Can Female Hormonal Hair Loss Be Reversed?

Have you noticed a decrease in the thickness of your hair in areas where it was once dense? This could be a sign of hair loss related to female hormonal factors. Increased shedding of hair strands could be attributed to excessive androgens and decreased estrogen levels. While hormonal changes may be inevitable, there may be ways to combat the hair loss that comes with it.

What Hormone Causes Hair Loss in Women?

Hair loss can occur due to hormonal changes, mood swings and weight gain. The excess presence of male hormones, specifically androgens like dihydrotestosterone, can lead to hair loss by causing hair follicles to shrink. DHT can make it difficult for hair to grow properly. Variations in female hormones like estrogen and progesterone can also interfere with the hair growth cycle.

Hormonal variations in estrogen and progesterone levels are frequently experienced during pregnancy or menopause, but they may begin to arise years before menopause. Perimenopause typically starts between 40 and 44, but some women may experience perimenopausal symptoms in their 30s. One potential symptom of hormonal changes during perimenopause is hair thinning.

Estrogen And Progesterone

As menopause approaches, the ovaries' production of estrogen and progesterone decreases. These hormones are responsible for regulating a woman's reproductive cycle. This decrease in female hormone production can affect various body parts, including the brain, bones, and hair follicles.

According to a study, more than half of postmenopausal women, at 52.2%, have experienced hair thinning or female pattern hair loss. Most participants in the study described their hair loss as mild, while 22.6% noted moderate hair loss. Only 4.3% reported severe hair thinning.

Although the precise connection between menopause and hair loss is still unknown, the reduction in estrogen levels seems to play a role. Shifts also influence hair follicles in female hormones, which could result in a higher proportion of strands entering a resting rather than a growth phase. This variation might explain why female pattern hair loss isn't exclusively associated with menopause. Pregnancy represents another period when female hormones change, potentially contributing to decreased hair thickness.

To Restore Hormonal Hair Loss, What Lifestyle Changes Can I Make?

Hair loss caused by hormones can hurt a woman's confidence. It's understandable to want to prevent thinning and promote healthy hair growth. Consulting a medical expert is recommended, but you can also adjust your lifestyle, which may aid in restoring your hair's thickness and shine.

Nutrition And Exercise

Your physical appearance is not the only thing affected by your diet and exercise habits. These factors also impact the functioning of your body. Hair loss can be caused or worsened by a lack of vitamins and minerals. It is essential to monitor your daily intake to ensure you are getting enough omega-3 fatty acids, protein, iron, B vitamins, and folic acid. If you are still determining how much you should consume, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider.

It is advisable to seek advice from a healthcare professional to monitor your daily food intake. Consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended to determine the appropriate consumption amount. In addition, managing stress can aid in promoting healthy hair growth. Regular exercise can help alleviate stress and manage some of its effects.

Gentler Hair Care

Experiencing hair loss can be a result of damaging hair styling practices involving heat and harsh chemicals. Examples of these practices include tying hair tightly, applying hot oil treatments, and using at-home hair dye. Additionally, frequently using a blow dryer on the highest setting can make hair strands more susceptible to breakage. Allowing your hair to air dry is recommended when you do not need to style it with heat.

Letting your hair air dry is advisable when you don't intend to use heat to style it. When there's no need to style your hair with heat, it's best to let it dry naturally. When you style it with heat, your hair is more susceptible to damage, so it's recommended to air dry it when possible.

Hormonal Hair Loss: What Other Treatments Are Available?

Options for treating hormonal hair loss include both over-the-counter and prescription treatments, as well as lifestyle changes. These treatments can take the form of topical shampoos and medications or systemic treatments that address hormonal imbalances in the body.

Topical Treatments

Systemic treatments and medications are available to address hormonal imbalances that can cause hair loss. Minoxidil is a popular, topical treatment for female pattern hair loss, which can increase hair growth.

You might also find success with shampoos with antifungal medicine, like ketoconazole. Inflammation may be responsible for hair loss, which can be decreased with this medication.

Prescription Medications

If you are experiencing hair loss due to hormonal imbalances, prescription medications can help. Your doctor may suggest taking spironolactone for this. One type of medication that falls under the category of anti-androgens is spironolactone, which can lower the production of androgens.

Treating Female Hormonal Hair Loss

If you think hormonal irregularities are responsible for your hair loss, you shouldn't endure it quietly. Setting up a consultation with a healthcare expert can assist you in discovering accurate solutions. Once you establish that hormonal factors contribute to hair thinning, you can initiate a customized treatment strategy to counteract the issue.

Mobi Doctor is available to assist. You can consult with a qualified professional and receive online support.