Hormonal changes are known to affect different parts of the body, including the reproductive system and the endocrine system. They can even impact your scalp and hair health. Some types of hair loss are linked to hormones, including female pattern baldness and male pattern baldness. Whether you think hormonal changes are affecting the health of your hair or you want to learn how they impact one another, read this guide. We will explain how hormones can alter your hair and what to do if you want to grow thicker, more attractive locks.
Understanding How Hormones Can Affect Hair Loss
Androgenetic Alopecia & Hormonal Hair Loss
One of the most common types of hormonal hair loss is androgenetic alopecia. It is linked to hormonal hair loss in both men and women. In men, the condition is often referred to as male pattern baldness. Hair is usually lost in a well-defined pattern, beginning above both of the temples and receding over time to form a characteristic “M” shape on the head. In contrast, female androgenetic alopecia causes the hair to become thinner all over the scalp. The hairline does not recede as it does for men.
While this condition is more long-term, some types of hormonal hair loss may be temporary. Short-term changes in the hair due may occur for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and/or menopause. It is also possible to develop a loss or thinning of your locks if you have a thyroid condition.
How Hormones Affect Your Hair
Before your locks sprout from your scalp, little structures of hair begin growing under your skin. These hair follicles have a lifecycle of 2-6 years. If you do not cut or pull on healthy hair, it will usually continue growing on your head until it falls out. When the levels of a hormone called androgen change in the body, they can affect the length of the hair growth lifecycle. It is also possible that shifts in androgen can make the hair thinner or shorter than normal.
How to Grow Healthier Hair
Researchers are still learning about the impact of hormones on hair loss. Scientists also continue to study the link between hair regrowth and other factors, such as genetics and medical conditions. As the studies continue, they will help men and women learn more about how hormones affect them and their hair health.
If you are searching for a way to grow healthier hair now, you can try the following tips:
- Protect your hair: Shield the hair you have from falling out. It is as easy as making a fashion statement. Wear a hat or scarf on your head while you are in the sun. This covering will protect your hair from damaging ultraviolet light. Spray-on UV protection products are also available.
- Avoid breakage: Be gentle on your hair and scalp as you brush and wash. A conditioner or detangler can make it easier to get your signature style. You may also be able to avoid breakage by swapping out damaging chemical treatments with gentler or more natural ones. Frequent use of blow dryers, hair straighteners, and curling irons can also lead to damaged hair, so use them sparingly.
- Talk to a professional: A primary care physician can help you determine your reasons for hair loss. Or, talk with a specialist such as a gynecologist or an endocrinologist about your health conditions, who can help you find solutions for hair regrowth. A hairstylist can help you find the right cut while you work to regrow your hair. If you suspect that your diet is impacting the wellness of your scalp, consider talking to a registered dietician (RD).
- Laser therapy: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), formerly often referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is an innovative solution for male pattern baldness. It can also encourage thicker, more beautiful hair in women with female pattern baldness, as well as other reasons for hair loss or thinning.
Wearing a comfortable and discreet laser hair growth cap for just six minutes per day can help you love your hair more. Since it has no known side adverse effects and does not require the use of pharmaceutical drugs, you can use it in combination with other therapies recommended by your doctor.
Growing Healthier, Thicker Hair
While you may not be able to completely control hormonal changes in the body, you can impact the way you look and feel. Thankfully, new developments in hair regrowth are making it easier to enjoy thicker, healthier hair. As you take great care of your scalp and talk to your doctor about your wellness, browse our collection of Capillus® laser therapy caps. No matter what level of laser output you choose, you will be taking a productive step toward thicker hair and enhanced confidence about how you look.