It is known that many women base their self-worth not on physical appearance, but on internal factors. However, sudden or even gradual loss of hair can seriously affect the strongest of feminine egos. There are many causes of hair loss in women, but hormonal imbalance is one of the most prevalent.
Imbalance of Blame
The assumption that women who possess masculine traits are more likely to experience hair thinning isn’t necessarily true, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Although hair follicles can be forced into dormancy by testosterone, the testosterone alone isn’t always the primary culprit. Every hormone in the body, be it male or female, functions in very intricate cycles and require biological balance to continue hair growth. When women use birth control, experience pregnancy, or approach menopause, hormonal cycles are disrupted. This disruption can lead to an excess of estrogen or lower levels of dihydrotestosterone, ultimately leading to androgenic alopecia which is another way of saying hormonal hair loss.
Take the Test
If you feel that your hair has been thinned due to hormonal imbalance, endocrinologist can test the levels of estrogen and other hormones like testosterone in your body to determine if the levels show any sign of an issue. Sometimes even the smallest and possibly undetectable change or shift in hormonal cycle can cause hair loss, and even other symptoms like mood swings, weight gain and acne. Finding the exact reason for your hormonal imbalance can be a strain on both you and your wallet, and the fact that estrogen excess one month can correct itself the following month doesn’t help.
Take Action
In conjunction with talking to your doctor, certain lifestyle tweaks may help to correct any hormonal imbalance causing your hair to thin. “The Hormone Cure,” a book written by Dr. Sara Gottfried, explains that eating foods rich in fiber like whole proteins and steel cut oatmeal, exercising regularly and weight loss can aid in hormonal health. Other options include products, such as hair thickening conditioners, shampoos and tonics, as well as implants and extensions to improve the look of your tresses.
Advances in the scientific and medical fields have led to the big improvements of artificial hair and thickening agents. You may even be surprised by how good you can look with just a little help from over the counter products.
If you are a female experiencing hair loss, we have many options to help with your hair loss. At Transitions of Wisconsin we invite you for a free visit and a free hair and scalp analysis to help you understand your hair loss. If you’re interested in scheduling a free consultation, contact us today!
Sources:
Dr. Paul J. McAndrews (Reviewed), “Causes of Hair Loss,” American Hair Loss Association. http://www.americanhairloss.org/women_hair_loss/causes_of_hair_loss.asp
Dr. Sara Gottfried, “The Hormone Cure: Reclaim Balance, Sleep, Sex Drive, And Vitality Naturally with the Gottfried Protocol,” Scribner, 2013.
