Hormones and Hair Loss – What We Really Know
Hormones can play a significant role in hair loss. Here’s what you need to know about the key hormones that influence hair growth and thinning.
Testosterone
Women naturally have small amounts of testosterone in their bodies. When this hormone becomes unbalanced, it can lead to hair loss from the scalp while causing thicker, darker hair to grow on other parts of the body. One of the most common causes of elevated testosterone levels in women is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Testosterone can also convert into a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT plays an important role during puberty, helping develop typically male characteristics such as body hair, a deeper voice and increased muscle mass.
After puberty, however, DHT can continue to influence the body in other ways, including hair thinning, fat distribution and even mood. We all have DHT in our bodies, but its effects vary from person to person, largely due to genetics.
Hair grows in cycles, and higher levels of DHT can disrupt this cycle. This may lead to thinning hair, a receding hairline, increased shedding, and general hair loss. These types of hair loss are commonly referred to as Male Pattern Hair Loss, Female Pattern Hair Loss, or Androgenetic Alopecia.
Oestrogen
Oestrogen is strongly linked to hair growth. Many women notice their hair becomes thicker and fuller during pregnancy due to higher oestrogen levels.
When oestrogen levels drop, such as during menopause hair may gradually become thinner. Hormonal changes from certain contraceptive pills can also disrupt oestrogen levels, which may contribute to hair shedding or thinning in some women.
Cortisol (The Stress Hormone)
Cortisol levels rise when the body experiences stress, anxiety, or emotional strain. Severe stress, such as the loss of a loved one or a major life event can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
This disruption can push hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to increased shedding or noticeable thinning several months after the stressful event.
Thyroid Hormones (T3 & T4)
The thyroid gland plays a key role in regulating metabolism and many bodily functions, including the hair growth cycle. When thyroid hormones become imbalanced, this can disrupt the normal hair cycle and lead to hair shedding, thinning, or brittle hair.
If any of the above sounds familiar, there is hope.
There are effective treatments and medical options that can help manage hormonally related hair loss. The most important step is to identify the underlying cause.
If you are experiencing hair thinning, increased shedding, or changes in your hair, booking a professional hair and scalp consultation can help determine the cause and guide you toward the most appropriate treatment plan.
Description – Hormones play a major role in hair growth and hair loss. Testosterone can convert into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which may shrink hair follicles and disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to thinning or pattern hair loss. In women, conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can raise testosterone levels and contribute to scalp hair loss. Oestrogen supports healthy hair growth, which is why hair often feels thicker during pregnancy but may thin during menopause when levels drop. Stress increases cortisol, which can trigger temporary shedding. Thyroid hormone imbalances (T3 and T4) can also disrupt the hair cycle, causing thinning or excessive hair loss.
