F Clinical Hair Growth Effects Of Estrogens
There are only a few reports on the use of systemic estrogens for hair loss management. Estrogens have been used for topical treatment of hair diseases for more than half a century and constitute a firm staple of management strategies for female pattern androgenetic alopecia in central Europe . Orentreich observed in 1969 a decrease in daily effluvium during therapy with systemic estrogens , which were reported to increase the proliferation rate, slow down differentiation, and, thus, postpone telogen effluvium . On this basis, even intralesional stilbene administration was once recommended for the treatment of alopecia areata . Some studies have reported an increased anagen and decreased telogen rate after treatment with estrogens, compared with placebo . However, professionally executed, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, prospective clinical trials on the efficacy of topical E2 in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and non-androgen-dependent telogen effluvium are still painfully missing.
What Our Patients Say
As of March 2021, I have been a HerKare patient for 3 years. I have driven from the Austin to Ft. Worth and Southlake since March 2018. In fact, today I attempted to drive to Southlake to see the provider, Dania Khoncarly, because she is so amazing, but the roads were too dangerous with the current ice storm in Texas, so I visited the Mansfield location instead as it was closer for me. The patient care has been nothing short of amazing. In fact, I cant imagine my life without HerKare. I struggled with hormone deficiency since 2003 until March 2018. The treatment plan provided by HerKare has positively impacted my way of life socially, emotionally, and physically. One of my closest friends now drives from Copperas Cove to the Mansfield location. I have several friends in my age group mid to late 40s & early 50s who would benefit from HerKare. I understand with our nation experiencing COVID, now might not be the time to open a new location, however, your services could positively impact the well-being of so many women. When the time is right, please open more HerKare locations!
Patient since March 2018
Will Higher Estrogen Levels Increase The Risk Of Hair Loss
Question:
I was wondering about the link between estrogen levels and DHT levels? I’ve read some studies that suggest high estrogen levels will cause DHT levels to increase, thus increasing the risk of hair loss. Is this true?
Answer:
Higher estrogen levels typically mean lower testosterone levels. The pituitary gland doesn’t differentiate between testosterone and estrogen. Because of this, in those with higher estrogen levels, the pituitary gland won’t secrete the hormones to produce testosterone if it thinks there is already enough. On the flip side, testosterone can convert to estrogen if testosterone levels are too high. This is why bodybuilders who use steroids typically take something to control the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
Because testosterone, when combined with the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme converts to dihydrotestosterone , lower testosterone levels in the body will reduce the amount of DHT in the body. Because DHT is the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness, less DHT will lead to an overall decrease in the risk of hair loss. This is also one reason why women, who have less testosterone and more estrogen, don’t suffer from hair loss as often as men. However, higher levels of estrogen in men can lead to other problems including weight gain and enlarged breasts and far many other unwanted issues.
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How Can Thinning Hair Affect Me
While thinning hair itself doesnt usually affect your physical health directly, there are many ways hair loss can negatively impact your well-being. One study showed that 55% of women who were experiencing some form of hair loss also experienced symptoms of depression. In this same study, about 89% of those women noticed improvements in their depressive symptoms after receiving treatment for hair loss. Many women notice they have lower self-esteem, confidence, and negative body image after experiencing hair loss.
The problem with hair loss during menopause is that it doesnt just signal hormone imbalances or extra stress, it can also cause negative consequences for your mental, emotional, and social health. Many women notice that theyre less likely to engage in social activities if they experience menopausal hair loss. They may also feel anxiety and stress about their hair. Over time, this can also affect your overall well-being and quality of life. Therefore, if youre experiencing thinning hair, its important to talk to your doctor. If youre experiencing other symptoms as well, our provider may recommend hormone replacement treatment.
Hot Flashes And Night Sweats
One of the most common symptoms of perimenopause is hot flashes, which often coexists with night sweats. Almost 80 percent of people who are in perimenopause or transitioning into menopause have hot flashes. Also, most women who receive chemotherapy or undergo surgery to remove their ovaries will experience hot flashes.
Scientists know that hot flashes occur as a result of low estrogen levels. Each hot flash involves a sensation of heat that starts in the chest area and travels to the neck and the head. It can last for a few minutes and may cause sweating. Some women also develop a faster heart rate during hot flashes.
If a hot flash happens during sleep, they are called night sweats. Women who have night sweats often wake up in the morning feeling tired.
Some people experience redness along their neck and face during a hot flash. This is called a hot flush.
On average, each hot flash lasts for about three to four minutes. Hot flashes can occur for a few months to several years. In a few rare cases, some people had hot flashes for 10 years.
Other signs of hormonal imbalance include:
- Constipation
- Heavy or irregular periods, missed periods, frequent periods, or stopped periods
- Vaginal dryness and itching
- Weakened muscles
- Pain in the muscles, tenderness, and stiffness
- Pain and swelling in the joints
- Depression
- Cancer treatments
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What Is The Connection Between Estrogen Levels And Hair Loss
Our hair grows in three different stages.
- The Anagen phase or the Growing stage which lasts for several years
- The Catagen phase or the Resting phase which lasts for a few weeks
- The Telogen phase or Shedding stage which lasts for a few months
There are some evidences that estrogen hormone actually slows the rate of growth extending from the growth phase so more hair is at this stage at any moment in time. This is the reason why womens hair is more abundant than mens hair.
It must be noted that estrogen hormone works in opposition to the testosterone hormone in the female body, and thus prevents the hair loss caused due to testosterone. Studies suggest that estrogen hormone not only protect against hair loss but also stimulates the growth of new hair.
The relationship between estrogen and hair loss can be particularly noticed during pregnancy, when the higher concentration give women hair that is thicker, healthier and more plentiful than usual. This must also be noted that the extra hair tends to fall out within several months of the childbirth.
Why Does It Happen
FPHL is very common and increases with age and varies across ethnic groups. Although it can happen at any age, the condition occurs most commonly following the menopause. This does not mean that hormones alone are to blame, although oestrogen may have a protective role, helping to keep hair in the growing phase. Age itself is a factor and whilst women can take care of their hair cosmetically, it is one aspect of the ageing process we cannot always control. Genetics are important too and you may notice a family link with both male and female hair loss. Occasionally times of acute stress on the body will influence hair growth, eg illness, emotional stresses and crash dieting. Some medications may have an influence too.
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How Estrogen Affects Hair During Menopause
It is inevitable that the anxieties increase in women who have entered the menopause period. There are many questions about menopause, which has a very important place in womens life. Apart from hot flashes, weight gain decreased sexual desire and loss of thinning and elasticity of the skin, one of the things women are most concerned about is hair loss. In the female body that produces both estrogen and testosterone before menopause, hair loss is faced because the level of estrogen hormone together with menopause is less effective against testosterone hormone. With the continuation of the menopause process, hair loss can also increase.
The hair loss mechanism of women in this period is similar to that of men. Therefore, treatments for male pattern hair loss can be applied in its treatment. Menopause increases hair loss, but not every woman who enters the menopause will necessarily lose her hair. Because, in addition to hormones, genes also have an effect on hair loss during womens menopause. Approximately two-thirds of women who enter menopause have hair loss. Others only have thinning hair.
In the majority of polycystic ovarian patients, the male-type hair loss that develops as a result of the effect of increased androgen hormones and the hormone balance that deteriorates in women is a significant complaint, and with the treatment of the disease, hair loss stops and the hair grows again.
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Estrogen And Hair Loss Your Plan Of Action
- Have your hormone levels tested, to establish whether you are suffering from low estrogen or too much estrogen in proportion to progesterone to ensure you are receiving the appropriate medical treatment.
- Consider getting your iron levels checked low iron can also contribute to hair loss.
- Speak to your doctor about your zinc status zinc is crucial for healthy hair growth.
- Use relaxation techniques, yoga, or whatever works for you to keep your stress levels to a minimum.
- Stop smoking.
- Enjoy a healthy diet, keeping food sources of estrogen to a minimum if youre found to have estrogen dominance.
- Promote a healthy gut with foods like live, natural yogurt which provide good bacteria.
- Exercise regularly, being careful to support your fitness routine with adequate nutrition.
- Try out new hairstyles to disguise your thinning hair whilst you recover your hormonal balance. You may also want to consider a hair piece or clip-in extensions if your hair loss is very bad, but these should be used with care in order to prevent traction alopecia. You may also like to try using rollers or a hair volumizer, to add lift to your locks, or instantly hide thin patches with a good hair loss concealer.
- Take extra care in looking after your hair. Use a gentle, nourishing shampoo to promote good condition and prevent breakage. Try using a silk or satin pillowcase. Avoid harsh styling products and techniques that apply heat to the hair as these can cause more damage to fragile hair.
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Ways Hormonal Hair Loss Differs From Other Forms Of Alopecia
If your hairline is receding or your hair is thinning, there may be hormonal reasons for your hair loss, according to Harvard Health Publishing. This means that hormonal hair loss symptoms may differ from other forms of hair loss.
The following are ways that hormonal hair loss causes, symptoms, and treatments differ from other types of hair loss.
How Hormones Affect The Growth Of Your Hair
At Honest Hair Restoration in Bradenton, Florida, we understand how thinning hair and hair loss can change your confidence levels and negatively impact your life. Led by board-certified hair transplant specialist and medical director , our team offers comprehensive hair restoration services to patients in the Tampa, Sarasota, and Ft. Myers areas.
If youre struggling with hair loss, you may wonder about the causes and whether theres anything you can do to prevent it. Although hair loss is common, different risk factors and underlying issues may cause changes in your hair growth, including your hormones.
Learn what you need to know about how hormones affect the growth of your hair.
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Hair Loss And Thyroid Imbalance
Hair loss is a typical symptom of thyroid disorders. Thyroid disease a form of hormonal imbalance and when the thyroid gland isnt functioning properly, other hormones throughout the body are affected as a result. Thyroid-related hair loss is often preceded by changes in the hairs texture, usually becoming dry, coarse, and easily tangled. Facial and body hair growth can also be stunted by a thyroid imbalance. In fact, a symptom unique to hypothyroidism is thinning of the outer edge of the eyebrows.
Sex Hormones Not Just For Reproduction
PREGNANCY: Remember all that hair that you didnt lose when you were pregnant? I loved my luxurious pregnancy hair so strong, thick and shiny. It wasnt me who had the pregnancy glow, it was my hair! Pregnancy increases the number of hair follicles in the anagen phase. The enhanced supply of estradiol and progesterone in pregnancy are particularly nurturing to hair, expanding the growth phase and preventing shedding. Little did I know that at about 3 months postpartum, when my hormones were trying to re-equilibrate themselves and adjust to a new normal, my hair would all come out in clumps, washing down the drain, falling out so fast it was a seeming miracle any of it actually remained attached to my head.
Hair changes in pregnancy are common however, every woman is different and therefore hair changes are all individual. If hair loss is experienced in the postpartum period, most women will experience a full recovery, although the process may be slow.
MENOPAUSE: Along those lines, when the levels of estradiol and progesterone fall in menopause, hot flashes and night sweats are not the only symptoms that seemingly appear out of nowhere. What many women are unaware of and unprepared for is the fact that they may also find themselves facing hair thinning. And just like the postpartum hair loss, it has everything to do with hormones. However, unlike the postpartum period, hair loss in menopause is irreversible, unless hormone replacement therapy is introduced.
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How Is A Hormonal Imbalance Diagnosed
First, make an appointment with a health care provider for a physical exam. The health care provider will ask about your symptoms. Then, depending on your symptoms, they will suggest which hormone imbalance tests to do. These could be evaluations like:
- Blood test: Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroxine, TTH, insulin, and cortisol levels can be detected in the blood.
- Pelvic exam: A health care provider will search for any lumps or cysts.
- Ultrasound: Images of your uterus, ovaries, thyroid, and pituitary gland can be obtained.
- Biopsy