The Role Of Hormones In Hair Loss & How To Manage It
The maintenance and development of hair follicles are significantly influenced by hormones. Any adjustments to hormone levels can significantly affect hair growth and cause hair loss. This article will cover the effects of hormonal changes on hair loss and possible management strategies.
The role of hormones in hair growth
Various hormones control the complex process of hair development. The tiny sacs in the skin where hair develops are known as hair follicles. The three phases of growth for each hair follicle are anagen, catagen, and telogen. The hair follicle produces hair during the active growth period known as anagen. The hair follicle then shrinks and separates from the dermal papilla, which provides it with nutrients, during the transitional stage known as catagen. Finally, the hair follicle is dormant during the telogen period, when the hair is shed.
The hormone known as insulin-like growth factor-1 is in charge of starting the anagen phase. The liver produces this hormone, which stimulates the growth of hair by acting on the hair follicles.
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-), on the other hand, is the hormone that starts the catagen phase. Hair shedding results from this hormone’s ability to induce the hair follicle to separate from the dermal papilla. The male hormones known as androgens can also affect hair development. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a testosterone derivative, can shrink the hair follicle and shorten the anagen period, which causes hair thinning and hair loss.
Hormonal changes and hair loss
Different factors, including pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, and some medications, can cause hormonal changes. Below, we discuss some hormonal shifts that can result in hair loss:
- Pregnancy: Estrogen levels rise considerably during pregnancy. This hormone aids in extending the anagen period and reducing hair loss. Consequently, many pregnant women experience fuller, thicker hair. However, estrogen levels will fall after delivery, which causes hair shedding and hair loss.
- Menopause: Menopause is a natural biological process that signals the end of a woman’s fertile years. Estrogen and progesterone levels fall during menopause, which causes hair loss and thinning.
- Thyroid disorders: The thyroid gland produces hormones that control the metabolism of the body and can alter the cycle of hair development. Hair loss can result from both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid gland is either underactive or hyperactive.
- Medications: The hormonal changes brought on by certain medicines can also result in hair loss. For instance, due to the hormonal changes they induce, birth control pills can result in hair shedding. The disruption of the hair growth cycle by chemotherapy medications can result in hair loss as well.
Managing Hormonal Hair Loss
Managing hair loss necessitates identifying the underlying cause and treating it. Here are some tips for managing hormonal hair loss:
1. Hair care
Maintaining excellent hair health can help you control hormonal hair loss. Be sure to use gentle hair products, and refrain from using heated styling tools too frequently. When detangling, use a wide-toothed comb and do not yank or tug on your hair.
2. Nutrition
Additionally, a healthy diet can encourage hair development. Try to include as much protein, vitamin, and mineral-rich foods in your nutrition as possible. For healthy hair, iron, biotin, and vitamin D are especially crucial! Check out our previous article for 5 foods that encourage hair regrowth.
3. Professional treatments
When you are experiencing hair loss, it is a good idea to consult a professional to determine the underlying cause. There is also a myriad of hair loss treatments available that can help you overcome hair loss.
Bid farewell to hair loss issues with The Clifford Clinic
Hormonal changes can significantly affect hair development and cause hair loss. Effective management of hormonal hair loss requires an understanding of the function of hormones in hair growth and the determination of the underlying cause. With proper treatment, it is certainly possible to get rid of hormonal hair loss and encourage healthy hair growth.
With our minimally invasive yet effective treatments, The Clifford Clinic aims to be a leading aesthetic clinic in Singapore. With years of experience under their belts, our team of board-certified doctors is dedicated to providing you with long-lasting results that you will be satisfied with.
If you are looking for a hair transplant in Singapore, check out our Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Hair Transplant. Individual follicular units of 2 to 3 strands of hair each are extracted one at a time during the procedure. What sets FUE apart from other hair transplant procedures is the minimized appearance of scarring. Thus, patients may wear their hair short or even shaved, without worrying about any noticeable scars peeking through.
Another hair transplant to consider is our Regenera Activa Hair Transplant. Regenera Activa is a cutting-edge hair revitalization method that uses capillary regeneration technology to help stop hair loss and promote hair growth. Through the use of hair follicles harvested from the patient’s own scalp, this technique successfully combats, delays, and prevents hair loss.
Alternatively, you may also check out our Bellasonic Treatment. As one of the most recent technologies to be imported straight from South Korea, the main purpose of this ultrasound therapy tool is to encourage the renewal of skin cells, including those responsible for hair growth! Bellasonic uses high-frequency ultrasound at 1–10 MHz to penetrate the epidermis. Ultrasound stimulates molecules like glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and heat shock proteins (HSPs), which are related to healing processes. In order to speed up hair growth and reduce hair loss, this treatment may also increase blood flow and oxygenation to the treated areas.
Aside from hair loss treatments, we also offer a plethora of services, including one of the best acne treatment in Singapore. To learn more, do not hesitate to contact us today.