There are multiple variations of hair loss experienced by women. Let’s focus on the most prevalent type, known as “androgenic hair loss,” which is characterized by thinning hair resulting from hormone imbalance, specifically testosterone dominance. This condition can arise when hormones are disrupted at any point. Typically, it manifests between the ages of 45 and 55, coinciding with the decline of estrogen and progesterone levels and an increased likelihood of experiencing low thyroid function.
To address this issue, the following treatments are available:
- Balancing estrogen and progesterone levels by incorporating testosterone.
- Administering medication such as thyroxine to supplement thyroid function for individuals with an underactive thyroid.
It is normal to loose between 50 to 100 hairs a day; this is part of the hair renewal process. Excessive hair loss caused by excess androgens (testosterone) and/or low thyroid, accounts for 95% of hair loss problems. Why does female hair loss occur?
Reasons for hair loss in women
Female hair loss can be attributed to elevated levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent variant of testosterone. Similar to certain men, some women have hair follicles on their scalp that are particularly sensitive to DHT. The production of DHT occurs when regular testosterone undergoes a conversion process due to decreases in other hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone.
Additionally, a decrease in thyroid hormone levels can also contribute to hair loss in women. This condition is referred to as an underactive thyroid, which is accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue and weight gain.
What can be done to prevent hair loss?
A crucial first step is to assess the hormone levels to determine whether your estrogen, progesterone, testosterone (including DHT), and/or thyroid hormones are balanced within healthy ranges. This assessment can help identify the underlying cause of the problem. If hormone levels are found to be low, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be recommended as a potential solution. HRT can effectively address various symptoms associated with menopause, including hair loss or thinning.
Furthermore, it is paramount to emphasize the significance of a nutritious diet and adequate levels of nitric oxide in the bloodstream. Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in both male and female sexual function. Increasing nitric oxide in the circulatory system not only benefits sexual health and cardiovascular function but may also contribute to preventing hair loss.
Here are some fundamental principles that can support your endeavors:
Balanced Diet:
Maintain a well-balanced diet, distributing approximately 33% of your daily intake to protein, 33% to carbohydrates, and 33% to fats. It is essential to limit refined carbohydrates and reduce the consumption of saturated fats.
Gradual Progress:
Avoid attempting drastic changes all at once. Set clear goals and pursue them through small, manageable steps.
Vitamin Intake:
Adopt a sensible vitamin regimen to address the changing needs of your body as you age. While we often recognize what harms our bodies, we may not always know what essential elements our bodies lack. Taking a multiple vitamin supplement provides a variety of nutrients that the body may require. The body absorbs what it needs and eliminates excess through waste. Numerous multiple vitamin options are available on the market, so consider taking a daily packet tailored to meet diverse nutritional needs.
Exercise:
Engage in consistent and moderate exercise. Like your diet, identify your current fitness level and your desired goals. If you tend to be sedentary, incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs, parking farther from the store, or going for walks with your spouse or dog. Gradually work your way up to at least 30 minutes of exercise, four to five times per week. Remember, there was a time when machines did not handle tasks like laundry, garage doors, or TV channel changing.
Stress Reduction:
Stress is often referred to as a “killer,” and there is some truth to that statement. When we experience stress, our bodies produce cortisol, a hormone with destructive effects on body tissues, particularly the brain. Cortisol also hampers the production of growth hormone. Managing or eliminating stressors can help regulate cortisol levels. Learning basic relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, can minimize the impact of stress on your well-being.
Female hormone imbalance
Following is a chart of female hormone imbalances, root cause and symptom.
| Type of Symptom | What it may mean: |
| Hot flashes | Low estrogen primarily estradiol |
| Mood swings | Low estrogen primarily estradiol |
| Vaginal dryness | Low estriol |
| Bleeding | May be temporary due to too much estradiol and/or not enough progesterone |
| Hair loss / Hair on Lip | Low estrogen and progesterone creating testosterone dominance and/or low thyroid |
| Low sex drive | Low testosterone i.e. free testosterone |
| Breast tenderness | High estradiol and/or low progesterone |
| Dry Skin | Low estradiol, estriol and/or thyroid |
| Water retention (weight gain) | Low progesterone |
| Fibroids in uterus or breast cysts | Too much estrogen and/or not enough progesterone |
| Mental fogginess – forgetfulness | Low estrogen, testosterone and/or thyroid |
| Depression | Low estrogen, testosterone and/or thyroid |
| Loss of Energy | Low estrogen, testosterone and/or thyroid |
| Anxiety | Low progesterone and/or thyroid |
| Bone Loss | Low estradiol, progesterone and/or testosterone. |
Important elements of female hormone balance
Hair loss in women, specifically androgenic hair loss, is indicative of an underlying hormone imbalance. To discourage hair loss, it is essential to focus on various key factors that contribute to overall health and well-being.
Estrogen
There are three main forms of estrogen.
- Estradiol: Estradiol is the most potent and abundant estrogen hormone. It is highly effective in alleviating symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. However, it carries a higher risk of cancer compared to other estrogens.
- Estrone: Estrone is produced by fat cells, allowing women to continue producing it naturally even after menopause. Its levels may persist, contributing to hormonal balance.
- Estriol: Estriol is a milder estrogen hormone that is particularly abundant during pregnancy. Although it is the weakest of the three estrogens, it holds significant potential in reducing the reliance on estradiol and estrone. Estriol can help alleviate symptoms such as vaginal dryness, dry skin, and hair loss.
Progesterone
Progesterone is essential to protect against osteoporosis and as a balance to the estrogens.
Testosterone
Testosterone is essential to prevent osteoporosis, boost mental sharpness, muscle retention, metabolism, energy and sex drive.
Thyroid hormone
Thyroid hormone plays a vital role in the functioning of hormones in the body. As individuals age, there is often a decline in thyroid hormone levels, leading to a condition called hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can contribute to hair loss in women. However, treating this condition can aid in restoring hair growth.
Among women, the thyroid hormone is arguably the most crucial hormone in terms of overall well-being, yet it is frequently underdiagnosed. Low thyroid function is prevalent among women over the age of 40.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
As individuals age, thyroid hormones, like other hormones, tend to decrease. In the case of women, they are more prone to developing hypothyroidism. Here are a few symptoms associated with hypothyroidism:
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to cold, manifesting as a consistently low basal temperature
- Thinning hair, which is a significant concern often overlooked by healthcare providers
- Dry skin, dry hair, and brittle nails
- Anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances
- Depression
- High cholesterol levels
- Mental fogginess or difficulty concentrating
- Reduced metabolic rate, leading to weight gain and increased body fat
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