Hormones affect every system in the body, including hair growth! That’s right! Hormones are one of the most common contributors to hair loss. Understanding the role hormones play in hair growth and loss will help you and your hairstylist determine potential solutions and take preventative measures. Let’s get started!
The 3 Phases Of Hair Growth
There are three distinct phases of hair growth. Each phase is crucial in the hair growth life cycle and has a specific function.
Phase 1: Anagen
The active growth phase is when the hair is actively growing. This phase can last several years.
Phase 2: Catagen Phase
After the anagen phase, the hair enters a transitional phase known as the catagen phase. This is a short phase that only lasts a few weeks.
Phase 3: Telogen Phase
The telogen phase is the last phase in the hair growth life cycle. Also known as the resting phase, this is the point at which the hair sheds, making way for new growth.
The Role Of Hormones In Hair Growth and Loss
Hormones play a critical role in hair growth, regulating each phase and influencing how long hair stays in each phase. Even the smallest hormonal imbalances can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to excessive shedding or thinning. The reason is that now the amount of time hair stays in each phase is out of balance. For example, hair may enter the telogen phase early and shed earlier and faster than it should. When hair falls out prematurely, there is often no new growth to take its place, resulting in areas of thinning and balding.
What Are The Key Hormones Involved In Hair Loss?
It’s not just one hormone that affects hair loss. There are several. Let’s take a quick look at the hormones involved in hair loss and how they work.
Dihydrotestosterone
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a derivative of the well-known male hormone testosterone. DHT causes hair loss by binding to receptors in hair follicles. This causes the hair follicles to shrink, resulting in thinner, shorter hairs. Over time, these follicles may completely stop producing strands of hair. This is a condition called androgenetic alopecia or, more commonly, male and female pattern baldness.
Since men naturally have higher testosterone levels, they are more susceptible to male-pattern baldness. However, women can also experience pattern baldness.
Estrogen And Progesterone
Estrogen and progesterone are female hormones that prolong the growth (anagen) phase, leading to long, luscious locks in women. A decline in these hormones shortens the growth phase. Leading to premature hair shedding. The postpartum period and menopause are two of the most common times when a woman may experience significant hair loss due to a sudden decline in estrogen and progesterone levels.
Cortisol
Cortisol is a stress hormone that can interfere with the hair growth cycle when you’re under stress. Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can cause hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely and cause excessive shedding. This is a condition known as telogen effluvium. Fortunately, this is often a temporary condition. Hair growth typically returns to normal once stress levels lower and cortisol levels decrease. However, telogen effluvium can become chronic if stress levels remain high for prolonged periods.
Thyroid Hormones
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and play a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair. Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to thinning or brittle hair. Hair loss associated with thyroid dysfunction often affects the scalp evenly instead of specific areas.
Life Events That Result In Hormone-Related Hair Loss
Every person is different. Men and women can experience hormone-related hair loss at any point during life when hormone levels become unbalanced. However, there are certain events in life that are marked by a significant hormone change and often lead to a disruption in the hair growth cycle. Let’s take a look at the most common life events that lead to hormone-related hair loss.
Puberty
During puberty, hormonal changes can trigger hair loss, especially in individuals predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. Increased testosterone levels can lead to higher DHT production, starting the process of follicular miniaturization.
Pregnancy And Postpartum
Pregnancy often enhances hair growth due to elevated estrogen levels. However, postpartum hair loss is common as estrogen and progesterone levels suddenly decrease and return to normal. This is a temporary condition, with hair growth returning to normal within a few months.
Menopause
During menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels decline, while androgens like testosterone may become more dominant. This hormonal shift can lead to thinning hair and increased sensitivity to DHT.
Aging
As we age, hormonal production naturally decreases. Lower levels of growth hormones and sex hormones can slow hair growth and make hair thinner and more fragile.
Let Custom Design Hair Help?
Hormone imbalances have many causes and can affect men and women of any age. The good news is that you do not have to live with hormone-related hair loss. As the most trusted hair restoration center in Northwest Arkansas, Custom Design Hair can help you restore your full head of hair and regain your confidence. Whether your hair loss is permanent or temporary, we have a solution that fits your lifestyle and budget. Do not go another day wishing you had a full head of hair. Contact us today to book your consultation!
