Mon: 8am - 5pm
Tue: 12pm - 6pm
Thur: 8am - 1pm
Fri: 8am - 1pm
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, refers to the excessive shedding of hair from the scalp or other areas of the body. Normally, hair follows a natural growth cycle of growth, rest, and shedding, but a hormonal imbalance can disrupt this cycle. Understanding the causes of hair loss is essential for finding the right treatment—especially when it is hormonally driven.
Hair loss in women can have many causes, including genetics, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal changes. Hereditary hair loss, known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common cause. However, hormonal changes—particularly those occurring during menopause—play a major role and can significantly influence hair growth, leading to increased shedding.
Hormones play a key role in maintaining healthy hair growth. Female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone promote hair growth and help maintain scalp health. Male hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), on the other hand, can contribute to hair loss, especially when an imbalance occurs—something frequently seen during menopause.
Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life marked by a decline in estrogen and progesterone production. This hormonal shift can lead to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, including hormone-related hair loss. Changes in hormone levels affect hair follicles and the hair growth cycle, often resulting in thinner hair and reduced volume.
Estrogen plays a crucial role in promoting hair growth and maintaining the hair’s growth phase. When estrogen levels drop during menopause, the growth phase shortens, and the resting phase lengthens. As a result, hair sheds more quickly and regrows more slowly, leading to hormonally related hair thinning and hair loss.
Temporary hair loss in women, also known as telogen effluvium, often occurs after events such as pregnancy, severe stress, or illness. These triggers can disrupt the normal hair cycle, pushing many follicles into the resting phase at once and causing diffuse shedding. This form of hair loss is usually temporary and resolves once the underlying cause is addressed and hormonal balance is restored.
Hereditary hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss in women. It is genetically determined and can be influenced by hormonal factors. In this condition, hair follicles become more sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leading to a shortened growth phase and miniaturization of the follicles. Over time, this results in thinning hair and gradual hair loss.
Diffuse hair loss during menopause is common among women, as hormonal changes significantly affect hair growth. The decline in estrogen levels causes a relative increase in the effect of male hormones, which can impair follicle health. Diffuse hair loss leads to uniform thinning across the scalp and a noticeable loss of hair density—an issue that can be distressing for many women during menopause.
To minimize hair loss and strengthen hair roots, maintaining a healthy scalp is key. Many women benefit from gentle scalp massages that boost blood circulation and improve nutrient supply to the hair follicles. Using mild shampoos that do not dry out the scalp can also support hair growth and help prevent hormonally induced hair loss, particularly during menopause.
Nutrition plays a critical role in regulating hormone balance. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins supports healthy hair growth. Deficiencies in iron, zinc, or biotin can contribute to hair loss. Certain foods rich in phytoestrogens may also have a positive effect on hormone levels and help reduce hormonal hair loss. Ensuring the body receives sufficient nutrients is essential for promoting hair growth and preventing hair shedding.
To prevent hair loss, women can make simple lifestyle adjustments. Stress is a major factor that affects hormone balance and can trigger reactive hair loss. Regular relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help lower stress levels. Adequate sleep and avoiding harmful habits like smoking can also have a positive impact on hair health and help prevent hormonal hair loss, especially in women going through menopause.
