How are Estrogen Levels Responsible for Hair Loss?

Estrogen and Hair Loss

What Causes Low Estrogen and Hair Loss? 

How to Treat Estrogen Effects on Hair? 

Shedding around 50-100 hair strands from follicles every day is a part of the natural hair growth cycle. The cycle encompasses three phases; growth, rest and fall. In the fall phase, hair starts to shed and then regrow from the follicle. However, many external and internal factors can disturb this natural cycle and lead to hair loss. Hair loss is a hair condition where excessive hair falls with no signs of hair growth, leading to balding. Hormones are one of the internal factors that can cause hair loss. Continue with the blog to learn more about estrogen and hair loss. 

Estrogen and Hair Loss

Estrogen is a female sex hormone that helps regulate crucial processes like menstruation and promotes the proper functioning of the bone and skin.  Low estrogen and hair loss are due to a reduction in the levels of estrogen when a woman enters menopause. High levels of estrogen promote hair growth like in pregnancy, while on the other hand, when the level of estrogen goes down at the time of menopause, hair fall occurs. Female pattern baldness normally arises due to these low levels of estrogen. 

What Causes Low Estrogen and Hair Loss?

Below are the problems that may reduce the levels of estrogen

• Underweight or Overweight- Estrogen production is lower in women who have very little or very high body fat. 

• Excessive Exercise- High-intensity exercise may affect estrogen hormone production 

• Stress- Estrogen may fall during menstruation and the menopausal phase. 

• Certain Medications- Some medications may reduce the levels of estrogen 

• Thyroid- Hypothyroidism is when low thyroid hormone is produced, which also leads to low estrogen and other female hormone production 

How to Treat Estrogen Effects on Hair?

The following treatments can reverse the effect of low levels of estrogen on hair- 

• Proper Lifestyle

A proper lifestyle can treat the effects of estrogen. Take a proper low-fat diet to control estrogen levels. Intake salmon, tuna, flax seeds, garlic, almonds, moong bean sprouts, soy products and walnuts. Drink plenty of water and reduce excessive exercise. Maintain a healthy weight and sleep on time to manage stress. 

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) 

Estrogen replacement therapy can help treat hair loss due to menopause. You must consult a dermatologist to discuss this therapy. 

• Medications 

Your hair doctor might prescribe medications like minoxidil and finasteride to promote hair growth after estrogen hair loss. 

If you are suffering from hair loss, visit an expert dermatologist at HairMD, Pune to find the cause behind estrogen hair loss and treat it on time.