Hormonal Effects on Women Hair – A woman’s hair health has a strong relationship with the hormones in her body. In each phase of a woman’s life, including puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, hormonal patterns can greatly change hair texture, hair density, and hair growth cycles. Changes in hormones can manifest as hair loss or shedding, hair thinning or dryness, and hair growth in unwanted places, such as the face. Since hair often reflects health from within the body, being aware of the impact of hormones on the hair can empower women to manage their changes and develop beautiful, healthier hair during different phases of their life.
Hormonal Effects on Women Hair – Key Causes
Numerous hormones influence hair growth and health:
- Estrogen – Leads to thicker hair and higher quality, but if estrogen drops during menopause, hair may become thinner.
- Progesterone – Contributes to the relative balance of estrogen, and low levels may mean more shedding.
- Androgens (testosterone) – if you have too much of these hormones can thin out scalp hair and lead to more facial hair.
- Thyroid hormones – A disruption (often hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) links to dryness, fragility or hair loss.
- Cortisol (the stress hormone) -An heightened about of stress can push strands into the shedding phase.
Hormonal Effects on Women Hair – Hormonal Phases and Their Impact on Hair
- Puberty
- Hormonal changes may increase oiliness of scalp and hair.
- Some may notice that their hair becomes thicker, or that texture has changed.
- Pregnancy
- Increased levels of estrogen will often mean thicker, shinier hair.
- After the birth of a baby, an acute drop in estrogen will sometimes cause temporary hair loss (postpartum hair loss).
- Menopause
- Decreased estrogen and increased androgen levels can lead to thinning at the crown, and in some cases, overall loss of volume.
- Hair can also become thinner, drier, and become more brittle.
- Stress and Lifestyle Choices
- Too much stress leads to cortisol production = diffuse shedding (telogen effluvium)
- Sleep, poor diet increases factors mediated by hormones
Hormonal Effects on Women Hair – Managing Hormonal Hair Changes
- Good Nutrition
- Eat iron, zinc, omega-3, proteins and other nutrients to assist with building up the follicles
- Increase leafy greens, as well as dense nuts and seeds, some eggs and oily fish.
- Gentle Hair Care
- Use gentle shampoo and do not use chemical hair treatments, if at all possible
- Massaging to the scalp would increase blood flow and follicle health.
- Managing Stress
- Practicing yoga, meditation, or simple movement can help relieve stress to your health, reduce cortisol levels, and help restore hormone balance.
- Medical Intervention
- When the imbalance is large enough, hormone therapy (if needed), thyroid medication or supplements can help restore health
- For certain hormonal imbalances (thanks to good testing) dermatologists and endocrinologists will give you a proper diagnosis.
Hormonal Effects on Women Hair – When to Seek Medical Advice
If hair loss is sudden, patchy, or associated with a systemic complaint, including fatigue, irregular menstrual cycles, or unexplained weight changes, then a professional evaluation would be indicated.
Hormonal Effects on Women Hair – Conclusion
Hormonal Effects on Women’s Hair – While the hormonal impacts on women’s hair throughout her life cycle are completely normal, they are often annoying. If women can better understand how the actions of estrogen, androgens, thyroid hormones, and stress affect their hair, they can take steps to try and manage these changes. With an appropriate diet, stress management, care of the hair, and a professional consultation if needed, women can enjoy luscious, healthy hair through every hormonal stage of their life.
