We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Connection Between Hormones and Hair Loss?

By Tess C. Taylor
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,038
Share

According to the medical community, there is a clear connection between hormones and hair loss in both men and women. While hair loss can be caused by a variety of physical, mental, and environmental factors, hormonal issues can wreak havoc on an otherwise robust head of hair. Research indicates that hormonal imbalances and changes in hormonal levels can cause hair thinning, male pattern baldness, and complete hair loss.

Hormones and hair loss may be linked by hormone fluctuations that occur at certain stages of life for both men and women. For example, women most often experience hair loss immediately following pregnancy and during menopause, when hormone levels change. Men often experience hair loss as they age and their bodies stop producing certain hormones.

It is also common for women and men to experience hormones and hair loss issues when faced with stress or health problems, which can be hereditary or caused by external factors. People who discover more than normal hair loss may find it wise to get checked by a physician for illness such as thyroid imbalances, lupus, or diabetes. The underlying health condition that affects hormone levels may also lead to long-term hair loss if left unchecked.

Hormone levels naturally change as people age. For example dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can cause androgen levels to increase, which affects the growth of hair at the root. An increase in DHT causes the hair shaft to thin out, reduces the amount of new hair growth, makes hair fall out, and can gradually stop hair growth completely over time.

Hair loss in women is commonly linked to hormonal imbalances and can be the first sign that a problem exists. Women, who are prone to thyroid issues, may experience serious changes in their hair when the body starts to produce too much testosterone, which leads to DHT binding in hair follicles. Often, problems with hormones and hair loss are caused by hereditary factors, which can also manifest in other health problems such as menstrual problems, weight gain, and depression. Hair loss should not be ignored because it can signal these other serious health issues need immediate treatment.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-connection-between-hormones-and-hair-loss.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.