The Truth About Hormonal Hair Loss, and What You Can Do About It

Are you finding more and more of your hair clogging up your bathtub drain? Well, you’re not alone! At least one in three women experience hair loss at some time in their lives.

An average person sheds about 50 to 100 strands of hair throughout the course of the day. This is all normal! As hair falls out, new hair grows back in to replace them, keeping the number of hairs on your head in balance. However, if you’re noticing your hair coming off in clumps or even—gasp—find a thinning spot on your head, you may be a little uneasy. There are certain factors that can cause more hair to fall out of your head than normal. This situation is known as hair loss, or alopecia.

While there are many potential reasons that lead to hair loss in women, hormonal hair loss is one of the most common! Here’s how your hormone levels can affect hair loss, and what you may be able to do to combat the issue.

All About Menopause

Women who are aging up toward menopause or who are already menopausal may find higher rates of hair loss than younger women. So, why is that?

During menopause, your body produces higher levels of an androgen called testosterone, which may convert to another type of androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When there is too much DHT in your body, it causes your hair follicles to shrink and stop growing, making them unable to support your hair strands, leading to hair loss. Your body also produces lower levels of estrogen and progesterone during menopause, which are hormones that support hair growth. These hormonal changes are why many women find their hair thinning and falling out during and after this time.

Pregnancy’s Effect on Your Hair

If you’re pregnant, you’re no stranger to how much your hormone levels are constantly shifting. Certain hormones associated with pregnancy are known to grow hair faster and stronger. Instead of hair loss, many women experience the best hair of their lives during their pregnancy! Unfortunately, these changes are not permanent. As soon as the pregnancy ends, your hormone levels will decline and go back to normal, which may cause sudden hair loss.

Potential Thyroid Conditions

The thyroid—that little gland at the base of your neck, where some have an Adam’s Apple-- is important for the creation of many hormones. One notable hormone, T4, is important for supporting your hair growth. When your thyroid produces too little hormone (hypothyroidism) or too much hormone (hyperthyroidism), your hair may become drier, thinner, and more brittle, leading to hair loss. It’s important to speak to a medical professional if you believe you may have hypo- or hyperthyroidism.

What Can I Do?

So, what can you do about hormonal hair loss? You may find success using DHT blockers in your normal haircare routine. DHT blockers work to inhibit hair follicle shrinking DHT and promote natural hair growth. This can include prescription medication, however there are more natural over the counter remedies that are available. It’s best to consult with your doctor about possibly using a DHT blockers. You can also support your hair growth by using a luxurious scalp treatment such as Camel Glow’s Growth & Shine Hair Oil. This lightweight oil is packed with ingredients that work effectively to nourish and moisturize your hair follicles and help them support the growth of new hair strands.

Daniel M Biah xoxo