Maintaining a thick healthy, full head of hair is a complex process. Hair, like the skin and nails, is often a reflection of overall health and well-being. Excess shedding, thinning hair, or hair loss can indicate an underlying condition, such as a hormonal imbalance, and warrants a thorough examination.
What Do Hormones Do?
Hormones are chemicals that regulate and control complex processes throughout your body. All the body's primary functions, including energy levels, appetite, sleep patterns, cell growth, metabolism, and aging, are affected by hormones. Hormones are the chemicals that enable the brain to communicate important information with the neurotransmitters in every cell of the body.
A very delicate balance of hormones is delivered to every area of the body, and even a slight change in levels can cause a hormonal imbalance. When your hormone levels are imbalanced, you may experience various symptoms that you may not recognize as connected, such as headaches, fatigue, and hair loss.
Common Hormones That Affect Hair Loss
The human body produces hundreds of different hormones or hormone-like substances, each one serving a specific purpose. Hair growth and loss are primarily influenced by progesterone and estrogen, the two dominant female hormones, and androgens, which regulate the development and maintenance of male characteristics. While progesterone, estrogen, and androgens are found at different levels in both men and women, there are optimal levels required for normal bodily functioning.
Progesterone and Estrogen
The dominant female hormones work closely together in a woman's body, with estrogen regulating the menstrual cycle and progesterone supporting pregnancy. Together these two are responsible for many of the changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
When balanced correctly, progesterone helps to keep estrogen and non-dominant androgen hormone levels in check. If progesterone levels drop, it can lead to an estrogen-dominant condition that can trigger excessive hair shedding, thinning hair, and hair loss. Lowered progesterone levels also release higher levels of androgens, often causing women to experience an increase in unwanted facial or body hair.
Androgens and Male Hormones
Research has found that hair loss in both men and women is closely related to levels of androgens. One of the primary hormones responsible for thinning hair and hair loss in both men and women is dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a derivative of testosterone.
As DHT moves through your blood system, it attaches to receptors in the hair follicles on your scalp and can trigger a miniaturization process. Elevated DHT levels shrink the hair follicles, which causes them to produce weaker and finer strands of hair, leading to thinning hair and hair loss. If the process continues, the hair follicle will become permanently damaged and unable to grow new hair.
Common Causes of Hormone Imbalances
In addition to changing naturally during our lifetime, hormone level changes can also be linked to various health conditions for both men and women. Women commonly experience hormonal imbalances during pregnancy and menopause that often lead to thinning hair and hair loss. Men also experience hormonal changes as they age, producing less testosterone and creating an increased percentage of DHT in the system.
Contact the Professionals at New Image Hair Clinic
Growing and maintaining a beautiful, full head of hair involves many factors. Excessive shedding, thinning hair, and hair loss are symptoms of many conditions, including hormonal imbalance. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is critical to identify the cause and correct the condition before permanent hair loss occurs.
The first step to dealing with thinning hair or hair loss is to determine the precise cause. Our team of experts at New Image Hair Clinic can help provide possible causes and customized solutions for your hair loss. To learn more about the connection between hormonal imbalances and hair loss, contact us today and schedule your FREE initial consultation.
