The Role of Hormones in Female Pattern Hair Loss

Hormones Female

and Health

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a condition that affects millions of females. The main cause of female pattern hair loss is hormonal imbalance, which can be triggered by a variety of conditions including menopause, post-pregnancy, thyroid problems, PCOS and stress.

Hormones and Hair Loss

Hormones play a significant role in the body’s regulation of hair growth. Specifically, androgens, or male hormones like testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androstenedione, can cause thinning of hair in females. This thinning of hair is known as female pattern hair loss (FPHL) or androgenic alopecia, which can cause both a reduction in the number of follicles on the head as well as a decrease in the length and pigmentation of individual hairs.

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Female Hormones and Hair Loss

FPHL is often accompanied by an imbalance of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, as well as an increase in androgens like DHT. This can be caused by a variety of different factors such as menopause, post-pregnancy, thyroid problems and PCOS, which can all lead to changes in hormones that can lead to hair thinning and eventual hair loss.

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Effects of Hormonal Imbalance on Health

In addition to hair loss, an imbalance of androgens and other hormones in females can cause a variety of negative health effects. These include acne, weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, fatigue and a decrease in fertility.

Treating Hormonal Imbalance and Hair Loss

The key to treating FPHL is to identify and treat the underlying cause of the hormonal imbalance. Common treatments for hormonal imbalance and hair loss include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), medications to lower androgen levels, and changes to lifestyle and diet.

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Coping With Hair Loss

For many women, female pattern hair loss can be emotionally difficult as well as physically stressful. Women who are faced with this condition should try to take care of themselves both physically and emotionally. This can include seeking professional help if necessary, and talking to a doctor or a support group. Taking care of yourself emotionally can help you cope with the stress of hair loss.

Keywords:

Hormones, Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL), Androgens, Testosterone, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Androstenedione, Estrogen, Progesterone, Menopause, Post-Pregnancy, Thyroid Problems, PCOS, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), Lifestyle, Diet.