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**Kratom** can offer many **mental** and **physical benefits** when used carefully, but like any other substance, it also comes with its own potential downsides.
Fortunately, most of these side effects, like temporary nausea, are potentially linked to ingesting too much Kratom. They are relatively easy to predict and avoid. However, other negative side effects are less well-known and even land on the verge of myth.
One potential Kratom-related myth we get asked about is whether or not there’s a link between taking Kratom and experiencing premature hair loss. So if you want to know whether or not Kratom ingestion can actually lead to hair loss, you have come to the right place. Not only will we bust the myth that Kratom causes hair loss, but we will also explain where this mistaken belief originates from.
From there, we examine any grains of truth that could be used to establish a link between Kratom powder ingestion and hair loss, such as changes in hormone levels and unhealthy impurities found in low-quality Kratom powders and concentrates.
So, Will Taking Kratom Cause Hair Loss?
In a word, no. Simply put, there is no concrete evidence that can establish a link between Kratom use and hair loss. The truth is, there are no studies to support this claim.
In most cases, claims that Kratom use led to or accelerated hair loss are simply anecdotal reports submitted on open-ended online message boards, such as Reddit. While these claims may seem somewhat plentiful, it is important to remember that the number of people who ingest Kratom and do not encounter any such experience far outweighs those who say they did.
More importantly, none of the scientific research published to date has backed these claims.
Is it Impossible that There Could be a Link Between Hair Loss & Kratom Use?
While none of the current scientific studies regarding Kratom use can find a link between Kratom and hair loss, it is important to admit that, currently, there is a relatively limited body of scientific research regarding Kratom use.
This is especially true when you compare Kratom-related studies to the number of studies that have been conducted on the ingestion of other substances, such as cannabis.
So, in the interest of transparency, it is still important to explore some of the unverified theories as to why some people claim Kratom use can cause hair loss.
Why Would Some People Link Kratom Use to Hair Loss?
As discussed above, there may be some small grains of truth that could potentially link Kratom ingestion to hair loss, but they are unsubstantiated. Even so, it is worth exploring some of these theories.
Theory #1 –Additives, Pesticides, and Other Impurities Found in Low-Quality Kratom
Unfortunately, not all Kratom products are of the same quality, so we always stress the importance of purchasing fresh Kratom powders and capsules from trustworthy and transparent vendors that lab test their batches and make the results publicly available. The best vendors source their Kratom from growers who do not use unhealthy pesticides or add unnatural preservatives during the harvesting and drying processes.
Numerous selenium-based pesticide sprays are used to help accelerate the growth of certain types of crops.1 Unfortunately, studies on this topic have linked the ingestion of these low-grade pesticides to some cases of premature hair loss and various other side effects2, which is why the top Kratom growers do not use them.
The best Kratom suppliers use organic farming practices, ensuring their Kratom powders are free from chemical contaminants.
Even if the Kratom used to make a specific Kratom product is free from unnatural fertilizers and pesticides, you should also ensure that you are not purchasing Kratom combined with preservatives, colorants, and other unnecessary additives.
Some Kratom vendors offer Kratom concentrates and other products filled with impurities. While these additives might not be linked directly to hair loss, it is better to avoid any potential health consequences and simply choose pure Kratom sourced from trustworthy growers.
Theory #2 – Kratom Gets Blamed for Hair Loss that Is Related to the Ingestion of Other Substances
One of the many benefits Kratom offers is considered to be its ability to help treat addiction to opioids and other harmful narcotics. Unfortunately, opioid abuse is known to cause some very serious and damaging side effects, and, as you may have guessed, one of them is premature balding.
It’s possible that some people may associate the negative side effects of other substances with Kratom ingestion. Even though many of the harmful side effects associated with the ingestion of prescription and non-prescription opiates have nothing to do with Kratom, some people mistakenly blame Kratom ingestion for them as people often take Kratom as a way to treat addiction to other substances.
Kratom also treats physical pain and a wide range of mental issues, including insomnia, anxiety, and more. As such, it is not overly surprising that many people who consume Kratom also take a variety of prescription medications at the same time.
Many different types of medication may impact testosterone levels, among other hormones. It makes sense that some people mistakenly link their Kratom ingestion to hormone-related health issues, like hair loss or hair thinning, even though these issues were caused by the other meds they were taking.
Theory #3 – Taking Large Doses of Kratom Could Potentially Impact Hormone Levels
While there are currently no studies that prove this theory, there is a chance that consuming excessively large doses of Kratom could impact a person’s hormone levels. Given that testosterone is so closely linked to hair growth and loss, if there is a link between extremely high levels of Kratom ingestion and testosterone levels, ingestion could be linked to hair loss.
With that said, if there is a link between the two, there would only be an issue if a person was consuming excessively high doses of Kratom regularly, as studies regarding regular levels of consumption have found no such link.
As of now, the only research study on the topic of testosterone levels and Kratom consumption3 found no link between Kratom and hair loss. This theory continues to linger because we know long-term consumption of higher doses of Kratom may decrease energy levels, libido, and motivation, which are all symptoms associated with low testosterone levels.
While the link is not proven, it is still important to practice safe and proper dose control. Not only will it help you avoid a wide range of negative side effects, but it will also prevent you from developing an unhealthy Kratom tolerance, which can spiral out of control if you continue to consume increasingly larger doses every time you take Kratom.
What Does This All Mean for Kratom Users?
The good news is there is no concrete link between Kratom ingestion and hair loss, so regardless of anecdotal claims, you may not have to worry that consuming Kratom will impact your hairline.
It is still important to source your Kratom from trustworthy and reliable vendors. Do not fall into the trap of shopping for the lowest prices without considering quality, purity, and freshness. Not only will this help you avoid the pesticides and impurities that could cause hair loss, but choosing high-quality Kratom will make it easier to achieve the particular benefits you are looking for.
Practice safe and proper dose control. Even if it turns out that consistently taking heavy doses of Kratom does not influence hair loss and hormone levels, it is still a good idea to avoid letting your tolerance spiral out of control. Always start with a small and responsible dose, especially when switching to a new Kratom strain. This is good advice, even if you are a very experienced Kratom consumer.
What Can Kratom Users Do to Avoid Premature Hair Loss?
While not linked to Kratom use, those concerned about hair loss should also do what they can to consume a healthy and nutritious diet. It is well beyond the scope of this article but if you have questions about your diet, there are plenty of reputable resources online, or you could speak with a qualified dietitian or doctor.
There are plenty of high-quality supplements you may take to make sure that you are meeting your daily nutritional needs. And you should also ensure that you get an age-appropriate amount of exercise each day.
As mentioned above, various types of prescription medications can also impact hormone levels. If you are on a new medication and notice hair loss, you should review the common side effects and consider speaking with your doctor.
Remember, protecting your health will give you the best possible chance of preserving your hairline, but it will also do much more for your body and mind.
Conclusion
Genes, stress and age-related changes in hormone levels can all lead to hair thinning, so don’t be so quick to blame your Kratom consumption for any hair loss you are experiencing. Do what you can to protect and improve your health, and, as always, make sure you are practicing safe Kratom consumption by purchasing high-quality Kratom and dosing responsibly.
References
1. Mechora Š. Selenium as a Protective Agent Against Pests: A Review. Plants (Basel). 2019 Aug 1;8(8):262. doi: 10.3390/plants8080262. PMID: 31374956; PMCID: PMC6724090.
2. Pasch, M.C. (2012). Hair Disorders Induced by External Factors. In: Rustemeyer, T., Elsner, P., John, SM., Maibach, H.I. (eds) Kanerva’s Occupational Dermatology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-02035-3_26.
3. Singh D, Murugaiyah V, Sahul Hamid SB, Kasinather V, Chan MSA, Ho ETW, Grundmann O, Chear NJY, Mansor SM. (2018). Assessment of gonadotropins and testosterone hormone levels in regular Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) users. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 219, 55-60. PMID: 29626673, DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.04.005.
