Our hormones are inextricably linked with our health. They regulate growth, metabolism, reproductive functions, blood pressure, and other crucial processes. To a large degree, they also dictate our hair’s health. Some hormones regulate the hair’s growth cycle, while too much or too little of others can cause hair loss.
What Hormones Cause Hair Loss?
The hormones most commonly implicated in hair loss are testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, and thyroid hormones.
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone. When testosterone levels are too high or low, it can impact hair growth… especially in men. High testosterone levels may increase production of dihydrotestosterone – a hormonal byproduct that causes hair follicles to shrink – leading to permanent hair loss. Women may also experience high testosterone levels that result in hair loss. This typically occurs in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone. In women, hair loss may occur when estrogen levels drop after giving birth or during menopause. Some birth control pills also affect estrogen levels; they may shorten the hair’s growth phase and lengthen its resting phase.
Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, may be released in excessive quantities during periods of stress. This often results in telogen effluvium, where larger than usual numbers of hairs are pushed into their resting phase.
T3, T4, and calcitonin are hormones produced by the thyroid gland. When there is an abundance or lack of these hormones, hair loss may occur.
What Does Hormonal Hair Loss Look Like?
Androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, is the most common form of hormone-related hair loss. It is characterized by a receding hairline, sometimes accompanied by thinning or balding at the crown of the scalp. Other forms of hormonal hair loss may cause overall thinning throughout the scalp.
Hormones and hair loss in women can look a bit different. Female hormone-related hair loss tends to present as all-over excess shedding – especially on top of the head. This may be visible as a widening part, or obvious thin spots when one’s hair is in a ponytail or bun. Occasionally, thinning may be seen along the hairline… but this is more common in men than in women. In some cases where female testosterone levels are too high, hair thinning on the scalp may be accompanied by excessive growth of thick, coarse hair elsewhere on the body.
Can Hormonal Hair Loss Grow Back?
In many cases, hair loss from a hormonal imbalance may grow back if the imbalance is resolved with medical treatment or lifestyle changes. Hair loss related to a thyroid condition can be one example of this.
In the case of male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness, hair loss may be slowed down but not reversed. Once the impacted follicles stop producing hair, they cannot be switched back on again, and you may wish to consider transplantation from an active area of the scalp.
How Can I Stop Hormonal Hair Loss?
If you suspect you may have a hormonal imbalance, consult your physician as soon as possible. Hormonal issues can negatively impact your health in many ways – causing insomnia, weight fluctuations, mood changes, sexual dysfunction, digestive issues, skin problems, and more, so it is important to address the problem head-on.
While you attend to your health, we can focus on the health of your hair. While you work to get your hormones in check, we offer options to preserve your existing hair and promote healthy regrowth to the greatest extent possible. Medications like finasteride or minoxidil, and procedures like low-level laser light therapy, are minimally invasive treatments that may be helpful. If your hair loss becomes permanent, we offer options for natural-looking transplants that require little downtime.
RHRLI Creates a Plan to Address Your Hormone-Related Hair Loss
Whether your hair loss stems from hormonal issues or some other cause, Robotic Hair Restoration Long Island can develop a hair restoration treatment plan designed specifically for you and your needs. Whether that is a minimally invasive treatment to stimulate hair growth or a surgical procedure to replace lost hair, we have the expertise you deserve. Contact us today to set up a consultation and begin your hair restoration journey.