Hormone fluctuations cause a number of symptoms in men and women, including hair loss. Male and female patterned baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is caused by genetics and excessive androgen activity. Hair follicle miniaturization impacts individuals who are genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. This process causes hair follicles to shrink over time and eventually prevents new hair growth. Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss. In addition to androgens, other hormones play a role in hair growth, thinning, and hair loss. 

What hormones cause hair loss in women?

Estrogen

Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone, and it plays a protective role in hair growth. It promotes the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and helps maintain the thickness and health of hair. A decrease in estrogen levels, such as during menopause or hormonal imbalances, can lead to hair thinning or shedding.

Progesterone

Progesterone is another important female hormone involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Like estrogen, it supports hair growth and thickness. Fluctuations or imbalances in progesterone levels can contribute to hair loss.

Thyroid hormones

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism and influence hair growth. Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can disrupt the hair cycle, causing hair thinning or excessive shedding.

Cortisol

Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can impact the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss or thinning for both women and men.

What hormones cause hair loss in men?

In men, the primary hormone that influences hair loss is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is derived from testosterone. Below are key hormones involved in male pattern hair loss:

Testosterone

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It is converted into DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. While testosterone itself is not directly responsible for hair loss, DHT is believed to be the primary hormone involved in male pattern hair loss.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

DHT is an androgen hormone that is more potent than testosterone. It binds to receptors in hair follicles, leading to their miniaturization. Over time, the miniaturization process can result in the shrinking of hair follicles and shorter, finer hairs, eventually stopping hair growth.

Estrogen

While estrogen is primarily a female sex hormone, men also have small amounts of it. Estrogen helps balance the effects of androgens like testosterone and DHT. In some cases, an imbalance between estrogen and androgens can contribute to hair loss in men.

Hair Loss Treatment Options

We offer a number of non-invasive hair restoration services at our office for men and women. DE|RIVE is a natural, plant-based serum treatment that we recently added to our practice. Learn more about DE|RIVE here. To schedule a free consultation and find out which treatment option is best for you, please visit our website or call us at 877-573-3737.