Although many women base their self-worth on internal factors versus physical appearance, a sudden or gradual loss of hair can traumatize even the strongest feminine ego. While there are many causes of hair loss in women (such as tight ponytails or extreme stress), hormonal imbalance is one of the most common explanations.
Blame Imbalance
According to the American Hair Loss Association, the assumption that women with masculine traits are more likely to experience thinning hair isn’t entirely true. While testosterone can force hair follicles into dormancy, it is not always the primary culprit in female hair loss. All hormones in the body – male and female – work in intricate cycles and require biological balance to keep your hair growing. When women experience pregnancy, use birth control or approach menopause, hormones are disrupted from their usual cycles. Such disturbance can result in excess estrogen or lower levels of dihydrotestosterone, either of which can lead to androgenic alopecia, the tongue-twisting term for hormonal hair loss.
Test Yourself
If you suspect your hair has thinned because of hormonal imbalance, an endocrinologist can test your testosterone, estrogen and other hormones to determine if the levels are off in any way. Even the tiniest (and sometimes undetectable) shift in hormonal cycles can cause hair loss and other symptoms like mood swings, weight gain and acne. Determining the exact reason for hormonal imbalance can be challenging to the psyche and the pocketbook, especially when you consider that estrogen excess one month might correct itself the following month – without you ever knowing it was there in the first place.
Take Action
In addition to consulting with your doctor, certain lifestyle changes might help correct the hormonal imbalance that has caused your hair to thin. In her book “The Hormone Cure,” Dr. Sara Gottfried writes that eating fiber-rich foods (like steel-cut oatmeal and whole proteins), exercising regularly and losing excess weight can aid in hormonal vitality. You could also explore products such as hair-thickening shampoos, tonics and conditioners, as well as extensions, non-surgical hair replacement and implants to enhance the appearance of your tresses.
Medical and scientific technology continues to improve commercial thickening agents and artificial hair – you might be surprised how good you can look with a little help from the help of a qualified hair loss specialist.
Hair Loss Help
New Look Institute specializes in hair replacement and hair restoration solutions for everyone and for every hair loss condition. We invite you or anyone you may know who is experiencing hair loss to a free visit with one of our hair loss specialists. Contact us to schedule a free consultation!
Photo Credit: Moyan Brenn via Flickr Creative Commons
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.
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