Youre Using The Wrong Products
The shampoo and conditioner you choose as well as how often you use them can be another reason for hair loss in women and men.
First, make sure that youre using a high-quality shampoo that wont strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage. We recommend Hair Growth & Repair Shampoo for women and Hair Growth & Repair Shampoo for Men. Thanks to the addition of vegan micro-proteins and natural moisturising ingredients like organic aloe leaf juice, these shampoos actually improve the condition of your hair as they cleanse.
Then make sure to always follow your shampoo with a conditioner! Shampoos and conditioners are usually formulated to work together with their partner shampoo, so we recommend using Hair Growth & Repair Conditioner. Using a conditioner works to strengthen the hair shaft, preventing breakage and split ends! This is especially important if you have longer hair!
Learn more about how a shampoo for hair loss works, and which ingredients to look for!
Hair Growth & Repair Set
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What Can I Do
If you experience hair loss during menopause, then you can talk to your Certified Menopause Practitioner about your options for treatment.
Quick Aesthetic Fixes
If you want a quick fix to camouflage thinning hair while looking at treatment options, there are several things you can try. Hairstylists often recommend that women with thinning hair try a shorter haircut because long hair can make fine hair more obvious. Shorter cuts like a bob or a pixie are popular, as are layers that add volume and bangs to add texture. Some women wear hats when theyre feeling especially self-conscious.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Because hormones play a part in hair loss during menopause, hormone treatments can be beneficial. Perimenopausal and menopausal women who are undergoing hormone replacement therapy with bioidentical hormone pellets may notice an improvement in hair growth during treatment. However, the HRT should be used to treat multiple symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. It is not recommended to use hormone replacement therapy to treat only hair loss.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil, commonly known by the brand name Rogaine, is often prescribed for both men and women with hair loss. This medication is a vasodilator that widens the blood vessels to increase blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles. It is available over the counter or in prescription strength and comes in a spray, liquid solution, and foam form. Minoxidil must be used continuously to maintain hair growth.
Antiandrogens
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.
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What Labs Are Helpful & What Do They Tell Us
CBC & Ferritin
Both screen for iron deficiency. When iron dips low, hair loss can occur. If your ferritin is < 50, inadequate iron may be the cause of your hair loss.
Read more about iron deficiency anemia and hormones.
TSH, free T3, free T4, anti-TPO, anti-thyroglobulin, RT3
These are all part of a complete thyroid work-up. Your thyroid may be to blame for your hair loss.
ANA & RF
Both are makers for autoimmunity. There are many autoimmune conditions that will reveal themselves with hair loss.
CRP & ESR
Check for inflammation, which is a sign that you may be at risk of developing other symptoms or disease.
Testosterone, free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone
Most commonly associated in male pattern baldness, testosterone can also be the cause of a woman’s hair loss. Elevated testosterone may be due to hormonal imbalance or a condition known as PCOS.
FSH, LH, Estrogen, Progesterone
Imbalances in these hormones will cause hair loss, along with PMS, irregular or heavy periods.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
This protein grabs onto excess hormones. If it is low and your free testosterone is high, your hair loss treatment should include both increasing SHBG and lowering testosterone by balancing all hormones.
Cortisol, DHEA-S, 17-hydroxyprogesterone
Think of cortisol as an aging hormone. If these hormones are out of balance you will visibly age quicker, which includes hair loss.
Prolactin
Elevated prolactin will result in higher testosterone and other androgens.
CMP
What Is The Pattern Of Hair Loss
- Patchy? You may have a cortisol imbalance, a deficiency in B vitamins or zinc or heavy metal exposure.
- Thinning? You may have a hormonal imbalance, such as thyroid.
- Top of the head only? Testosterone, progesterone, cortisol or estrogen may be out of balance.
- Total body hair loss? DHEA, blood sugar regulation or circulation may be at play.
- Balding all over? You may be experiencing poor circulation or a deficiency in protein, essential fatty acids, B vitamins, silicon or zinc.
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Preventive And Minimization Strategies
Hair, especially in Asian and Caucasian individuals, is generallymore elastic when wet, which means that it breaks more easily than whendry. Therefore, it is important to avoid rubbing wet hair with a toweland brushing or combing wet hair. Allowing hair to air dry rather thanusing a blow-dryer also may be beneficial, because high heat renders thehair brittle and more prone to breakage. Similarly, limiting the use offlat irons and curling irons can also help prevent hair loss.1
Certain products and hairstyles put stress on the hair and cause itto break. Limiting the use of bleaches, dyes, gels, relaxers, and hairsprays can help reduce breakage. Hairpins, clips, and rubber bands cancause breakage when used to hold hair tightly. If these accessories areused, the best choices are hairpins that have a smooth, ball-tippedsurface, hair clips with a spongy rubber padding, and hair bands made offabric. To prevent breakage, hairstyles that pull on the hair, such ascornrows, tight ponytails, and braids, should be avoided.1
What About Essential Oils Do Any Of Them Promote Hair Growth
The science is still limited. We need bigger, better studies in order to properly evaluate whether or not these ingredients may help with hair growth, says King.
Still, there are limited studies that there are some essential oils that could be promising, which include:
- Rosemary Oil:A 2015 study compared rosemary oil to minoxidil for hair growth and at 6 months, both groups saw significant increases in hair growth. This effect could be due to rosemary oils enhancement of micro capillary perfusion.
- Pumpkin Seed Oil:Pumpkin seed oil has been shown to block the action of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. This is thought to be why oral pumpkin seed oil may help decrease hair loss in androgenetic alopecia, but we need more data.
- Castor Oil: Perhaps the most touted hair growth oil on the Internet, King explains that while castor oil has been shown in a study to increase hair luster , there are no studies that show that castor oil directly causes hair growth.
And though its not an essential oil, honorable mention goes to ginseng root. This is another ingredient to look for because ginseng stimulates scalp microcirculation and helps to inhibit the production of DHT, the main hormone responsible for androgenetic hair loss, says King.
Remember what Pierre said earlier about keeping the environment of your hair healthy.
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Thyroxine & Triiodothyronine T4 & T3 From Thyroid
The overproduction or underproduction of hormones thyroxine & triiodothyronine can result in:
- Hyperthyroidism
These conditions can result in thyroid hair loss in females. According to Office on Womens Health , women are at a greater risk of developing thyroid disease. The risk is higher after they get pregnant or after menopause. This may indicate that theres some link between the female hormones and thyroid diseases which makes them more susceptible to them.
As part of the endocrine system, the thyroid produces hormones designed to regulate the regeneration and growth of cells and cellular energy. For this reason, hair depends on the thyroid to grow.
If you have thyroid disease, you can lose hair either due to the shock to the body due to the hormonal imbalance itself. However, another reason may be autoimmune conditions, which can result in thyroid diseases. This kind of immune response by the body can result in alopecia areata, which is the most common non-hormonal hair loss.
Understanding The Hair Growth Cycle
In order to understand the different types of hair loss that can present themselves in women, it is necessary to know first how the hair growth cycle works and how it changes from growing to resting or shedding. The hair growth cycle consists of three phases:
- Anagen phase is the growing stage, and it lasts from 2 to 8 years
- Catagen phase is a transitional stage, that sees the hair follicle shrink and lasts 2 weeks to a month
- Telogen phase is a resting period, where the hair stops growing completely. Normally, it lasts around 3 months. Once telogen phase is over, the old strand of hair will be pushed from the follicle by a new one.
Under normal circumstances no more than 15% of the total scalp hair is undergoing telogen phase at any given time. This is why everybody loses approximately 150 hairs every day, and this should not be a cause of concern.
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Androgen And Hair Loss
Androgen is a male hormone – present in men and women – which is circulated into dihydrotestosterone within the hair follicles, to maintain healthy cells and hair growth. Each hair typically grows at a rate of around half an inch per month and will continue to grow for between 2 – 6 years before falling out naturally. Androgen levels decline with age, which can result in hair becoming thin or falling out of the scalp. This is known as androgenic alopecia, or patterned baldness.
In women, hair will usually become thin or patchy around the top or crown of the scalp, and the front hairline will remain intact. While hair on the scalp thins, belly-button, pubic, and facial hair may become coarser and more noticeable. Unlike in men, total baldness or near-total baldness is unlikely to occur in women. This key difference is due to estrogen levels.
Structure Of The Hair Follicle
Hair is a filament consisting mainly of dead, keratinized cells. The hair structure consists of two parts: the hair follicle and the hair shaft .
Structure of the hair: hair follicle and hair shaft .
The structure of the hair follicle can be divided into the upper and the lower parts. The upper part includes the infundibulum and isthmus, and the lower part is referred to as the bulb and suprabulbar region. The hair bulb is built by the dermal papilla and the hair matrix . The follicles of scalp hair are anchored in the subcutis, and they undergo repetitive growth cycles .
The hair shaft is divided into three layers: the cuticle, the cortex, and the medulla. The medulla is the outermost part of the hair which is visible above the skin. It is surrounded by a protective layer called the root sheath. The root sheath consists of two strata: the inner and the outer.
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Can Hormones Cause Hair Loss
Medically reviewed on February 15, 2022 by Jordan Stachel, M.S., RDN, CPT. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.
While hair loss is more common among men, women can also lose their hair for various reasons. About 50 percent of women experience some form of noticeable hair loss . The most prominent is female pattern hair loss, affecting approximately one-third of women in the U.S. Like male pattern baldness, female pattern hair loss is typically caused by a hormonal imbalance. Learn more about what causes hair loss in women and try our available hormone test to see where your hormone levels are.
Noticeable Hair Loss In Women Can Be Deeply Distressing Here Are Some Medical Treatments That May Help
About one-third of women experience hair loss at some time in their lives among postmenopausal women, as many as two-thirds suffer hair thinning or bald spots. Hair loss in women often has a greater impact than hair loss does on men w, because its less socially acceptable for them. Alopecia can severely affect a womans emotional well-being and quality of life.
The main type of hair loss in women is the same as it is men. Its called androgenetic alopecia, or female pattern hair loss. In men, hair loss usually begins above the temples, and the receding hairline eventually forms a characteristic M shape hair at the top of the head also thins, often progressing to baldness. In women, androgenetic alopecia begins with gradual thinning at the part line, followed by increasing diffuse hair loss radiating from the top of the head. A womans hairline rarely recedes, and women rarely become bald.
There are many potential causes of hair loss in women , including medical conditions, medications, and physical or emotional stress. If you notice unusual hair loss of any kind, its important to see your primary care provider or a dermatologist, to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. You may also want to ask your clinician for a referral to a therapist or support group to address emotional difficulties. Hair loss in women can be frustrating, but recent years have seen an increase in resources for coping with the problem.
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Can Hormone Imbalance Cause Hair Loss
A2020 studypublished in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences reveals thatboth the hair cycle and hair follicle structure are highly affected by hormone levels.
Can hormone imbalance cause hair loss?
Definitely.
In fact, an imbalance of hormones is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women.
And in both sexes, the incidence of hair loss increases with age.
If you are concerned about current or future hair loss,Nutrition Response Testingat HealthierU can identify any hormonal imbalance you may have and determine the exact lifestyle and dietary changes you need to make to restore your hair growth.
Ouai Thinning Hair Supplement
The OUAI Thinning Hair Supplements reduce breakage and increase shine and are one of the best vitamins for thinning hair. Its key ingredient, Omega 3, also makes hair more lustrous and silkier.
This vitamin uses a combination of biotin, silica, amino acids and ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that helps the body manage stress and reduce inflammation. This ingredient, in partnership with the other powerful antioxidants, helps the hair soak in nourishment.
With B vitamins as well as vitamins C, D and E, the OUAI Thinning Hair Supplement is rich in effective, natural nutrients and takes at least 90 days to see results.
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The Zrt Laboratory Blog
A symbol of femininity for so many women, our hair demands attention. Both deeply personal and superficially public, changes in the looks of our hair can inspire a range of emotions, driving us to willingly partake in its cutting, straightening, curling, bleaching, darkening, or other aggressive chemical treatments. Hair is part of who we are and how we present ourselves to the world. This is why thinning hair is kind of a big deal it can be a very frustrating topic for many women as there is no quick solution to getting more hair instantly.
Losing hair is utterly dreaded and distressing, and unfortunately something we all eventually come to face as we get older. As hair thins over the years and the shower drain clogs almost on a daily basis, the scalp becomes so vivid when hair is a dash too oily, and now the hair part has been moved over to a different spot, thereby concealing the thinned out patches next to the temples you find yourself on the internet in search of answers, bombarded with innumerable articles offering anywhere between 3 and 33+ helpful tips on how to get your luscious mane back. Some are obvious eat right and exercise to provide nutrients and stimulate blood flow, while others are less straightforward like sleeping on a silk pillowcase or wrapping your hair in a T-shirt. Whatever the suggestions may be, achieving strong and healthy hair extends way beyond keeping your locks away from heat and dyes.
Lets Talk About Hormone Replacement Treatment For Menopause
At HerKare, our focus is to help women feel their best with personalized health care solutions. We understand the many ways menopause can impact your life, so we work with you to find treatments that are tailored to you. Our providers take the time to listen, then well work together to find ways to help you improve your physical, emotional, and sexual health. Were here to help you enjoy life, not just push through unwanted menopause symptoms. Schedule an appointment online today!
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Hormones And Hair Loss In Women
Baldness or partial baldness in men is generally accepted as a natural part of aging though distressing for men, it is a symptom that is widely socially understood. There seems to be more of a stigma attached hair loss in women, perhaps because little is understood about the way female hormones affect the hair follicles.
What Is The Impact Of Bioidentical Hormones On Hair Loss
Hair loss is a known side effect of menopause, and many women find it to be one of the most frustrating and annoying. Women grow used to having thick hair, and when it begins thinning or falling out altogether it can be tough to cope with. Many women search high and low for products and treatments that will keep their hair loss to a minimum. One treatment menopausal women turn to is bioidentical hormone therapy. But what is bioidentical hormone therapy, and how does it help fight hair loss? Continue reading to find out what bioidentical hormones could do for you, how they combat hair loss and most importantly, whether they are safe.
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