Is your hair inexplicably thinning despite your best efforts? Hormonal havoc might be at the root of the problem.
Understanding the connection between hormones and hair thinning, can equip you with effective strategies to combat it.
Hormones, those enigmatic messengers orchestrating bodily functions, have a profound influence on our bodies, including our hair. Let's take a closer look at oestrogen and testosterone, the power players behind the scenes.
Menopause and Hair Thinning: Unmasking the Link
Menopause, a natural phase in a woman's life, involves a significant decline in the production of hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining various bodily functions, including hair growth.
Oestrogen, in particular, has a protective effect on hair. It promotes the growth phase of the hair cycle and helps keep hair follicles healthy. During menopause, as oestrogen levels drop, this protective effect diminishes. Hair follicles become more sensitive to other hormones, particularly androgens like testosterone.
Testosterone, which is present in both men and women, can be converted into a more potent hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) through the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT, when present in excess, can shrink hair follicles, leading to shorter and finer hair. This process is often referred to as "miniaturisation" of hair follicles.
As oestrogen declines and the balance between oestrogen and other hormones shifts, the influence of androgens like DHT on hair follicles becomes more pronounced. This can lead to a gradual thinning of the hair, particularly around the crown and the front of the scalp.
In essence, the hormonal changes that occur during menopause disrupt the delicate balance that supports healthy hair growth. This is why many women experience hair thinning and sometimes even hair loss during this phase of life. However, it's important to note that while menopause can be a contributing factor, genetic predisposition and other lifestyle factors also play a role in hair thinning.
Other common hormonal changes that cause your hair to thin
In addition to menopause, there are several other hormonal changes that can contribute to hair thinning in women.
Pregnancy and Postpartum
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can lead to a phase of increased hair growth. However, after giving birth, hormone levels rapidly decrease, and many women experience hair shedding and thinning. This is usually temporary and resolves within a few months.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):
PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterised by higher levels of androgens (male hormones) in women. This hormonal imbalance can lead to hair thinning or male-pattern hair growth (hirsutism) due to the influence of androgens on hair follicles.
Thyroid Disorders
Conditions like hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) and hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid function) can impact hormone levels. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in hair health, and disruptions in their levels can lead to hair thinning.
Birth Control
Some women may experience hair thinning when they start or stop using hormonal birth control methods. The change in hormone levels can affect the hair growth cycle.
Stress and Cortisol
Chronic stress can lead to an overproduction of cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone." Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt the balance of other hormones, including those involved in hair growth, potentially leading to hair thinning.
Ageing
As women age, hormone levels naturally fluctuate. While menopause is a significant hormonal change, even the gradual decline of hormones with age can contribute to hair thinning over time.
Medications and Medical Conditions
Certain medications and medical conditions can also impact hormone levels and contribute to hair thinning. It's important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect a medication or medical condition is affecting your hair.
It's worth noting that genetics play a crucial role in how susceptible an individual is to hormonal hair thinning. Some women may be more genetically predisposed to hair thinning, making them more sensitive to hormonal changes. If you're experiencing significant hair thinning or hair loss, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and explore appropriate treatment options.
How to combat hormonal hair thinning
There are several measures you can take to breathe life back into your hair, as well as rejuvenating your overall well-being.
Reduce Stress
Managing stress is crucial for hormonal balance. Elevated stress levels can disrupt hormone equilibrium, leading to mood swings, anxiety, and hair thinning. Embrace relaxation techniques like yoga and engage in regular exercise to keep stress at bay.
Stay Active
Exercise isn't just about staying fit; it's a potent tool for hormonal harmony. It aids in controlling mood swings, managing weight, and improving sleep quality, all of which contribute to healthier hair growth.
Nourish Your Body
A balanced diet is your ally against hair loss. Prioritise whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and consider including foods rich in biotin, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. Green tea, salmon, and almonds can become your hair's best friends. Keep your body hydrated to support overall health, including your scalp and hair follicles. Opt for water over sugary drinks to ensure your hair gets the nourishment it needs.
Use Scientifically Backed Hair Care Solutions
Step away from excessive heat styling and harsh chemicals. Let your hair breathe, and opt for gentle, natural products that encourage growth and minimise damage.
Neutriderm's Natural Hair Enhancers
When it comes to fortifying your battle against hormonal hair thinning, Neutriderm stands as your stalwart companion. Our Hair Enhancer Range is a meticulously crafted arsenal designed to stimulate growth, reduce shedding, and amplify hair vitality. Let's embark on a deeper exploration of our hair-enhancing trio:
Hair Enhancer Shampoo
Harnessing the potency of sabal extract, also known as saw palmetto and a nourishing blend of ingredients, our Hair Enhancer Shampoo emerges as a champion against hair loss and thinning. Crafted with meticulous precision, this advanced formula takes aim at areas prone to hair loss, powered by sabal extract—a natural antidote to the hair-thinning hormone, DHT. As sabal extract thwarts the conversion of testosterone to DHT, it safeguards hair follicles from damage, ultimately promoting a thicker, healthier mane. The inclusion of biotin, panthenol, hydrolyzed wheat, and silk proteins, along with Vitamin E, adds further strength, bolstering hair roots and boosting circulation to the scalp. Bid farewell to harsh chemicals, and embrace a gentle, effective solution that nurtures hair without side effects.
Hair Enhancer Conditioner
Packed with the goodness of sabal extract (saw palmetto) and a potent fusion of nourishing components, our Hair Enhancer Conditioner takes the baton to combat hair loss and spur growth. This formula mirrors its shampoo counterpart, embracing sabal extract's anti-DHT prowess to protect hair follicles and prevent loss. Alongside, panthenol, hydrolyzed wheat protein, avocado oil, and Vitamin E join forces to enhance hair roots, invigorate scalp circulation, and catalyse robust hair growth. Gentle yet powerful, this conditioner reinforces the hair's integrity, slowing hair loss and restoring vibrancy.
Hair Enhancer Lotion
Completing our trio of hair-enhancing solutions, the Hair Enhancer Lotion wields the potency of sabal extract (saw palmetto) and a rich blend of nourishing elements. With sabal extract leading the charge against DHT, this lotion acts as a sentinel for hair follicles, preserving their health and vitality. Biotin, panthenol, hydrolyzed wheat and silk proteins, mulberry root extracts and Vitamin E amplify the arsenal, bestowing strength upon hair roots, heightening blood circulation to the scalp, and breathing life into every strand. The lotion's precise application infuses the scalp with rejuvenating nutrients, offering a focused remedy for hair thinning.
Hormonal hair thinning might be a relentless adversary, but it's not invincible. Armed with insights into the hormone-hair connection and armed with Neutriderm's Hair Enhancer Range, you're equipped to take control. Reclaim your confidence, strand by strand, and unravel a future of vibrant, healthy hair.
Remember, your hair is a testament to your unique beauty, and Neutriderm's natural solutions are here to safeguard and celebrate it every step of the way.