Saturday, July 27, 2024

Female Hair Loss Hormonal Imbalance

Don't Miss

Hormonal Hair Loss: Improvements With Topical Minoxidil

Mayo Clinic Minute: Expert advice for women with thinning hair

With hormonal hair loss, the hair follicles are not being attacked by the immune system so hormonal hair loss is not an autoimmune disorder.

According to the American Skin Association, alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where the hair follicles are damaged and often destroyed. âThere can also be short hairs that look as if they have broken off, called exclamation point hairs,â St. Surin-Lord says.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, topical minoxidil is the most common treatment for androgenic alopecia or hormonal hair loss as opposed to corticosteroids for non-hormonal hair loss treatment. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and lower the immune response in alopecia areata.

Hormonal Imbalances In Women That Cause Hair Loss

Scroll to read

Noticing changes in your hair can be distressing excessive shedding, a more visible scalp, a receding hairline, a thinner ponytail, early greying or even eyebrow thinning are some things that women notice that cause them worry. In Singapore, many sufferers turn to non-medical settings to treat their hair loss woes when in truth, they should be seeking medical treatment for hair loss.

Female hair loss is a complex topic and could have a large number of causes that range from genetics to nutrition, from poor scalp care to stress, from autoimmunity to excessive hair styling. One of the more understated, but equally important, causes of hair loss in women is hormonal imbalance.

At Terra Medical Clinic, we see a myriad of cases that present for female hair loss treatments and we look into every detail to diagnose and treat your hair loss. In cases of hormone imbalances, there is usually a need to seek medical treatment from a hair restoration practitioner as salons, spas and herbal solutions do not address the underlying issue.

What are Hormones?

The Oxford Medical Dictionary defines a hormone as a chemical substance produced in the body or in a plant that encourages growth or influences how the cells and tissues function or an artificial substance that has similar effects

There are a few hormones of interest when it comes to female hair loss:

What are some examples of what an imbalance of these hormones can do to your hair?

Can A Better Diet Slow Down Hair Loss

Itâs understandable to want more affordable and simple solutions to stave off hair loss. While a good diet wonât do much against the onset of a genetic predisposition toward male pattern baldness, you can certainly make the impact less severe.

A balanced diet is essential to keep your bodily functions running smoothly. Missing out on your leafy greens or failing to hydrate adequately will do more than affect your hair growth: youâll affect your sleep patterns, mood, and bo wel movements. Foods associated with healthy hair are beans and fatty fish like salmon. You should also eat deep green vegetables like:

âIf you donât qualify for testosterone replacement therapy, you may wish to explore natural ways to raise testosterone. Unfortunately, proven natural testosterone boosters are few and far between, says Dr. Diamandis, although there are lifestyle practices you can adopt that will bring benefits whether youâre low on testosterone or not.â

A healthy head of hair needs plenty of biotin and omega-3 fatty acids. Itâs not just your follicles youâre taking care of, but the natural layer of oil on your scalp.

Despite how it may appear, you have options when it comes to addressing and reversing male pattern baldness.

Also Check: Is It Safe To Take 20mg Of Melatonin

Read Also: How To Treat Hormonal Jawline Acne

Hormonal Causes Of Hair Loss

Hormones are chemical messengers that control every organ in the body, so when changes in these hormone levels occur, certain health disorders can arise. Medical researchers have found that fluctuating levels of hormones, especially estrogen and testosterone, make women more susceptible to experiencing hair loss at certain points of their reproductive life.

While androgenic alopecia is directly linked to an excessive amount of testosterone in a woman’s body, the hormonal causes of telogen effluvium are linked mostly to estrogen and progesterone levels. Low levels of estrogen or sharp fluctuations between estrogen and progesterone can push hair follicles into telogen phase prematurely, and to start falling one or two months later. Hence the reason why more women experience hair loss during times of significant hormonal imbalance – puberty, PMS, menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.

Furthermore, there are also specific hormonal causes and typical environmental factors which can explain the occurrence of hair loss according to the stage of a women’s reproductive life in which this disorder appears, such as around PMS and during puberty, pregnancy, post-partum, and menopause.

Pharmaceutical And Surgical Options For Hair Loss

FEMALE HAIR LOSS

Interventions at the third level involve the highest risk and often the highest costs. Not all treatments are suitable for women at every life stage, so it is strongly recommended to speak to a licensed healthcare practitioner before starting any pharmaceutical treatments for hair loss.

There are two main types of medical options that can be prescribed to treat hair loss: hormone-regulating medication and follicular unit transplants.

These three levels of approaches are not mutually exclusive. A woman may use different approaches at different times or any combination of them to treat hair loss, depending on the duration and severity of symptoms. Today more and more women find that dealing with hair loss is best accomplished via a combination of healthy lifestyle and alternative treatments.

Women who face hair loss often find that it causes them anxiety, due to the unwanted change to their appearance. Considering this, the fact that stress can be a cause for hair loss can make things difficult because it can easily become a sort of vicious circle. Taking time to relax is therefore extremely important.

Recommended Reading: How To Fix Hormonal Imbalance In Females

Reversing Hair Loss With East West Medicine

The great news about hormonal hair loss is that it can often be reversed by correcting the hormone imbalance. Since hair loss or thinning hair is a side effect of another underlying condition, once you heal the underlying condition, your hair should begin to regrow naturally.

Of course, there are ways that we can help this process along, and a few things you can remedy at home to both balance your hormones and reverse hair loss.

Natural Hair Growth

Lush Locks works to replenish hair nutrients, control inflammation that impairs follicle function, and support healthy keratin production within the interior hair shaft itself.

This powerful support for healthy hair growth is packed with biotin, Ayurvedic botanicals, and nourishing amino acids.

Lush Locks also contains B vitamins and magnesium which promote the metabolism of amino acids , healthy thyroid function, and DNA production and repair. B6, folate, B12, and iron support the health and production of red blood cells, which deliver nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles.

What Are The Treatment Options

Hormone replacement therapy is one of the most common treatments of low hormone levels.

For people experiencing menopause, premature menopause, or primary ovarian insufficiency as well as after oophorectomy or chemotherapy estrogen therapy can offer some relief. Estrogen therapy alone is recommended for those who have had a hysterectomy. You can take estrogen in different forms, generally estrogen pills and estrogen patches.

Also Check: How Long Does It Take Hormone Replacement To Work

What Can I Do

  • The appearance of menopausal hair loss can sometimes be improved by cosmetic practices, e.g. reducing the use of straighteners, hair dryers and other heat damaging tools. This along with the use of thickening shampoos and conditioners may improve hair appearance.
  • A healthy, varied diet is a contributing factor to a healthy body, so a nutritional review may be helpful.
  • Topical solutions to increase hair growth can be purchased. These take several months to take effect and must be used on an ongoing basis, or hair loss will return.
  • Laser devices that emit low-energy laser light may stimulate hair growth to help fight thinning hair. Laser therapy is best carried out by a hairdresser or therapist with experience and training on these devices. The long-term safety and effectiveness are unknown.
  • Some medications have side effects that could include hair loss. Make sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if youve noticed significant hair loss and you think that your medicine might be the cause.
  • An important function of hair is to protect the scalp from sunlight it is therefore important to protect any bald areas of your scalp from the sun to prevent sunburn and to reduce the chances of developing long-term sun damage.
  • Be reassured. Most menopause related hair loss does slow down with time.

Hair Loss From Thyroid Problems

SIGNS OF HORMONE IMBALANCE IN WOMEN DERMATOLOGIST @Dr Dray

Either an underactive thyroid, a medical condition called hypothyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, can result in hair loss because each condition causes a hormonal imbalance. Hormones help to regulate nearly every function in the body, including hair growth. Getting the right treatment to control either of these thyroid conditions will get hormones under control, stop hair loss, and allow your hair to starting grow back.

You May Like: Which Hormone Increases Blood Sugar Levels

Get The Facts About Low Testosterone In Women

All that said, it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of low testosterone in women. Its not something many women think of when they see physical changes or are not feeling well.

Low testosterone in women, while quite possibly a factor in female hair loss, causes a lot of other symptoms you would probably prefer to live without click the button below to find out more.

You May Like: What Happens When You Overdose On Melatonin

Hormonal Imbalance Hair Fall

Hormonal Imbalance Hair Fall. It helps to regularize major bodily functions, such as the metabolism and reproduction.hence, it is important to treat hormonal imbalance to reduce hair fall problems. Hormones play an important role in our body. Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in adult males include: If you feel you are shedding over 125 strands on an average daily, you may want to figure out what is causing the problem.

Hormonal issues are a general cause of hair loss in both women and men. Hair loss during perimenopause and menopause , the natural but extreme declines in estrogen levels can cause hair loss for many women between the ages of 40 and 55. The case of hormonal imbalance can be detected by sudden weight gain, irregular periods, hair loss and many more.

Can hormonal imbalance cause hair loss ? Cortisol is a stress hormone that comes from the adrenals. If you feel you are shedding over 125 strands on an average daily, you may want to figure out what is causing the problem.

The best ways to handle hormonal imbalances and prevent hair loss 1 it could be linked to hyperthyroidism, menopause, diabetes, immune system problems, an imbalance of female hormones, or even stress. Men also have 10 times higher blood levels of testosterone.

It is more common in people reaching 40s. Sometimes, hormonal changes can cause your hair to thin or to fall out. Maybe youre thinking of testosterone, which is produced 20 times more by men than by women

Also Check: How To Test For Low Testosterone At Home

Implications Of Hormone Therapies In Hair Loss

Many authors, including those of this review, suggest authors hypothesize that hair loss in addition to acne and hirsutism are side effects attributable to the androgenic effect of progestogens . Additionally, some data have suggested an association between androgenic progestins and alopecia. A postmarketing surveillance study of Norplant, a levonorgestrel implant, noted statistically significant increased rates of alopecia in patients with the implant compared with controls . In another study aiming to assess the incidence of hair loss in women after insertion of a levonorgestrel IUD, the adverse effect of hair loss prompted some women to remove their device upon removal, some women experienced recovery of their hair loss, which suggests a causal association . This study was met by the severe limitations of reliance on physician reporting of hair loss and inadequate follow-up. In a Finnish study of almost 18,000 women, 15.7% of women with levonorgestrel IUDs reported hair loss . However, authors did not provide details that could support causality, such as timeline of insertion and removal of device, duration and severity of hair loss/growth, and other risk factors for alopecia.

What Side Effects May I Notice From Receiving This Medicine

Hormone Imbalance Symptoms For Women

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • chest pain or palpitations
  • skin rash, blisters, or itching
  • sudden weight gain
  • swelling of the hands or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention :

  • redness, irritation and itching at the site of application
  • unusual hair growth, on the face, arm, and back

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Don’t Miss: How To Balance Hormones Perimenopause

Female Hair Loss And Hormonal Imbalance

Saw your hair falling out? The hair on your pillow, on your towel, in your comb? Have you been spotting more hairs than normal? It is easy to panic when you notice your hair everywhere. You can feel that your hair is thinning at a faster rate than normal. Around 40% of women experience hair loss of some sort and degree by their 30th birthday. This indicates, hair loss is not just common with men, it is also a female problem. Hair loss has become very common these days for both men and women. Everyone is looking for home remedies, hair loss treatments and what not! However, it is important to understand, what is causing the hair loss? Losing a few strands of hair every day is normal, however, the growth of new hair is the most important factor. Hair loss without hair growth leads to balding. And this female hair loss is termed as female pattern baldness.

There are many reasons for hair loss in women. Sometimes, it is triggered by hormonal changes, genetic and in other cases, factors such as stress, thyroid issues or weight loss can all have an effect on your hairline. As a woman, dealing with hair loss and baldness can be difficult. Fortunately, female hair loss can be controlled if with safe and effective medications. Through this article, we take you through the causes of female hair loss and female pattern baldness treatment.

Dramatic Or Sudden Weight Loss

A crash diet or even weight loss surgery can trigger hair loss. Many fad diets are so restrictive that your body doesnt get the nutrients it needs which leads to a vitamin deficiency. Not getting enough zinc, iron or protein in your diet can cause hair loss especially if you are a vegetarian or if you have heavier than normal periods you may experience low iron. Your body needs these nutrients to sustain itself and will send these nutrients to body areas that need them the most with your hair not considered necessary for survival. A change in diet or taking supplements can help with hair loss but you should consult your doctor with the best approach regarding supplements.

Recommended Reading: Best Over The Counter Hormone Imbalance Medication

Hormonal Imbalance And Hair Loss

A woman goes through various stages in her life, such as pregnancy, delivery, and menopause. Hormonal imbalance in women is normal, but how does it affect her overall body and especially hair is what matters. Here are the main points where hormonal inbalance causes female hair loss:

1. PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common female disease. In this small cysts form in the ovaries. PCOS results in a hormone imbalance in which the ovaries produce more male hormones called testosterone than the normal. this high level of male hormone in females leads to oily skin, acne, excess facial hair and thinning scalp hair . You may also notice light or irregular periods, which may stop altogether.

What You Need To Know About Hair Loss

Are Your Hormones Causing Hair Loss?

If your condition is not due to a hormonal imbalance, your doctor may recommend treatment that includes topical corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids may lead to red or puffy face and can reduce your immune systems ability to fight infection. In some cases, fungal infections, such as tinea capitis, can lead to hair loss. Fortunately, you can take antifungal medications to treat it and get a full head of hair again.

Hair loss is a normal part of aging, and there is no need to worry. In fact, it is perfectly normal for most people to lose a bit of hair every day, and it will grow back eventually. Some men and women experience hair loss as they age, while others simply have a genetic predisposition to the problem. If youre experiencing a lack of hair, you may have a weakened immune system, which can lead to hair loss.

For more severe cases of hair loss, a dermatologist may recommend a hair transplant. This procedure involves a surgeon removing plugs of hair from your scalp. It may take several hours and multiple sessions to complete the process. Its an invasive treatment, and may not be the best option for everyone. Your doctor will need to examine your scalp to determine the cause of your condition. In addition to a healthy diet, your doctor may recommend taking supplements of various vitamins and minerals.

Don’t Miss: What Type Of Doctor Treats Low Testosterone

The Hair Growth Cycle Up Close

Your hair is dead, or rather its made up of extruded, compacted dead cells. Your circulatory, endocrine, and nervous systems are all needed to grow hair. Each hair grows out of a living follicle that cycles through four distinct phases on a regular basis:

1. growth or anagen3. resting or telogen4. returning growth or mesanagen

This full cycle can last from two to five years per follicle. The problem of unusual hair loss and thinning occurs when a follicle gets stuck in the telogen, or resting, phase. Bald spots appear when a large group of follicles all turn off in one place. Most of the time this occurs slowly, but in some cases it can happen all at once, causing a clump of hair to fall out.

Every day, human beings lose hair, about 50100 strands a day. You can use our pull test to see if your hair loss is excessive. Take about 60 hairs between your fingers and pull gently but firmly. Normally about 58 hairs will come out. That means the average 10% of hair follicles are transitioning normally toward the resting phase. If more than 15 hairs come out, it may indicate unusual hair loss, or telogen effluvium.

Heres what happens with telogen effluvium: more follicles than average move into the resting state. When this happens, you may notice more hair than usual in your hairbrush or on the bathroom floor. Women can also suddenly lose a clump of hair or parts of their eyebrows after a terrible shock.

More articles

Popular Articles