Hair loss in women can be a result of many things. Sun damage, stress, genetics etc. but what about hormones? Hormonal changes are often over looked as a source of hair loss, resulting in improper treatment and disappointment.
It’s really unfortunate that hair loss is sometimes a result of what’s going on in your own body! But perhaps knowing the source of your particular hair woes can help you properly treat the issue. Here are some informative facts about hormones that should help you on your next visit to the doctor when addressing hair loss.
Elevated or decreased hormone changes can contribute to hair loss in women. Male hormones called androgens are the driving force behind hair loss in both men and women. If for some reason female hormones decrease it can result in male hormones becoming elevated resulting in hair loss. What is the reason for this random hormonal change? Sometimes it’s just genetic; if you’re more prone to hair loss then dihydrotestosterone levels become elevated in the scalp. DHT, a derivative of the male hormone testosterone, is produced and enzymes turn testosterone into DHT which causes hair loss.
A lack of progesterone after menopause can result in the body producing androstenedione which possesses male qualities. Unfortunately in an attempt to cure hormonal imbalance the body produces a hormone that results in hair loss. As if undergoing menopause isn’t enough to deal with!
You may have heard about this one before . . . after you give birth you’ll experience hair loss. Well this too is a result of hormones. During pregnancy you will have a high level of estrogen, and your hair will appear thicker and beautifully healthy. (Finally a hormone with male properties that doesn’t cause hair loss!) Unfortunately three to four months after birth your hormones will go back to normal and all of the hair that delayed its shedding process will start to shed.
Although most of these hormonal changes are inevitable or genetically inclined they are mostly temporary. Hormonal imbalance can usually be treated with medication which should help tame hair loss. In the mean time there are multiple hair styles, and cuts that you can experiment with to mask hair thinning.
To learn more, visit Keranique, at HSN.
Shop Keranique