Estrogen and Hair Loss: Spotting the Link and Finding Ways to Treat Them
Hair loss is a condition that all men and women face at some point in their lives.
But where men may meet extreme hair fall, causing them to go through baldness, women do not tend to go that extreme.
It is possible because of women’s hormones like Estrogen and Progesterone.
However, Estrogen level affects hair growth, and a change in its level may also cause hair loss.
Therefore, where an increase in Estrogen during pregnancy may flourish in women’s thick, long, and strong hair, a significant downfall during Menopause may cause clumps of hair to fall.
According to Harvard Health, almost two-thirds of post-menopausal women face hair thinning and bald spots due to decreased Estrogen levels.
Through this article, you will understand the connection between Estrogen and hair loss, its causes, and possible ways to treat it.
Understanding Estrogen and cycles of hair growth
Before knowing about the influence of Estrogen on hair fall, it is important to understand the hair growth cycle.
According to a study, our hair goes through three cycles:
- Anagen phase: This phase of the hair cycle can be understood as a growing phase. It constitutes about 90% of our hair and takes two to eight years to complete
- Catagen phase: The transition phase takes up to three weeks. It is the stage when our hair follicles shrink
- Telogen phase: The last phase of the hair growth cycle includes the resting stage and constitutes about four months. The falling of hair marks the end of this phase
According to a study, Estrogen is the hormone that aids hair growth during the Anagen phase of the hair growth cycle.
Also, Estradiol (a form of Estrogen) can alter hair follicle growth by binding to the Estrogen receptors.
These studies are evident to state a relationship between Estrogen and hair loss.
Does Estrogen cause hair loss
Estrogen hormone plays a significant role in the body’s reproductive cycle and other physiological functions.
Changing its level may cause various problems, such as in the cases of:
High Estrogen and hair loss
High Estrogen may also cause hair loss.
Although Estrogen is associated with hair growth as the hormone binds with receptors on hair follicles and boosts their growth.
However, an increase in Estrogen, abrupting the normal Estrogen level, causes hair loss.
According to NCBI, in pregnant women, the rate of replacement of spontaneous or plucked hair was slower due to high plasma Estrogen levels.
Moreover, the hair shaft elongation of an organ-cultured female hair follicle was inhibited by Estrogen.
Low Estrogen and hair loss
Estrogen is associated with hair growth in both men and women.
Therefore, a decrease in Estrogen may not aid hair growth during the growing phase of the hair cycle.
Also, the change in the levels of Estrogen to the levels of Testosterone in females is the cause of Female Pattern Hair Loss.
It may cause hair thinning and hair loss.
Potential causes of Estrogen-induced hair loss
The potential causes of hair loss caused due to abnormal Estrogen levels are:
Menopause
During Menopause, your Estrogen level declines significantly and may cause hair thinning and hair loss.
Hair becomes thinner due to the shrinking of hair follicles, which ultimately causes hair fall.
However, you can improve your hair conditions by reducing stress, hair loss medication, daily exercises, etc.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
The main cause of PCOS is unknown. However, it also revolves around the imbalance in Estrogen levels and environmental factors.
PCOS is associated with abnormal Estrogen and an increase in androgenic hormones in the female body.
Birth control pills
According to a report, any kind of birth control, implants, pills, or injections, can cause hair loss.
However, the exact mechanism of birth control pills causing hair loss is not well-understood.
But the hormonal changes due to pills are the main causes of the imbalance in the hair cycle.
Ways to treat Estrogen-caused hair loss
You can use the following methods to counter hair fall problems:
Topical creams
Topical Estrogen creams were widely used for treating hair loss in men and women.
Currently, topical Minoxidil is one of the three accepted medications by the FDA for Female Pattern Hair loss (FPHL).
Topical creams contain Corticosteroids that are effective in reducing scalp inflammation.
You can consult your doctor before using topical cream for Estrogen and hair loss.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT can effectively treat women facing hair loss, especially during Menopause.
HRT can bring hormonal balance and may efficiently treat hair loss problems.
During Menopause, Estrogen and Progesterone combined can be more efficient in treating the cause of hair loss problems.
Still, it is a topic of debate and needs more evidence for effective use.
Conclusion
Estrogen plays a significant role in maintaining hair follicles and the hair growth cycle.
A change in its level is associated with hair shrinking and hair fall.
Also, Estrogen aids the Anagen phase of the hair growth cycle and helps in the growth of hair follicles.
Furthermore, a change in Estrogen level due to Menopause, PCOS, or birth control pills may cause hair to fall.
However, there are some ways to tackle these disorders, such as HRT and topical Estrogen creams.
You can consult your doctor before using them for better results and avoid complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does too much Estrogen cause hair loss?
Yes, even too much Estrogen in the body may cause hair loss. However, Estrogen is associated with hair growth as the hormone binds with receptors on hair follicles and boosts their growth. Still, an increase in Estrogen, abrupting the normal Estrogen level, causes hair loss.
How can I stop hormonal hair loss?
You can consult a doctor and ask for medications to improve your hair growth and reduce daily hair loss. You can go for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) under a doctor’s supervision and reduce the falling of hair. Also, you can reduce stress, exercise daily and meditate for better results.
Are there any Estrogen creams for hair loss?
Yes, there are many topical Estrogen creams for hair loss, and you can consult your doctor before using them directly. Topical Estrogen creams were widely used for treating hair loss. Topical minoxidil is one of the three FDA-approved creams for treating hair loss.
Can a lack of Estrogen cause hair fall?
Yes, a lack of Estrogen can cause hair fall. Estrogen is associated with hair growth and loss in both men and women. Therefore, a lack of Estrogen may be insufficient for the hair growth cycle, leading to low Estrogen and hair loss.
