TL;DR: Hormones play a major role in women’s hair health, and imbalances can lead to thinning or excessive shedding. Understanding which hormones affect hair growth, and how life stages like pregnancy or menopause can influence them, can help you take back control of your hair health.
- DHT (a testosterone byproduct) is the primary hormone behind female hair loss, especially when estrogen and progesterone decline.
- Hormonal imbalance hair loss can stem from PCOS, thyroid disorders, menopause, or stress-related cortisol spikes.
- Estrogen and progesterone promote growth, but fluctuating or excess levels can trigger shedding.
- Thyroid issues disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to weaker, thinning strands.
- With treatment, balanced hormones, and lifestyle changes, many women can reverse hormonal hair loss and promote regrowth.
Ever glanced at your hairbrush and felt a pang of anxiety at the sight of those strands? You're not alone.
There is a link between hormones and hair loss, and we don’t talk about it enough. For countless women, hair loss is a silent struggle that may be genetic or environmental, often tinged with confusion and frustration.
What if I told you that unraveling the mystery about what hormones cause hair loss in women could be the first step toward getting your hair back?
In this blog, we’ll empower you with knowledge and solutions. Continue reading to learn about the link between hair loss and hormones. It’s the first step in flipping the script on hair loss so you can take control.
What Hormones Cause Hair Loss in Females?
Hormones are chemical messengers that send signals throughout your body. One of their many jobs is to send signals to your follicles. The amount of certain hormones in your bloodstream tells hair when to grow and when to slow (and, yes, when to shed). Below, we’ll discuss a few of the hormones that may be causing your hair to thin and why.
Estrogen and progesterone
High levels of estrogen and progesterone boost hair growth, keeping your locks thick and luxurious. However, during events like menopause or post-pregnancy, levels plummet. At that time, hair can shift from its growth phase to a resting and shedding phase quicker than you'd like.
Strangely, too much progesterone can cause hair loss, too. When levels drop too low, they stimulate DHT production, which causes hair to thin. This can occur in conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or even as a result of menopause. Certain medications, like hormone replacement therapies, can trigger this progesterone overproduction, too.
Androgens
When we talk about androgens, including testosterone and its more potent form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), it’s common to think of male traits. However, women naturally produce these hormones, too, and they can be important for hair growth.
But when the scales tip, as seen in conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), they can shrink hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle. The result is often thinning hair.
Thyroid hormones
Thyroid hormones are metabolic maestros, orchestrating a symphony of bodily functions. Both an underactive (hypothyroidism) and an overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid can lead to hair thinning by disrupting the hair growth cycle. That makes optimal thyroid function crucial for maintaining a head full of enviable tresses.
Cortisol
Cortisol, dubbed the “stress hormone,” can be a frenemy to your follicles. In small doses, it's a vital part of your body's response to stress. It’s also essential for regulating your metabolism and controlling blood sugar levels.
However, the relationship between cortisol and your hair is complex. It can quickly tip toward hair loss when stress becomes a constant companion. When you're under acute stress, the body's natural response is to prioritize essential functions for survival. Unfortunately, that doesn't include hair growth.
This is where cortisol comes into play. Short-term stress isn't likely to cause noticeable hair loss. When stress lingers, however, cortisol levels remain high, and the story changes.
Beyond Genetics: When Life Takes the Wheel
While genetics lay the groundwork for our hair's potential, it's the hormonal shifts that often take the driver's seat. They’re responsible for steering our hair through various stages of growth and loss. Life events such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause are marked by significant hormonal changes. Every transition has the potential to directly impact the health and density of your hair.
Puberty
Puberty is a time of dramatic change, with hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone shaping our bodies and minds. For some, this hormonal surge can lead to an increase in hair density and vitality.
For others, puberty can trigger conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), where elevated androgen levels can lead to hair thinning and loss. Thus, many women, puberty marks the beginning of hormonal imbalance hair loss.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is often heralded as a time of lush, full hair, thanks to high levels of estrogen and progesterone. But the postpartum period tells a different story.
After childbirth, as hormone levels plummet to their pre-pregnancy levels. Many women experience significant shedding, a condition known as postpartum telogen effluvium. This dramatic shift underscores how hormonal imbalance hair loss can manifest, even as part of natural life processes.
Menopause
Menopause marks a significant hormonal shift, with estrogen and progesterone levels decreasing. That shift gives rise to increased androgen influence.
This change can lead to hair thinning and loss, particularly on the scalp, while ironically causing hair to grow in places women might not want it. The diminished estrogen support during menopause makes this a critical time for hormonal imbalance hair loss. Such changes highlight the need for targeted care and intervention.
Addressing Hormonal Imbalance Hair Loss
Understanding the symptoms and signs of hormonal imbalance hair loss is the first step toward reclaiming your hair's vitality. Unlike the distinctive receding hairline often seen in male-pattern baldness, hormonal hair loss in women typically manifests as diffuse thinning across the scalp. Some signs of hair loss include:
- An uptick in hair strands on your pillow or clinging to your hairbrush
- Thinning patches or a widening part line
- Circular or patchy spots
Recognizing the signs of hormonal imbalance hair loss during these pivotal life stages is the first step toward taking control. It's not merely about counteracting genetics, but understanding and managing the hormonal shifts that life throws our way. Various strategies can help mitigate the impact of these hormonal fluctuations on hair health.
The first step is always to speak to a physician about your symptoms.
Reclaiming Your Roots
Embarking on the journey to address hormonal imbalance hair loss can be both empowering and transformative. Integrating lifestyle changes can significantly impact your hair health.
Regular exercise and sufficient sleep go a long way in reducing stress, a known aggravator of hair loss. Nutrition also plays a pivotal role. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin D, can fortify your hair from within. Moreover, managing stress through mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can lower cortisol levels, mitigating its impact on your hair.
In addition to these holistic approaches, your primary doctor may recommend medical treatments. Common examples include hormone therapy or topical agents such as minoxidil. These treatments, often prescribed after a thorough evaluation, can rebalance your hormonal landscape and encourage hair regrowth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hormones & Hair Loss
What hormone causes hair loss in females?
The main hormone linked to hair loss in women is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. High DHT levels shrink hair follicles, shorten the growth cycle, and cause thinning. That’s especially the case when estrogen and progesterone levels drop during menopause or postpartum changes.
Can a hormonal imbalance cause hair loss?
Yes. Hormonal imbalance hair loss occurs when levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or thyroid hormones become disrupted. This can lead to excessive shedding or thinning across the scalp. Conditions like PCOS, menopause, or thyroid disorders are common culprits.
Does too much progesterone cause hair loss?
It can. While progesterone supports healthy hair growth at normal levels, too much progesterone may trigger DHT production, which contributes to hair thinning. Hormone therapies or imbalances during menopause can also cause this issue.
Can thyroid problems cause hair loss?
Yes. Both hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) and hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone) can lead to hair loss. When thyroid hormone levels are out of balance, the hair growth cycle becomes disrupted, resulting in thinner, weaker strands.
Will hair grow back after hormonal hair loss?
Yes, in many cases. Once hormones are balanced and the underlying cause is treated, new growth often begins within a few months. Treatments like minoxidil, hormone therapy, and lifestyle adjustments can help encourage healthy regrowth. In cases in which it doesn’t, wigs and toppers are a great way to boost your confidence.
Key Takeaways for Remedying Hair Loss
It’s clear that there is a strong link between hormones and hair loss. Stressing less is easier said than done. With intentional steps to regulate your hormones, your hair could see a serious transformation
But here's the thing—realizing the cause of hair loss in women is just the start. It's what we do with that knowledge that really counts. Some treatment options for hair loss may even be partially covered by insurance, so it’s worth checking with your provider to see what support is available.
And if you're looking for a little extra confidence boost, the Lauren Ashtyn Collection is here with luxury hair toppers, wigs, extensions, and more. And, yes, all can be covered through insurance! Learn more and reach out to our team today!
