Does platelet-derived thrombopoietin (TPO) injection promote hair growth?

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Last updated: April 25, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, specifically those with a higher concentration of platelets, are the most effective type of injection therapy to promote hair growth, as evidenced by numerous clinical trials showing a significant increase in hair density and thickness 1.

Key Considerations

  • The effectiveness of PRP is highly dependent on the concentration of platelets, with higher concentrations leading to greater improvements in hair density, follicle diameter, and terminal hair density 1.
  • The method of application, such as microneedling or injection, can also impact the efficacy of PRP, with microneedling showing superior results in some studies 1.
  • Combining PRP with other treatments, such as topical minoxidil, can lead to even greater improvements in hair growth and density 1.

Treatment Recommendations

  • For patients with androgenetic alopecia, PRP injections with a high platelet concentration, combined with topical minoxidil, are recommended as a first-line treatment 1.
  • Treatment should be administered in a series of injections, typically 3-4 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments every 3-6 months 1.
  • Patients should be monitored for response to treatment, with adjustments made as needed to optimize results.

Important Notes

  • While PRP has shown significant promise in promoting hair growth, individual results may vary, and genetics can play a significant role in response to treatment 1.
  • Other injection options, such as mesotherapy and specific medications, may also be effective, but more research is needed to fully understand their efficacy 1.

From the Research

Injection TPO for Hair Growth

  • There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support the use of injection TPO for promoting hair growth.
  • However, the studies discuss various other treatments for hair loss, including: + Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 + Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) 2, 3, 4, 6 + Minoxidil 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 + Finasteride 2, 3, 4, 6
  • These treatments have shown promising results in promoting hair growth, but the quality of evidence varies and more research is needed to fully understand their efficacy 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • The use of combination therapies, such as LLLT and minoxidil, may also be effective in promoting hair growth 5.
  • It is essential to note that the provided studies do not mention injection TPO as a treatment for hair growth, and therefore, its effectiveness and safety for this purpose are unknown based on the available evidence.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.