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Hormonal hair loss happens when changes in hormones disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to thinning and shedding over time. Common causes include elevated DHT, thyroid disorders, PCOS, menopause, and stress. Early detection is crucial - look for gradual thinning, changes in hair texture, or widening of your part. To figure out the cause, review your medical and family history, assess lifestyle factors, and consider diagnostic tests like thyroid panels or hormone level checks. Treatments range from addressing underlying conditions to using medications like spironolactone or oral minoxidil. Telehealth services like Oana Health can simplify the process by offering personalized care and convenient solutions. Start by tracking your symptoms and consulting a healthcare provider to regain hair health.
6 Root Causes of Hair Loss – Dr. Berg on Hormonal Hair Loss
Signs of Hormonal Hair Loss
Identifying the early signs of hormonal hair loss can help you seek the right diagnostic tests and treatments. Here’s what to look for:
Check Hair Loss Patterns
Hormonal changes often cause a gradual thinning of hair on the scalp, rather than sudden or complete hair loss. This is a hallmark of female pattern hair loss. Over time, the hair may lose volume and become finer, signaling a hormonal imbalance. Stressful life events can further disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, compounding the issue.
Assess Stress and Life Changes
Stress is a major factor in hair loss, ranking just behind genetics as a leading cause. When stress becomes extreme or chronic, it raises cortisol levels, which can push hair follicles into a prolonged resting phase (known as telogen effluvium). This phase leads to noticeable shedding about 2–4 months later.
Take stock of any significant life changes you’ve experienced recently - such as a new job, relationship challenges, financial difficulties, illness, surgery, or loss. These events can strain your hormones and impact hair health. Hormonal shifts tied to life stages also play a role. For example, postpartum hair loss is common due to a drop in estrogen levels after childbirth. Similarly, hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause - where estrogen decreases and androgens become more dominant - can trigger female pattern hair loss.
Lifestyle habits also matter. Factors like diet, hydration, and exercise influence your overall metabolic health and stress levels, which indirectly affect the condition of your hair.
Medical and Family History Review
Your medical and family history can offer valuable insights into the underlying causes of hormonal imbalances affecting your hair health. By examining these details, healthcare providers can better identify whether your hair loss is tied to genetics, medical conditions, or medications.
Record When Hair Loss Started
Take note of when you first noticed hair thinning. Pinpointing the onset of hair loss and any significant life changes at the time - like starting new medications, entering menopause, dealing with thyroid issues, or experiencing stress - can help uncover potential links between hormonal shifts and hair loss patterns.
Pay attention to whether the hair loss is steady or occurs in cycles. Certain hormonal conditions may cause thinning hair during specific times of the month or year, providing useful diagnostic clues.
Establishing a clear timeline also allows you to explore familial patterns that might point to a genetic influence.
Check Family History of Hair Loss
Genetics often play a key role in hormonal hair loss, especially in cases of female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Studies indicate that 62.2% of women with FPHL have a family history of hair thinning.
Investigate whether close relatives, such as grandparents, parents, siblings, or children, have experienced similar hair loss. Hormonal hair loss can span multiple generations, and patterns of early-onset hair loss may suggest a stronger genetic link.
For example, research shows that hair loss involving multiple family members across three generations is seen in 28.8% of FPHL cases, compared to just 3.1% in individuals without FPHL. If your hair loss began before age 40, check if your grandparents faced similar issues, as this pattern is three times more common in early-onset cases.
Additionally, over 80% of individuals with noticeable hair loss had a male parent who experienced the same issue. Hereditary-pattern baldness affects up to 40% of men and women.
List Medications and Health Conditions
Compile a list of current and recent medications, especially those that could impact hormone levels. This includes hormonal birth control, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), blood thinners, antidepressants, and medications for blood pressure or cholesterol.
Also, document any health conditions that influence hormones, such as thyroid disorders, PCOS, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or eating disorders. Be sure to include the dates of diagnoses and any treatments received.
Don’t forget to include supplements, vitamins, and recent changes in birth control methods.
Finally, note any surgical procedures, as the physical stress from surgery can sometimes lead to temporary hair loss.
Physical and Scalp Examination
After reviewing your history and symptoms, a detailed physical exam can provide more insights into your hair loss. Examining your scalp closely helps identify patterns, severity, and any signs of hormonal imbalances.
Examine Scalp and Hair Loss Areas
Start by observing the pattern of hair loss. Hormonal hair loss often follows distinct patterns. Women with hormonal imbalances may notice diffuse thinning concentrated at the top of the head, especially around the crown and part line, while the hairline at the temples and back of the head generally stays intact.
Use good lighting and check your scalp from different angles. Pay particular attention to the width of your part - hormonal hair loss can make it appear wider over time. You might also notice your ponytail feels thinner or that your scalp becomes more visible when your hair is wet.
Take photos under consistent lighting and angles to track changes over time. Focus on areas where thinning is most apparent, such as the crown, temples, or hairline.
If you observe patchy or circular areas of hair loss, it could point to conditions like alopecia areata rather than hormonal hair loss. Unlike these conditions, hormonal hair loss usually progresses gradually and is more evenly distributed.
Look for Scalp Problems
Inspect your scalp for signs of irritation, inflammation, or skin conditions that may worsen hair loss. A healthy scalp should appear pink or flesh-toned without excessive redness, flaking, or irritation.
Check for dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or other scalp issues that might stress hair follicles. Feel for any bumps, tender spots, or unusual textures. Scarring or hardened patches could indicate conditions that cause permanent hair loss.
Take note of excess oiliness, dryness, or signs of scratching. Hormonal imbalances can affect sebum production, leading to scalp sensitivity. For instance, women with PCOS often experience increased oiliness due to higher androgen levels, which can exacerbate scalp problems and hair loss.
Test Hair Strength
Try a gentle hair pull test to see how much hair you're shedding. Take a small bundle of 50-60 hairs and gently pull from the roots to the ends using your thumb and forefinger. Normally, fewer than 3 hairs should come loose.
If you consistently pull out 5 or more hairs from various areas of your scalp, it may indicate active shedding linked to hormonal imbalances. For the most accurate results, perform this test on hair that hasn’t been washed for at least 24 hours.
Look at the hairs you’ve pulled: normal telogen hairs have small, white, club-shaped roots. If many hairs have dark, elongated roots, it could suggest a different type of hair loss.
Assess the strength and texture of your hair by gently tugging individual strands. Hormonal changes can make hair more fragile and prone to breakage. Notice whether your hair feels finer in diameter than it used to, as hormonal imbalances often lead to thinner strands over time.
Pay attention to how your hair behaves during daily routines like brushing, washing, or styling. Count the hairs in your brush or on your pillowcase. Losing 50-100 hairs per day is normal, but consistently losing more could signal hormonal hair loss that warrants professional evaluation. These observations can guide the next steps in diagnosing and managing your hair loss.
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Diagnostic Tests for Hormone Problems
After reviewing your symptoms and conducting a physical exam, your healthcare provider might recommend blood tests to check for hormonal imbalances that could be impacting your hair growth. These tests are particularly useful for identifying issues, such as thyroid dysfunction, that may contribute to hair loss.
Hormone Blood Tests
Thyroid function tests play a crucial role in diagnosing hormone-related hair loss. Commonly ordered tests include TSH, T3, T4, Free T3, and Free T4. These help determine whether your thyroid is functioning properly and if an imbalance might be causing your hair loss.
Getting Professional Help and Treatment
When to See a Doctor
If you notice your hair thinning significantly or shedding more than usual, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor. Acting early often leads to better results and can help avoid permanent damage to your hair follicles.
"Many patients delay seeking treatment until they've lost significant hair, not realizing that early intervention typically yields better outcomes and can prevent permanent follicle damage."
- Paul Rose, MD, Dermatologist and Hair Restoration Expert, Golden State Dermatology
Your primary care provider can help identify the problem or refer you to a dermatologist for specialized care.
It’s especially important to seek medical attention if you experience sudden patches of hair loss accompanied by scalp irritation. Ignoring inflammation could lead to permanent damage.
"If you let inflammation go on long enough without proper treatment, it can lead to permanent hair loss."
- Carolyn Trieu, PA, Physician Assistant specializing in Dermatology, Franciscan Health
Certain life events, like starting a new medication, undergoing surgery, recovering from a high fever, or dealing with a significant illness, can trigger hair loss. This type of hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, typically begins around three months after the triggering event.
If over-the-counter treatments haven’t shown results after six months, it’s worth exploring prescription options or in-office procedures. Additionally, if hair loss is affecting your quality of life, that alone is reason enough to seek professional help.
For those who suspect hormonal imbalances, a professional evaluation can confirm the diagnosis. If convenience is a priority, telehealth services offer an accessible way to get started.
Try Telehealth Services like Oana Health
Telehealth platforms like Oana Health make diagnosing and treating hormonal hair loss simple and convenient. Oana Health focuses on science-based, personalized prescription treatments for female hormonal health issues, including hair loss.
Here’s how it works: Start with a quick 5-minute online visit, where you share your medical history and specific concerns. A licensed medical professional then reviews your information and creates a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
"Oana's telehealth service is fantastic! It's helped manage my insulin levels and reduce excess hair growth I was experiencing due to PCOS."
- Victoria A.
Once your plan is ready, treatments are shipped directly to your door with free shipping, ensuring the process is discreet and hassle-free. Oana also offers ongoing support through automatic refills and assistance via online chat or phone.
For hair loss, Oana Health provides targeted treatments such as oral minoxidil, spironolactone, and topical spironolactone. These prescription options are designed to address the hormonal imbalances contributing to hair loss.
"Thanks to Oana, my menstrual cycles are more regular, and my skin has never looked better! I also love the 24/7 accessibility and customer service that always goes the extra mile."
- Margaret K.
Once you’ve been evaluated, you can explore these personalized treatments to find what works best for you.
Treatment Options for Hormonal Hair Loss
Prescription medications often provide the most effective solution for hormonal hair loss. For example, spironolactone blocks androgens that shrink hair follicles, making it a great choice for women with PCOS or elevated androgen levels. Oral minoxidil offers a systemic approach to treating diffuse hair thinning, while topical spironolactone delivers targeted anti-androgen effects with fewer systemic side effects.
Lifestyle changes can also play a key role in supporting hair health. Stress reduction techniques like meditation, regular exercise, or therapy can help balance cortisol levels, which may be contributing to hair loss. Additionally, a nutrient-rich diet that includes protein, iron, and essential vitamins promotes healthy hair growth from within.
Finally, addressing underlying conditions like thyroid issues, PCOS, or insulin resistance is critical for long-term success. Treating these root causes often leads to noticeable improvements in hair growth and overall health.
Conclusion: First Steps to Hair Regrowth
Dealing with hormonal hair loss can feel daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process far more approachable. By following a clear checklist - from spotting early signs to undergoing the right tests - you’re taking charge of your hair health and setting the stage for effective treatment.
Acting early is key. Hair follicles respond best when treatment begins before significant damage occurs. Start by tracking your hair loss patterns, looking into your family history, and paying attention to related symptoms like irregular periods or unexpected weight changes. These details will be essential when speaking with a healthcare provider.
The good news? Hormonal hair loss is very treatable with the right diagnosis. Whether the cause is tied to conditions like PCOS or thyroid imbalances, there are effective solutions available. The diagnostic tests mentioned earlier can help your doctor craft a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
For added convenience, telehealth platforms such as Oana Health offer a personalized and accessible way to address hormonal imbalances from the comfort of your home, making professional care easier than ever to access.
The next steps are simple: act quickly to avoid long-term damage. Use this checklist to gather critical information, schedule a professional evaluation, and take that first step toward healthier hair and renewed confidence.
FAQs
What hormonal issues can cause hair loss, and how can they be diagnosed?
Hormonal hair loss can stem from various conditions, including thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, androgenic alopecia (a type of hormonal pattern hair loss), or shifts in hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These hormonal changes often occur during significant life stages like pregnancy or menopause, or they may result from underlying health issues.
To pinpoint the cause of hormonal hair loss, healthcare providers typically recommend blood tests to evaluate hormone levels, thyroid function, and other potential imbalances. Symptoms such as sudden thinning, patchy hair loss, or noticeable changes in hair texture can offer additional clues. If you're dealing with these concerns, reaching out to a medical professional is essential to uncover the root cause and explore effective treatment options.
What lifestyle changes can support medical treatments for hormonal hair loss?
Lifestyle changes can significantly boost the impact of medical treatments for hormonal hair loss. For starters, stress management is crucial. Practices like meditation, yoga, or even regular exercise can help regulate hormone levels, which play a big role in maintaining healthy hair growth.
Another key factor is a balanced, nutrient-packed diet. Incorporate foods rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals - think leafy greens, nuts, fish, and eggs. These not only nourish your body but also support stronger, healthier hair. Staying well-hydrated and minimizing the use of excessive heat styling tools or harsh hair products can further protect your hair.
When you combine these lifestyle habits with tailored medical treatments, you’re taking a well-rounded approach to tackling hormonal hair loss.
When should you seek professional help for hormonal hair loss, and how can telehealth services like Oana Health help?
If you're noticing your hair thinning more than usual, your part looking wider, or your scalp becoming more visible, it might be a good idea to consult a professional. These changes could be signs of underlying hormonal issues, such as thyroid disorders or conditions like PCOS, that may need medical attention.
Services like Oana Health offer a convenient way to get expert care without leaving your home. They provide personalized consultations and prescription treatments delivered straight to your door, making it easier to manage hormonal hair loss. This kind of care ensures you get timely solutions and ongoing support tailored specifically to your needs.
