If you are a woman with thinning hair, your hormones may be to blame. But which ones? It turns out, there’s more than one answer, says Marla Ahlgrimm.
Estrogen And Progesterone
Marla Ahlgrimm explains that estrogen and progesterone are two of the primary female sex hormones. Each is important in maintaining hair growth and scalp health. Estrogen plays a role in promoting blood flow to the scalp so that the hair can receive essential nutrients. It also affects the hair growth cycle and works to ensure that hair follicles remain active during the antigen growth phase. Progesterone supports the antigen phase to help reduce shedding.
Androgens
Testosterone and other androgen hormones are usually associated with male characteristics. But they also have a major role in hair growth. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a derivative of testosterone that binds androgen receptors to hair follicles, which can reduce the growth phase. When this happens, women can experience what’s known as androgenic alopecia. Marla Ahlgrimm says this is the most commontype of female hair loss.
Thyroid Hormones
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, thyroid hormones play a role in metabolism throughout the body, and that includes within the hair follicle. When these hormones are imbalanced, it disrupts the hair growth cycle and can lead to thinning hair.
How To Manage Thinning Hair
Addressing hormonal hair thinning should begin with a conversation with your primary health care provider. They may recommend medical interventions, lifestyle changes, or new hair care practices that can help slow hair loss or reduce its appearance. Marla Ahlgrimm says that a few things that women can do to keep hair loss in check include:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Marla Ahlgrimm says this includes eating a balance of foods, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular exercise. Each of these supports hormone balance.
Creating a gentle hair care routine. A woman’s hair care routine often includes shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioners, thermal protectants, styling chemicals, and more. Marla Ahlgrimm says that women facing hair loss should use milder versions of these beauty products and avoid excessive heat styling. She also recommends limiting tight hairstyles, such as buns, and wearing a hat outdoors to protect the hair and scalp from UV damage.
Beyond Your Physician
If you have already spoken with your primary health care provider about hair loss with no results, consider visiting with a dermatologist. Your dermatologist may be able to assess, diagnose, and treat hormonal hair thinning. Marla Ahlgrimm says that your healthcare team can work to evaluate your hormone levels and identify any potential underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to hair loss.
Hormones are found throughout the body, from the tops of our heads to the tips of our toes. These little chemical messengers control virtually all of us, including our hair. Marla Ahlgrimm says that women should use caution when styling and talk to their doctor if they notice prematurely thinning hair.
