Does Kratom Cause Hair Loss?

Mitragyna speciosa, more commonly referred to as kratom, has many potential benefits. From relaxation to pain relief to helping people overcome life-threatening addictions, kratom for sale may provide invaluable relief in certain situations. Despite the positives, many reported side effects are still associated with kratom use. For example, users report feeling nauseous when kratom is used in higher doses.  Herbal-salvation Kratom

Other side effects aren’t as straightforward and easy to understand, and some side effects are even considered myths. Let’s explore kratom use and hair loss and determine whether it’s a myth or a fact.

Can Kratom Cause Hair Loss?

When it comes to hair loss and kratom usage, there isn’t clear evidence linking the two. However, there isn’t extensive scientific research on how kratom affects the body. This small body of research means that it’s nearly impossible to determine if kratom causes hair loss. Most of the information we know about kratom comes from kratom users rather than from science. Despite the lack of evidence, there are theories that can explain the potential link between thinning hair and kratom usage.

Theories about Kratom Hair Loss

Although it seems odd, much of the information available on kratom stems from anecdotal reports that were submitted by people on the internet. Kratom is very popular, but there isn’t a ton of scientific research that’s been done.

With this in mind, let’s explore some theories on this topic more in-depth.

Kratom Potentially Linked to Pesticides

Some reports note that a Selenium-based pesticide spray is sometimes used on kratom farms, resulting in hair loss. There’s no scientific proof of this and there isn’t any other mention of commercial crops that use this spray. With this in mind, a huge reason that we always encourage our website visitors to check lab reports on different kratom vendors’ websites is to identify products that could be contaminated with pesticides.

In the case that pesticides are used during the cultivation process, these compounds shouldn’t be findable in the final product. Applying pesticides early enough in the season gives them enough time for the leftover residue to break down before harvesting.

Kratom & Testosterone

A general belief about kratom is the link between kratom and testosterone. However, research that’s available has yet to confirm if these two things are linked. The only related research on the link between kratom and testosterone is an animal study and there’s no conclusive evidence connecting the two.

Despite the lack of evidence, there are some experienced kratom users that report symptoms of low testosterone, experiencing side effects such as low energy levels, decreased motivation and libido, brain fog, and depression. It’s unclear whether these side effects are a result of using kratom, the result of natural aging, or the use of other medications.

Kratom as an Immunostimulant

Kratom is known to be an immunostimulant which means that it’s a supplement that increases the strength of your immune system. This can be especially useful in kratom users who want to increase their abilities to fight off infections and recover faster from illness. However, if your immune system is always overstimulated, this isn’t a good thing. As a side effect, your body will experience increased inflammation. This is a natural response as it directs the body’s healing energy to areas that are damaged. If there’s ongoing unnecessary inflammation, it can cause problems such as scalp inflammation that results in immune cells attacking the hair follicles.

Kratom & Opioids

There are many alkaloids in kratom that impact the body’s opioid system. These alkaloids contribute to the potential narcotic and painkilling benefits that kratom offers, allowing users to relax and experience bliss. There are other side effects of opioids to keep in mind, however. Baldness is one, making it easy to see the link between kratom and hair loss.

Despite opioids and kratoms sharing a pathway, the substances are different. Many side effects linked to prescription opiates aren’t found in kratom, so the risk of hair loss is minimal.

Kratom and the Possibility of Heavy Metal Contamination

There have been recent FDA tests performed on different kratom products. Some of the products, unfortunately, showed significant heavy metal contamination. Unfortunately, there are different heavy metals such as lead and nickel that can slowly build up in the body. As a result, some people experience heavy metal poisoning that can result in illness. Some of these illnesses can cause hair thinning, leading many people to question: does kratom cause hair loss?

Common Causes of Hair Loss in Men & Women

Hair loss is caused by a number of factors outside of kratom. This condition impacts both men and women, although men more traditionally face full-on baldness compared to women. Regardless of gender, there are varying factors that can contribute to thinning or balding hair.

Hormone Changes

It’s not uncommon to experience hair loss as a result of hormone changes. Hormones could naturally decline with age or change based on drugs or supplements.

Genetics

Genetics and family history undoubtedly play a role in whether or not you experience hair loss. Both male and female balding may be passed from one generation to the next.

Stress Levels

Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss that results from chronic stress. The lifespan of your hair follicles can shorten when stress levels are high, leading to more hair loss.

Drugs & Supplements

There are many drugs and supplements that can result in hair loss such as antidepressants, beta-blockers, contraceptives, anticoagulants, hormone therapy drugs, anti-epileptics, and drugs that impact cholesterol.

Understanding the Symptoms of Hair Loss

Hair loss can be attributed to systemic illnesses in addition to skin and scalp issues. Here are some symptoms of hair loss of which you should be aware:

A receding hairline

Thinning on a part or all areas of the head

Bald patches

Thinning hair on the top of your head

Although kratom use and hair loss are linked, there is no conclusive scientific evidence between the two. The government is looking at the flagged concerns of kratom use, but as of now, there is no solid evidence that it results in hair loss.

What Kratom Users Note about Kratom and Hair Loss

Even though kratom and hair loss is not scientifically proven, there are some kratom users who have reported that they experience hair loss following kratom usage. It’s important to disclaim that many commenters on this subject noted that other factors could have been in play, and their dosage was high.

These types of experiences aren’t widespread and most people have not experienced hair thinning despite being regular kratom users. Another noteworthy callout is that the majority of these claims come from users in the United States. Users in Southeast Asia did not report hair thinning as a side effect.

How to Reduce Hair Loss from Kratom

You might be questioning how to take kratom without losing hair as this is a significant concern for many kratom users. We’ve outlined some helpful tips to help you minimize the likelihood of hair loss from kratom.

Only Take What You Need

Many kratom users who notice hair loss note that they were taking an excessive amount of kratom over a long period of time. To combat this and to reduce your risk of negative side effects, experts recommend taking smaller doses and stretching them as much as you can.

Restore Hair with High-Quality Shampoo

If you’re concerned about hair loss from kratom use, you can invest in a high-quality shampoo to restore and grow your hair. You can look at the reviews of the products you’re considering to see other peoples’ experiences.

Only Purchase Kratom From a Legitimate Supplier

The best kratom strains come from high-quality suppliers. It’s important that you purchase tested products from reputable suppliers to reduce the risk that you purchase a product from a tainted batch. Trusted kratom vendors have detailed lab reports that show details on each crop.

Look Into Taking Hair Growth Supplements

If you’re particularly concerned about losing your hair from kratom usage, you can try using supplements designed to help with hair growth to offset any potential side effects. Options include biotin, MSM, collagen, silica, and omega fatty acids.

Reduce Stress and Prioritize Your Health

Those who experience hair loss while using kratom could be suffering from other conditions that have the same side effects. Examples include an inadequate diet, high anxiety levels, or even wearing a particular hairstyle. Lean into a healthy lifestyle if you’re trying to avoid hair loss.

Avoid Certain Cosmetics and Drugs

There are some cosmetics and drugs that are more commonly linked to hair loss than others. For example, medications such as NSAID painkillers, some cancer drugs, blood pressure medication, antipsychotic drugs, anabolic steroids, and contraception medications are linked to hair loss. If possible, avoid them.

Consider Hair Restoration

While purchasing quality shampoo can help, it might not be a suitable option for everyone. If this is the case for you, don’t panic! You can also consider minimally invasive hair restoration options or consider accelerated hair growth surgery. In most cases, these surgeries have a healing time of a week or two.