Hair loss is a common problem that can have a major impact on a person's quality of life. And for women, it is seen as devastating to their physical appearance and self-esteem. But there are many different causes of hair loss, and in women, one of the most common is an imbalance of hormones.
Hormones affect many areas of the human body, and that includes serious issues affecting the hair and skin. In this article, we’ll look at the hormone that causes hair loss in females and what can be done to prevent it, which includes treatment and possible solutions.
Hormones and Hair
Hormones play a significant role in regulating hair growth. Androgen, a type of hormone, is responsible for hair growth on the body and scalp. When the body produces too much androgen, it can lead to excess hair growth, which can be a symptom of a medical condition called hyperandrogenism.
Estrogens, on the other hand, can lead to hair loss. There are several other hormones that also affect hair growth, including thyroid hormones, cortisol, and testosterone. High levels of these can lead to considerable hair loss.
As women age, the levels of these hormones shift and change. And as women go through different stages of life, from puberty, pregnancy to menopause, their experiences and reactions to stress will affect their hormone levels.
Stress and Cortisol
But the hormone that is most responsible for hair loss is cortisol. When a person experiences stress, the body’s cortisol levels increase, leading to telogen effluvium, in which hair stops growing and is followed by shedding.
Most women experience this condition after pregnancy, rapid weight loss, or any emotionally and physically stressful event. In such cases, it’s best to talk to a physician to receive a diagnosis and proper treatment.
What About Testosterone?
High testosterone can affect a woman’s hormonal balance, but it is a common misconception that hair loss is primarily caused by testosterone. In fact, hair loss in females is largely caused by a byproduct of testosterone, called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is produced when testosterone is converted into estrogen in the body. When DHT levels are too high, it can cause the hair follicles to miniaturize and eventually stop growing hair.
Women also have testosterone in their bodies, but at a very low level compared to men. But even at minute levels, increased DHT levels in women can affect hair follicles and trigger hair loss.
There are many factors that can contribute to high DHT levels in the body, including genetics, stress, and certain medical conditions. Some people do not focus on hair loss and instead look for treatments that can help to reduce DHT levels and slow down the progression of hair loss.
Hormonal Hair Loss in Women
Menopause is a time when women experience drastic fluctuations in hormones that can lead to the thinning of hair as well as hair loss.
Female pattern baldness is the second biggest reason for hair fall in women after menopause. Female pattern baldness is caused by a combination of hormones and genetics. When a mature woman has a hormonal imbalance and is going through menopause, it might make the hair loss more serious and obvious.
Hormonal Hair Loss Treatment
Female pattern baldness is often due to high levels of DHT. Physicians can recommend exercise, diet changes and relaxation techniques to lower DHT levels. It’s best to talk to a doctor to find the right treatment and medication.
Topical treatments, such as minoxidil, can help to stimulate hair growth. oral medications such as finasteride and dutasteride, can also be effective in treating hormonal hair loss. Remember, these treatments have to be recommended and prescribed by a doctor or hair care specialist.
Changing to whole foods and reducing caffeine intake could also improve hormonal imbalance. Most dieticians recommend food rich in Vitamin B, Omega oil-3 and magnesium. Foods such as eggs, fish, chicken, broccoli, and spinach are rich in these vitamins and minerals.
Adding exercise and other forms of relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation could also reduce cortisol levels by reducing stress and anxiety. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
If you are experiencing hair loss, a doctor or dermatologist will be able to determine the cause and chalk out appropriate treatment. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medications, hair transplants, and low-level laser therapy. These specialists can help to determine the cause of your hair loss and recommend the best treatment options for you, for your specific needs.