Can Hormone Imbalance Cause Hair Loss?
December 6, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Yes, hormone imbalance can contribute to hair loss in both men and women. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including hair growth and maintenance. When there’s an imbalance in certain hormones, it can impact the hair growth cycle, leading to increased hair shedding or thinning.
Several hormonal imbalances can potentially affect hair health and contribute to hair loss:
- Androgenic hormones: Imbalances in androgens, such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can affect hair follicles’ sensitivity, particularly in individuals genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). Increased levels of DHT can lead to miniaturization of hair follicles, causing hair to become thinner and eventually leading to hair loss.
- Thyroid hormones: Conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can disrupt the normal functioning of the thyroid gland and cause hormonal imbalances. Thyroid hormones play a role in regulating metabolism, and when imbalances occur, it can impact hair growth, leading to hair thinning or loss.
- Estrogen and progesterone: Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels, particularly during pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause, can affect the hair growth cycle. This can lead to temporary hair shedding or changes in hair texture.
- Cortisol (stress hormone): Chronic stress can lead to increased cortisol levels, which might disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair thinning or shedding.
While hormonal imbalances are one of the factors contributing to hair loss, other factors such as genetics, aging, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, underlying medical conditions, and lifestyle factors can also play a role in hair health.
If someone experiences significant or persistent hair loss or thinning, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Identifying the underlying cause of hair loss is crucial for determining appropriate treatment options and managing the condition effectively.