The Hormonal Puzzle: Testosterone and Hair Loss in Females
Testosterone is generally referred to as a male hormone but is also found in women.
Women’s Testosterone production is naturally lower than men’s, but a rise in its levels can cause hair thinning and loss.
Hormonal disruptions can be brought on by conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
In addition, medicines or hormonal therapies can also lead to a rise of Testosterone levels in the body.
With the correct diagnosis and treatment, you can understand the link between Testosterone and hair loss in females.
If you suffer from hair loss, this article will help you identify the underlying hormonal disorders and investigate potential treatments.
The connection between Testosterone and hair loss in females
Androgens like Testosterone are growth and reproductive hormones produced in male and female bodies.
High levels of androgens in the female body can lead to the production of DihydroTestosterone (DHT) hormone.
5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme present in the body, converts Testosterone into DHT.
An increase in DHT levels has been associated with various conditions, including hair loss.
It’s essential to understand the relation to managing hormonal imbalances.
Consulting with a dermatologist can provide further insights and guidance in addressing this issue.
Different types of Testosterone and their role
There are different types of Testosterone found in the female body.
These include free and bound Testosterone.
Free Testosterone is the active form that can interact with receptors and potentially contribute to hair loss.
On the other hand, when Testosterone binds to proteins, it becomes bound Testosterone and is less likely to affect hair follicles.
However, an imbalance between the two can lead to excess free Testosterone.
This imbalance can contribute to hair loss in females.
Level of Testosterone
Apart from the types, different Testosterone levels in females can also contribute to hair loss.
Low Testosterone levels weaken the hair follicles and develop thinner hair strands, eventually leading to noticeable hair loss.
On the other hand, high Testosterone levels can also trigger hair loss.
This spike is often associated with conditions like PCOS that can lead to excess androgens in the body.
This hormonal imbalance can cause hair follicles to shrink and prematurely enter a resting phase, leading to hair thinning and shedding.
Therefore, low and high female Testosterone levels can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Women who experience hair loss are frequently diagnosed with Androgenetic Alopecia.
This medical condition is also known as female pattern hair loss, characterized by gradual scalp hair thinning.
Even though experts are unaware of its cause, it is thought that genetics and hormonal imbalances, like increased sensitivity to androgens, play a role.
This sensitivity leads to a gradual decrease of hair follicles, resulting in thinner and shorter hair strands.
Thereby, seeking professional help can help determine the most appropriate treatment options.
Treatment
The treatment options vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
Here are a few of the preferred treatment approaches.
Medications
Your doctor can prescribe anti-androgen medications like Finasteride to reduce the side effects of Testosterone and promote hair growth.
Remember, Finasteride is not approved by the FDA to treat female pattern baldness, yet it can be considered as an alternative treatment against Minoxidil.
Topical treatments
Minoxidil, a topical solution or foam, can be directly applied to the scalp.
As a result, it will slow down further hair loss by stimulating hair regrowth.
It is available over the counter and in various strengths.
However, check with your doctor before self medication.
Hormone therapy
If your hair loss is due to hormonal imbalances, your doctor might recommend hormonal therapies.
These could either include Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptives.
Hair transplant
In case you are experiencing severe hair loss, hair transplant procedures will be your only option.
Procedures like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) can restore hair density.
Lifestyle changes
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help promote overall hair health and minimize hair loss.
You can take the help of a nutritionist and add a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management to your routine.
Conclusion
Female hair loss and Testosterone have a complicated relationship.
Testosterone fluctuations and medical conditions like PCOS have been linked to hair shedding in women.
Effective hair loss management and diagnosis depend on thoroughly understanding Testosterone’s function and effects on hair follicles.
You can seek an expert’s help to diagnose female pattern baldness and narrow the available treatment options.
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