Hair serves as a vital component of one’s self-image, reflecting personality and style. It influences confidence and personal style. Yet, many individuals have no idea about the factors which includes hormones, play a significant role in hair growth and health. It is crucial to understand the relationship between hormones and hair growth to comprehend the complexities of hair health.
So today, we're going to talk about how hair grows, how hormones affect hair growth and hair loss, and which hormone is responsible for hair growth.
Understand How Hair Grows
Hair growth occurs in a cycle with mainly three phases: Anagen, catagen, and telogen.
Anagen Phase: This is the active growth phase in which the hair follicles divide rapidly and hair strands grow. The phase duration varies typically lasting anywhere from 2-7 years. The longer the anagen phase, the longer the hair can grow.
Catagen Phase: In this phase, the hair growth stops. It last for a few weeks, during which the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the dermal papilla, which is the structure that supplies nutrients to the hair follicle.
Telogen Phase: This is the resting phase when the old hair is released and sheds. This phase lasts for around three months, and after this phase, the follicle re-enters the anagen phase. Afterwards, new hair begins to grow, pushing out the old one.
Get to know more about the hair growth cycle.
Hair growth rate varies between individuals and depends on several factors, including genetics, age, health, and even environmental factors. The growth rates typically average around 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) per month.
Each hair follicle operates independently, which is why different hairs on your body might be in different phases of the hair growth cycle at any given time. Also, not all follicles actively produce hair simultaneously. That's why some areas may seem to have more or less hair growth.
Connection Between Hormones and Hair Growth
There is a strong connection between hormones and hair growth. Our hormones, which are chemical messengers in our bodies, play a vital role in regulating the growth cycle of our hair. Hormones like estrogen, androgen, and testosterone can influence the length and thickness of our hair. When hormone levels fluctuate due to factors like menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, or medical conditions, it disrupts the normal cycle of hair growth and shedding. For example, increased estrogen levels can lead to thicker, fuller hair during pregnancy. On the other hand, hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during menopause or certain medical conditions, can disrupt the hair growth cycle and result in hair loss.
How Hormones Affect Hair Growth
Hormones wield a profound influence on the hair growth cycle. The changes in hormone levels can affect the hair growth cycle of hair follicles and even lead to hair loss or excessive hair growth in certain areas.
Which Hormone Is Responsible for Hair Growth in Males?
Androgens: These are a group of hormones, including testosterone, a major male hormone, that converts into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which affects hair follicles' growth phases. Testosterone is typically considered a male hormone but it is present in both males and females.
Which Hormone Promotes Hair Growth in Females?
Estrogen: Estrogen is a primary female sex hormone that promotes hair growth in females but is present in males in smaller amounts. Estrogen contributes to hair growth and can increase the time hair spends in the anagen (growth) phase. The changes in estrogen levels during pregnancy or menopause can also impact the hair growth cycle. Also, some women might experience thicker hair during pregnancy due to increased estrogen levels. However, during menopause, it might lead to hair thinning or loss when estrogen decreases.
Thyroid Hormones: Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, also impact hair growth. Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can lead to hair loss or changes in hair texture. It can also disrupt hair growth cycle, when hormone levels are imbalanced.
Cortisol: It is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Chronic stress can elevate cortisol levels, which lead to hair thinning or hair loss. Extreme stress can also trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, in which hair follicles enter the resting phase prematurely and hair sheds more than usual.
You might want to read more on stress induced hair loss.
How to Treat Hormonal Imbalance Hair Loss?
Hormonal hair loss can be challenging, but there are several approaches to address it:
Balanced Diet: Eating a balanced diet is important if you are experiencing hormonal hair loss. Ensure that you are getting all essential nutrients like protein, vitamins (especially D and E), minerals (such as iron and zinc), and healthy fats. These nutrients are crucial for healthy hair growth and hormone regulation.
Stress Management: To treat hormonal imbalance hair loss, stress management plays a crucial role. Chronic stress may contribute to hormonal imbalances. Practicing stress-inducing activities like doing yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress levels. Additionally, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as getting enough sleep and avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol, can help treat hormonal hair loss.
Hormone Therapy: Depending on the underlying cause, a healthcare professional might suggest hormone replacement therapy or medications to balance hormone levels.
Prescription Medications: For certain conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders, there are some specific medications that might be prescribed to manage hormone levels and subsequently reduce hair loss.
Avoid Harsh Treatments: Minimize the use of harsh chemicals, heat styling, and tight hairstyles that can damage the hair and exacerbate hormonal hair loss. These damaging treatments can break and weaken thin hair and shedding due to hormonal changes. Be gentle when washing, brushing, and styling hair to prevent excess breakage.
Conclusion
In understanding the intricate relationship between hormones and hair, it’s evident how crucial these biological compounds are in dictating the health and growth of our precious locks. From the active phases of growth to the resting periods and shedding, hormones control this complex process.
Balancing hormones isn’t just about maintaining bodily functions; it’s about nurturing the health and vitality of our hair. The impact of androgens like testosterone and its conversion to DHT, the role of estrogen in extending growth phases, the thyroid hormones’ influence on texture, and even cortisol’s stress impact. All these underscore the profound influence hormones have on our hair health.
Treating hormonal imbalance hair loss isn’t always straightforward, but there are multifaceted approaches available. Among these, the Theradome laser hair growth helmet is one of the treatment methods that can complement your other hair growth approaches. Theradome employs low-level laser therapy, stimulating hair follicles and promoting hair growth. Its non-invasive nature and focus on rejuvenating follicles can be an adjunct to lifestyle changes and medical interventions in addressing hormonal hair issues.
