The role that hormones play in female hair loss
Many women begin to experience concerns about their hair as they approach and go through menopause. At first, it starts to sprout in unwelcome places such as the chin. Then, for some, the hair on their head gradually starts getting thinner.
Our hair plays such a significant role in how we identify ourselves. We usually control how our hair looks by cutting, styling and wearing it how we feel comfortable. So, it can be hard to come to terms with changing or thinning hair, and as these changes take effect, it can have a significant impact on our confidence.
The average age of menopause is around fifty and, in the months, or years leading up to this, some women notice a change in their hair. Very commonly, the volume and condition of the hair appears to worsen, with some women noticing that the hair doesn’t grow as much or as quickly as it once used to. Some women will experience more profound hair loss, with thinning at the crown of the head, the sides or a more general thinning of hair all over the head. This is described as female pattern hair loss.
Why does hair loss occur?
Although hair loss can become a problem at any age, the condition is most likely to occur shortly before or during the menopause. Other factors such as genetics, stress or underlying thyroid issues can also have a significant impact, so seeking medical advice is crucial for getting to the root of the problem.
Our whole body is made up of a complex system of hormones – behind the scenes of every bodily function is a hormone that’s driving it. So, when our hormones go out of kilter, issues will start to occur. Initially, this may affect your mood or how you’re feeling generally, but it can also lead to problems on the surface with our skin or hair.
Thyroid issues are a prevalent cause of hair loss. Both low and high thyroid levels can cause the hair to become dry and brittle before eventually, they begin to shed.
Oestrogen is another crucial hormone for hair health. If you’ve had children, you may have experienced luscious, thick hair during pregnancy. This is due to a rise in oestrogen levels. Post-pregnancy levels of oestrogen rapidly drop, which may lead to shedding. This is also common during the menopause and is another reason why women may begin to lose hair during this stage of their life.
Getting to the root of the problem
It’s all about keeping everything in balance when it comes to hormones. Understanding the levels of your hormones and trying to keep everything in sync as far as possible is crucial if you’re trying to maintain or restore a healthy head of hair.
If you’re worried about your hair health or you’ve started to notice changes in your hair, the first step is to determine why it’s happening. Seeking help from a medical professional at this stage is key.
This process will often start with an assessment of your blood profiles to determine the current level of your hormones and highlight any areas that need addressing.
Treating with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
If your blood profiles show that your hormone levels aren’t sitting quite where they should be, BHRT is an excellent option to consider. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy works to counteract menopausal changes by replenishing critical hormonal supply. Once the balance of these hormones has been restored, the menopausal symptoms will be significantly reduced.
Find out more about BHRT and how it compares to traditional hormone replacement therapy.
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Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.
