Hormonal causes of hair loss in women and how to manage them

Time of India

4 days ago

Hormonal imbalances are a common cause of hair loss in women. Key hormones like androgens (including DHT), estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid hormones, and insulin all influence the hair growth cycle.
When these hormones are too high or too low, they can disrupt the normal growth and shedding of hair, causing thinning and hair loss. Factors such as menopause, stress, thyroid issues, PCOS, diabetes, genetics, and certain medications often trigger these imbalances. Understanding how hormones affect hair and addressing the underlying causes can help manage hair loss and promote healthier, fuller hair.
How
hormones affect your hair growth
Many people try quick fixes and believe common myths about hair loss without understanding the real causes. In reality, hair naturally grows in cycles: a growth phase (anagen), a transition phase (catagen), and a resting or shedding phase (telogen). According to
research
published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, hormones play a key role in controlling how long each phase lasts and how healthy the hair follicles remain.
When hormone levels, such as DHT, estrogen, or cortisol, are out of balance, they can disrupt these cycles, leading to thinning hair and increased shedding. Knowing the truth about hormonal effects helps in managing and treating hair loss effectively.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): This androgen hormone, a derivative of testosterone, is known for its role in male characteristics but is also present in women at lower levels. According to a
study
published in the National Institutes of Health, excessive DHT can shrink scalp hair follicles, shorten the growth phase, and lengthen the shedding phase. This leads to thinning hair, especially at the crown and along the part line, a condition called female pattern hair loss or androgenic alopecia.
Estrogen: Estrogen supports the anagen phase, helping hair stay in the growth cycle longer, which promotes thicker and longer hair. It also blocks testosterone from converting into DHT within hair follicles. When estrogen levels drop, such as during menopause, hair follicles prematurely enter the resting phase, leading to hair thinning and increased shedding.
Progesterone: This hormone regulates menstrual cycles and supports pregnancy. Like estrogen, progesterone helps inhibit the conversion of testosterone into DHT. Low progesterone can indirectly raise DHT levels in the scalp, contributing to hair loss.
Cortisol: Known as the stress hormone, cortisol spikes during emotional or physical stress, triggering a form of temporary hair loss called telogen effluvium. High cortisol levels push hair follicles into an extended resting phase, causing noticeable hair shedding and thinning a few months after a stressful event.
Thyroid Hormones: The thyroid gland produces hormones vital for metabolism and overall bodily function, including hair follicle health. Both hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) and hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone) disrupt the hair growth cycle, causing hair to become brittle, thin, and prone to shedding.
Insulin: Insulin regulates blood sugar by facilitating glucose uptake into cells. Insulin resistance or deficiency leads to elevated blood sugar levels, damaging blood vessels and reducing oxygen and nutrient supply to hair follicles. This impairment can slow hair growth and promote hair thinning. Insulin imbalances may also increase DHT production, further exacerbating female pattern hair loss.
What causes hormonal imbalance and hair loss?
Several health and lifestyle factors contribute to hormone-related hair loss in women:
Menopause: During menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels decline sharply. This hormonal shift shortens the hair growth phase and permits more testosterone to convert into DHT, increasing the risk of female pattern hair loss.
Stress: Physical or emotional stress elevates cortisol, which can cause telogen effluvium, a temporary but often significant hair shedding occurring several months after the stressor.
Thyroid Disease: Both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions disrupt hormone balance, leading to hair thinning. Thyroid medication may help restore hair growth, though some drugs can initially worsen hair loss.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS raises androgen levels, including DHT, leading to hair loss primarily on the front scalp and temples. Medical treatment of PCOS often improves hair regrowth.
Diabetes: Poor insulin regulation in diabetes can reduce nutrient flow to hair follicles, causing thinning and hair loss.
Genetics and Aging: A family history of female pattern baldness increases susceptibility to DHT-driven hair loss. Aging naturally shifts hormone levels, potentially worsening hair thinning.
Hormonal Birth Control: Some birth control pills with higher androgenic activity may worsen hair loss in women already sensitive to DHT.
Managing hormonal hair loss: key lifestyle tips for healthier hair and hormone balance
While hormonal hair loss is not always preventable, certain lifestyle and medical strategies can help manage symptoms and promote healthier hair:
Reduce Stress: Incorporate stress-relieving activities such as meditation, yoga, hobbies, or spending time outdoors to lower cortisol levels.
Maintain a Balanced Diet: Eating nutrient-rich foods supports hormone production and overall health.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps regulate hormones like insulin and reduces stress.
Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep nightly to support hormone balance and recovery.
Some women may need medical help to balance hormones and reduce hair loss. If you notice sudden or severe hair loss, bald patches, or other unusual symptoms, it's important to consult your healthcare provider promptly. Early diagnosis can help identify any underlying hormonal issues and guide you toward the right care. Understanding that hormonal imbalances often cause hair loss is the first step in addressing the problem effectively and maintaining healthier hair over time.
Seeking professional advice ensures you get the appropriate support for your individual needs.
Also Read:
Don't eat these 5 foods if you want to stop nasal polyps from getting worse