Hormones and Hair Loss --- The Connection

Seymour M. Weaver, III, M.D.

Board Certified Dermatologist

There is an obvious connection to hair loss and hormonal balances within the body. In fact, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is one of the leading causes of hair loss and has been linked to a number of different levels and severity of hair loss.

When DHT begins having an effect on the hair it starts to block out things that the hair needs in order to grow.

As a result, hair grows slower and the resting period, which happens right before the hair is loosened from the follicle, is lengthened. The result of this is that the hair has less of a growing phase and falls out faster resulting in hair loss.

In addition to this DHT also leaves a wax like substance on the hair, which can also inhibit growth of the hair. This means that this hormonal response, which can appear in both men and women, can be directly linked to hormonal hair loss. It is not the only reason why you can experience hair loss but it is one of the medical reasons why you could be experiencing hair loss.

Hormones are delicate things and just about anything can cause you to lose the balance of hormones in the body. Stress, lack of nutrition, medication, surgery, and aging can help to create a lack of hormonal balance within the body. It can affect both men and women.

Women have issues with hormonal based hair loss right after pregnancy about three or so months. This is because high levels of certain hormones actually keep hair from falling out. Once they drop after childbirth and level off, the hair loss that is experienced is the normal hair loss that is experienced plus the hair loss that would have previously been lost during the pregnancy. Medications can also cause fluctuations in hormones, antidepressants that have an effect on hormones, chemotherapy; even birth control pills or injections or patches can cause hormones to become unbalanced.

Thinning hair, balding spots, even hair that becomes brittle, coarse and has slow growth can be signs of a hormonal imbalance or even a serious medical condition such as a thyroid disorder.

Hair loss and hormones can have a direct connection, so consider speaking with your doctor if you notice any of these signs or any other signs of a hormonal imbalance. See your dermatologist as soon as you notice excessive hair loss so that you may be able to correct the imbalance and get back to having the hair you are used to.

There are treatment options available that can assist in rebalancing your system including natural supplements. Since hair loss can have a profound impact on self image and self esteem many it is best to correct these problems as soon as possible. Both men and women can experience DHT induced or other types of hormonal hair loss.