Whether it is male pattern hair fall or hair fall due to pregnancy, we have often heard about how hormonal imbalance can affect your hair’s health. Hair fall is often were distressing, be it men or women. And, it is not just changing your shampoo or conditioner that will do the trick.
Any hormonal imbalance in the body can lead to hair loss. Before we get into the connection before hormonal imbalance and hair loss, let us take a look at how your hair grows.
The hair follicles are always in action, with some phases of rest. When they are active, the regenerate and degenerate quickly, this activity depends on many factors, including the changes in the hair fibre, the hormones in the body, toxins and nutrients.
Stress Hormones and Hair Fall
Stress is a bad thing for your overall health. When you are overly stressed, your hair begins to fall out. Stress releases a hormone called cortisol that immediately shifts your body into a survival mode. That means the nutrients and other resources are taken away and shifted entirely to the vital organs so that you are ready for ‘fight or flight’. Taking measures to reduce stress can solve this common issue of hormonal imbalance and hair fall.
Sex Hormones and Hair Fall
Our sex hormones are not responsible only for reproduction. They determine your overall health. This is why, during pregnancy or menopause, women see a significant difference in their hair texture and health. While some may experience hair loss, others see that their hair has become fuller and more voluminous. Usually, a spike in estrogen tends to improve the hair growth phase while a drop in the levels of this hormone, the opposite happens.
In the case of men, increased levels of the hormone Dihydrotestosterone are responsible for hair fall. If their hair follicles are sensitive to this hormone, they will experience hair loss or even baldness. DHT is a metabolized version of the male hormone, testosterone.
Thyroid Hormone and Hair Fall
Any hormonal imbalance related to the thyroid gland can wreak havoc on your body. This gland is responsible for most metabolic processes. When the thyroid hormone reduces, metabolism slows down. As a result, other body functions like hair growth also slow down. When you have a thyroid hormone imbalance, hair loss is one of the first symptoms. On the other hand, increased thyroid hormone levels also lead to hair fall.
Other Issues Caused by Hormonal Imbalance
Our hormones are responsible for regulating several metabolic processes in the body. Besides having a direct effect on hair texture and quality, hormonal imbalance can lead to other issues that eventually result in hair fall.
For instance, when women experience heavy periods due to hormonal issues, the iron levels in the body get depleted. The stored form of iron, which is called Ferritin, is most important for hair growth. Therefore, hair begins to fall out or break when you lose your iron reserves.
When hormones are out of balance, the uptake of vital nutrients in the body is also compromised. As mentioned above, hair cells grow very fast and need optimal nutrition to look their best. When the body is unable to metabolize these nutrients, your hair health is immediately affected.
Dealing with Hormone-related Hair Growth Issues
Make sure that you eat a healthy and balanced diet, to begin with. Most hormonal imbalances are the result of poor nutrition. Second, try to avoid stress as much as possible. Getting ample sleep and rest is also essential to regulate hormone levels in the body. In short, healthy hair begins with a healthy lifestyle.
Of course, the relationship between hormone imbalance and hair growth can go deeper than your lifestyle. Sometimes, the endocrine system may be affected, leading to hormonal issues. There may be other underlying health conditions, as well. In most cases, persistent hair loss is a sign that you need to get a complete health check-up done.
If all the natural measures and remedies do not work, consult your doctor to understand how you can manage hair loss related to hormonal issues.
