, reviewer credentials, correction process, and funding are all publicly documented.
- Independent Voice: While we do promote products, we operate in a vacuum to business operations. Our main goal is just an unwavering commitment to providing medically-sound guidance.
You can count on Scandinavian Biolabs to consistently deliver the trustworthy health information you deserve. Read our Editorial Standards.
The Potential Risks of Kratom Use
While proponents tout kratom's benefits, risks of using kratom include nausea, constipation, increased blood pressure, fatigue, psychotic symptoms, and dependence/withdrawal when taken regularly over the long-term. The FDA warns of 44 reported kratom-associated deaths between 2016-2021, though kratom's role is unclear given polydrug use in many cases. More research is still needed on kratom's safety profile and addictive potential.
Does kratom cause hair loss?
The question of whether Kratom, a herbal supplement known for pain relief and aiding in opioid withdrawal, causes hair loss is a topic of ongoing debate and research.
Currently, there is no definitive scientific evidence directly linking Kratom to hair loss.
What might have caused your hair loss instead?
These are scientifically proven reasons you might have hair loss.
- Hormonal Changes: Kratom might influence hormonal balance, leading to conditions that could contribute to hair loss.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Regular use of Kratom may lead to suppressed appetite, potentially causing nutritional deficiencies that can impact hair health.
- Stress Response: Kratom’s psychoactive properties may affect the body’s stress response, which in turn could disrupt the hair growth cycle.
Why Do We Think Kratom Caused Hair Loss?
Online forums contain numerous anecdotal reports from kratom users attributing excessive hair shedding and thinning to their kratom use. However, these reports lack scientific rigor and controlling for other variables known to impact hair health. It's difficult to ascertain whether kratom was truly the cause based on these initial reports alone. So far, these reprots are usually based on:
- Lack of Direct Scientific Research: There are no comprehensive studies that directly establish a cause-and-effect relationship between Kratom use and hair loss.
- Anecdotal Reports: Online forums and personal testimonies have highlighted instances where individuals using Kratom have experienced hair thinning or loss. These reports, while not scientifically verified, raise questions about a potential side effect.
Scientific Studies on Kratom Hair Loss
Only one scientific study to date has directly investigated kratom use and hair loss. In this 2020 study involving 143 kratom users, 5.6% self-reported excessive shedding that started after beginning kratom.
However, the study was limited by its reliance on self-reporting without objective confirmation of hair loss. No other studies have yet conclusively proven kratom causes or is linked to hair loss. More research using controlled trials is still needed.
How Kratom Could Potentially Cause Hair Loss?
Given the lack of direct evidence, researchers have proposed some possibilities for how kratom could theoretically impact hair indirectly:
- hormone changes: binding opioid receptors, kratom may disrupt the HPA axis and hormone levels like cortisol linked to hair cycles
- nutritional deficiencies: kratom's potential appetite suppressant effects could lead to deficiencies impacting hair
- excessive toxicity: long-term heavy use of kratom may produce toxic effects on hair follicles
However, none of these proposed mechanisms have been proven, and further studies are warranted to better understand potential connections.
How To Deal With Kratom Hair Loss?
If you're experiencing hair loss and suspect it might be related to Kratom use, it's important to consider that this issue is often caused by a variety of factors other than Kratom. While addressing potential nutritional deficiencies and managing stress are key steps, it's also crucial to explore comprehensive hair care solutions that promote hair health and regrowth.
Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine: A Natural Solution
In this context, Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine emerges as a highly effective, natural-based solution. This routine is specifically designed to support and enhance hair regrowth, making it an ideal choice for those looking to help counteract the effects of hair loss, whether related to Kratom or other causes.
Why Choose Scandinavian Biolabs?
- Plant-Powered Ingredients: The routine is formulated with bio-based ingredients, ensuring a gentle yet effective approach to hair care.
- Scientifically Tested: Each product in the routine is backed by scientific research, aimed at promoting hair growth and preventing further loss.
- Holistic Approach: This comprehensive routine addresses various aspects of hair health, from the scalp to the hair follicles, ensuring an all-encompassing treatment.
How Does It Work?
- Nourishes Scalp and Hair: The routine provides essential nutrients directly to your scalp and hair, fostering a healthy environment for hair growth.
- Stimulates Hair Follicles: Active ingredients work to rejuvenate and stimulate hair follicles, encouraging natural hair regrowth.
- Strengthens Hair: Regular use of the routine strengthens existing hair, reducing breakage and thinning.
Getting Started
To effectively combat hair loss potentially associated with Kratom, incorporating the Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine into your daily regimen is a proactive step. It's a safe, natural alternative to conventional treatments like minoxidil and finasteride, and is suitable for those seeking a holistic approach to hair care.
In Summary
While initial reports connect kratom use to hair loss, scientific evidence remains inconclusive. More rigorous clinical trials are still needed to definitively confirm or rule out kratom's impact on hair health. Individuals experiencing hair loss are best advised to consult a trichologist or dermatologist to investigate all potential causes and treatment options. Further research may provide clearer answers in the future.
Read more:
- 21 Best & Proven Herbs For Hair Growth Of 2024: The Ultimate Guide
- 5 Most Effective Shampoos For Thinning Hair Due to Menopause
- 10 Best Alternatives To Minoxidil Of 2024 (Natural & Artificial)
