Which Hormone Causes Hair Loss in Females? Signs, Causes & Solutions

Introduction

Hair is often considered a defining element of beauty and self-confidence, especially among women. So, when hair begins to thin or fall out unexpectedly, it can feel emotionally devastating. While factors like stress, diet, and genetics can contribute to hair loss, one of the most overlooked causes is hormonal imbalance.

Understanding which hormone causes hair loss in females is a key step in not just treating the issue but also preventing it from getting worse. Hormones influence everything from our metabolism and mood to our skin and hair health. And when those delicate levels are thrown off, the effects can be seen right at the scalp.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore:

• The specific hormones involved in female hair loss

• Signs that hormonal imbalance may be to blame

• Root causes of those imbalances

• Treatment options, including modern therapies like BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy)

• Preventive tips to maintain strong, healthy hair

Whether you’re noticing shedding in the shower or experiencing bald patches and thinning over time, this article will help you better understand what’s happening inside your body and what you can do about it.

1. The Importance of Hormones in Female Hair Health

Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through your bloodstream, influencing how your organs and tissues function. In the context of hair health, hormones play a vital role in determining hair growth cycles, follicle strength, oil production, and scalp health.

1.1 How Hair Grows: A Hormonal Process

Hair grows in cycles:

• Anagen (Growth Phase) – lasts 2 to 7 years

• Catagen (Transition Phase) – lasts about 10 days

• Telogen (Resting Phase) – lasts about 3 months

• Exogen (Shedding Phase) – old hair falls out, new hair begins to grow

Hormones regulate these phases, especially the transition between anagen and telogen. Disruption in hormonal balance can prematurely push hair into the telogen phase, leading to noticeable shedding which is a condition often referred to as telogen effluvium.

2. Which Hormone Causes Hair Loss in Females?

The primary hormone often linked to hair loss in women is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. While testosterone is considered a male hormone, women also produce small amounts of it and that small amount can have a big impact.

2.1 DHT: The Main Culprit

DHT is converted from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. Once formed, DHT binds to receptors in the scalp’s hair follicles, shrinking them over time and shortening the hair growth cycle. This leads to thinner, weaker hair and eventually follicle death if not treated.

Women with conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often have elevated androgen levels, including DHT, which contributes to androgenic alopecia which is a patterned type of hair thinning.

3. Other Hormones That Influence Hair Loss

While DHT is the most notorious, other hormonal imbalances can also lead to hair thinning or loss in women.

3.1 Estrogen

Estrogen is a hair-friendly hormone. It keeps hair in the anagen (growth) phase longer, promoting fullness and density. When estrogen drops like during menopause, perimenopause, or after childbirth, hair can shed more quickly.

3.2 Progesterone

Progesterone helps counterbalance the effects of androgens like testosterone. Low progesterone can lead to a relative increase in androgens, which can promote DHT production and contribute to hair loss.

3.3 Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4)

Thyroid imbalances, particularly hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are known culprits of hair loss. They disrupt the hair growth cycle and may even cause hair to fall out in patches.

3.4 Cortisol

Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which in turn can disrupt other hormone systems, reduce nutrient absorption, and directly trigger hair shedding.

4. Signs Your Hair Loss Is Hormonal

Not all hair loss is hormonal. Sometimes, it’s due to physical stressors, diet, or external damage. So how can you tell if your hormones are the cause?

Look for these clues:

• Gradual thinning over the crown of the scalp

• Increased shedding with no obvious reason

• Hair growing slower than usual

• Widening part line

• Oily skin and acne (often signs of excess androgens)

• Menstrual irregularities

• Weight fluctuations or chronic fatigue

• Mood swings, irritability, or depression

If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to dig deeper into your hormonal health.

5. Common Conditions Behind Hormonal Hair Loss

Let’s explore some of the most common health issues that lead to hormonal imbalance and female hair loss.

5.1 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It’s characterized by:

• Irregular periods

• Excess androgen production

• Insulin resistance

Hair loss in PCOS often appears as thinning across the crown, combined with facial hair growth and acne.

5.2 Menopause and Perimenopause

Estrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly during menopause. This decline can accelerate hair shedding and thinning, often leading to a dry, brittle texture.

5.3 Postpartum Hormonal Shifts

After childbirth, estrogen and progesterone levels plummet. Many women experience significant hair loss (telogen effluvium) around 3 months postpartum but this usually resolves within a year.

5.4 Thyroid Disorders

Both overactive and underactive thyroid glands can lead to hair loss. Thyroid issues often present with other symptoms like fatigue, dry skin, brittle nails, and changes in weight.

6. How Is Hormonal Hair Loss Diagnosed in Females?

If you suspect that your hair loss is linked to a hormonal imbalance, it’s essential to seek a professional diagnosis. Self-diagnosing can often lead to unnecessary stress or ineffective treatment.

6.1 Medical Evaluation

A healthcare provider, preferably one familiar with hormone-related concerns, will typically perform:

• Detailed Medical History Review: Including your menstrual cycle, family history, lifestyle, and stress levels.

• Scalp and Hair Examination: Identifying the pattern of hair loss.

• Blood Tests: Measuring hormone levels such as:

• Testosterone and DHT

• Estrogen and Progesterone

• TSH, T3, and T4 (thyroid hormones)

• Cortisol

• Ferritin and other nutrient levels

6.2 Additional Testing

• Scalp biopsy (in rare cases) to rule out autoimmune causes

• Ultrasound (if PCOS is suspected)

• Hormone panel testing to evaluate overall balance

Early diagnosis leads to more successful treatment especially when therapy is personalized based on lab findings.

7. How to Treat Hormonal Hair Loss in Females

When it comes to female hormonal hair loss treatment, the key is not only to regrow hair but also to restore internal balance. Treatment plans can vary based on the root cause, age, and overall health of the individual.

7.1 Topical and Oral Medications

• Minoxidil (Rogaine): FDA-approved for female pattern hair loss, available over the counter.

• Spironolactone: A prescription drug that blocks androgen receptors, commonly used in PCOS-related hair loss.

• Oral Contraceptives: Certain birth control pills can help reduce androgen levels and regulate hormone production.

7.2 Natural Supplements

• Biotin, Zinc, and Vitamin D: Essential for hair strength and growth.

• Saw Palmetto: May block 5-alpha-reductase and reduce DHT levels.

• Inositol: Helpful in regulating insulin and hormones in PCOS patients.

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements, some may interact with medications or worsen hormonal conditions.

Related Articles:

• What Are the Signs That You Need Hormone Replacement Therapy?

• Exploring the Benefits of BHRT for Women and Men at Every Age

8. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for Hair Loss

In women experiencing significant hormonal shifts like those in perimenopause, menopause, or even younger women with severe imbalances, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) may offer a transformative solution.

8.1 What Is BHRT?

BHRT uses plant-derived hormones that are chemically identical to those your body naturally produces. These hormones (usually estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone) are tailored to your unique levels and can be delivered via:

• Pellets

• Creams or gels
  Injections

• Patches or pills

8.2 How BHRT Helps with Hair Loss

• Restores estrogen and progesterone levels that support hair follicle health

• Reduces DHT production by balancing androgen hormones

• Improves thyroid function indirectly through hormone regulation

• Strengthens hair strands by maintaining the anagen phase of the hair cycle

Many women who undergo BHRT report not only stronger hair but also better sleep, more energy, and improved mood, proving the full-body effect of balanced hormones.

9. Preventing Hormonal Hair Loss: Lifestyle and Wellness Tips

You can’t always prevent hormonal changes, but you can take proactive steps to protect your hair and your overall hormone health.

9.1 Eat for Hormonal Balance

• Focus on whole foods, especially leafy greens, lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs

• Avoid excess sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods

• Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin D

9.2 Stress Management

Chronic stress raises cortisol, which negatively impacts other hormones. Consider:

• Yoga and meditation

• Daily walks or light exercise

• Journaling or creative hobbies

• Adequate sleep (7–9 hours per night)

9.3 Gentle Hair Care Routine

• Avoid excessive heat styling or chemical treatments

• Use sulfate-free shampoos and nourishing conditioners

• Massage your scalp regularly to boost blood circulation

10. When to Seek Professional Help

If your hair loss is progressing, doesn’t improve with over-the-counter solutions, or is accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue or acne, it’s time to see a specialist.

At Aestheticus, our integrative team of hormone and wellness professionals in New York doesn’t just treat hair loss, we identify and address its root cause. Whether it’s PCOS, menopause, thyroid imbalance, or chronic stress, we use advanced diagnostics and tailor treatments specifically to your body’s needs. Our combination of modern medicine, hormone balancing, and aesthetic solutions helps you look and feel your best naturally.

11. Conclusion

Hormonal hair loss in women is more than just a cosmetic concern, it's often a reflection of what’s happening internally. Whether it’s tied to PCOS, menopause, stress, or thyroid dysfunction, your hair is trying to tell you something important.

The good news? With the right testing, guidance, and treatments, you can regain not just your hair but also your confidence, energy, and hormonal harmony. Book your consultation today!