How Do Hormones Influence Hair Loss in Women?

How Do Hormones Influence Hair Loss in Women?

It isn’t just men affected by thinning hair. Hair loss also occurs in women, albeit in a subtler manner.

In our bustling world where external appearances often reflect inner vitality and confidence, the prospect of hair loss can be disheartening regardless of gender. For women, hormones hold a particularly delicate balance that extends its influence to every aspect of their well-being, including their hair.

There are many reasons why women experience hair loss including significant weight loss, dietary changes, or nutrient deficiencies, however the most common cause is hormonal fluctuations..

Join us as we delve into the complex mechanisms that trigger hair growth and the ways that hormonal imbalances can lead to thinning strands. But, more importantly, we’ll discuss a potent solution—hormone replacement therapy.

Understanding the Hair Cycle

Hair loss as you age is normal. In fact, the average adult sheds about 50 to 100 strands of hair per day as part of the natural growth cycle. However, thinning hair occurs when more hair falls out than grows, interrupting the cycle.

The Growing Phase or Anagen Phase

The first phase occurs as the hair on your head grows continuously for two to eight years. At any given time, about 90% of your hair is in the anagen phase. The duration of this phase depends on the type of hair, such as eyebrow hair or arm hair. During this phase, your hair follicles will push out hairs until they eventually fall out.

The Transition Phase or Catagen Phase

This phase starts just as the anagen phase ends. It lasts for 10 days or more, during which your hair follicles shrink as growth slows down. This is also the part of the cycle when your hair splits from the bottom of its follicle, yet remains intact.

The Resting Phase or Telogen Phase

The third phase occurs when your hair ceases growth but also doesn’t shed either. The hair essentially “takes a break” before beginning the anagen phase again. This is also the time when your hair sheds more frequently.

The Shedding Phase or Exogen Phase

The last phase occurs when hair sheds from your scalp, allowing new hair to grow in its place. The exogen phase lasts from two to five months.

The Role of Hormones

Female pattern hair loss may be caused by several factors such as age and genetics, but is most frequently caused by hormonal changes and imbalances. Some of the hormones involved in women’s hair thinning include the following:

Cortisol

This is the hormone that affects your mood, especially when you’re stressed, anxious, or fearful. Stressful situations can cause a spike in cortisol which can then affect hair growth.

Increased cortisol levels can lead to telogen effluvium – a condition in which your hair follicles enter the resting phase, causing your hair to fall out in clumps. The good news is that this type of hair loss is temporary —it will grow back once your cortisol levels return to baseline.

Estrogen

This is the hormone that is directly associated with your hair’s lifecycle. It binds itself to receptors on your hair follicles to boost the anagen phase.

A drop in estrogen levels can trigger an increase in the production of male hormones called androgens. This is commonly experienced by older women experiencing menopause. Fortunately, medical treatments can help offset these effects.

Thyroid Hormones

Your thyroid hormones can disrupt your hair’s growth cycle, especially if you have severe hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Thyroid-related hair loss may also be accompanied by unexplained weight gain or loss, fatigue, and thinning of the skin. Desiccated thyroid treatment can be used to offset these effects if approved by a medical professional.

Testosterone

Women produce testosterone in small amounts, and it helps promote the growth and maintenance of reproductive tissues, bone density, and muscle mass. An imbalance of testosterone can cause a woman to lose hair on their scalp, or grow coarse body hair on the face or chest. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be administered as per the recommendation of a medical professional.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

This hormone is converted from testosterone and is the main culprit in “androgenetic alopecia,” otherwise known as male or female pattern baldness. Increased amounts of DHT can shrink your hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle, ultimately leading to hair loss.

Other Causes of Hair Loss

Hormonal treatments can help alleviate many of the symptoms we discussed in the previous section. However, there are other external factors that can also contribute to hair loss including medication, harsh chemicals in hair products, and fad diets.

For instance, taking medication for acne, high blood pressure, or depression could lead to hair loss as a side effect. This should cease once the medication is stopped. However, if you still find yourself noticing an excessive amount of hair on your hairbrush after stopping these medications, this may be a sign of a hormonal imbalance.

Bleaching your hair or using permanent hair dye could lead to hair loss as well, especially if they contain harsh chemicals that come into contact with your scalp. Over-processed hair may break at the ends or fall out if you’re not careful, which could result in bald spots or extremely dry and thin hair.

Restrictive and unhealthy fad diets can also cause hair loss as they deprive your body of the nutrients it needs to properly support hair growth. You should consult with your doctor before starting any diet if you have not received advice from a nutritionist.

Treat the Root Cause of Thinning Hair At APT Medical Aesthetics

Hair loss is a concern for many women—especially as they age—but can easily be managed with the right treatments. Embarking on a journey of hormone replacement therapy under the supervision of a qualified medical professional might be the right solution for you.

APT Medical Aesthetics offers this treatment along with other medical aesthetic services to help you look and feel your best! Do not let hair loss hold you back any longer.

Schedule a complimentary consultation today so that we can create a personalized hormone replacement therapy program tailored to your specific needs.