Thyroid Hormone In hypothyroidism, hair tends to be dry, brittle, dull, and diffusely thinned out – even eyebrow hair can fall out [9]
Thyroid hormones regulate your metabolic rate and the speed at which cells work – including those within your hair follicles. When you produce too few thyroid hormones, the imbalance can make your hair dry, brittle and noticeably finer.
Use a gentle, moisturising shampoo and conditioner when you wash your hair. Choose products that are made specifically for dry or damaged hair that will increase its elasticity. You can also incorporate a weekly hair mask (e.g. egg and olive oil) or hot oil treatments into your routine to further nourish your hair.
“A reduction in estrogen results in reduced sebum (oil) production, which normally lubricates the scalp. The result is dry skin and a flaky scalp,” says Kunin. And, since that hydrating scalp oil isn't there to work itself down your strands, hair is also drier, as well as duller, more brittle, and breakage-prone.
The main hormones that determine the nature of your hair follicles are Thyroxine, Triiodothyronine, androgens and insulin. A lack of Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine can make hair feel dry and brittle. Whereas an increase in androgens are more closely connected to affecting shape.
The female sex hormone oestrogen makes body hair fine and soft. Androgens are male sex hormones, including testosterone, which are responsible for masculine characteristics such as facial hair and coarse body hair.
During menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels drop and wreak havoc with our hair. Thick, smooth, shiny locks are suddenly thin, dry, and frizzy.
Having low progesterone in relation to estrogen can increase insulin. This leads to androgen excess, which amplifies testosterone production in the skin producing unwanted acne. Dry, dull skin, brittle, cracked or peeling nails and hair loss can also be signs of a shift in hormones.
Around 40% of women will experience deterioration to their scalp hair around menopause. Oestrogen is recognised as being hair protective and encourages hair growth, and HRT can often improve hair condition – but some women feel HRT worsens hair loss for them.
Low levels of estrogen and progesterone means your hair may start to fall out sooner and grow more slowly. The goal of hormone replacement treatment during menopause is to help your body attain healthy, balanced hormone levels, which is why many women may notice changes in hair thinning once they start treatment.
Some causes of dry hair are: Excessive hair washing, or using harsh soaps or alcohols. Excessive blow-drying. Dry air due to the climate.
Dehydrated hair happens when there is a lack of water. Simply put, water is a key nutrient for your hair and when there is a significant lack of it, your strands won't be able to retain any moisture. On the flip side, dry hair usually stems from excessive exposure to chemicals (like in relaxers), hair dyes, and heat.
Hirsutism (HUR-soot-iz-um) is a condition in women that results in excessive growth of dark or coarse hair in a male-like pattern — face, chest and back. With hirsutism, extra hair growth often arises from excess male hormones (androgens), primarily testosterone.
HRT and Hair Regrowth
The best HRT for hair loss is usually a combination therapy of estrogen and progesterone, with limited amounts of testosterone, or DHT.
Certain HRT products can help to treat female pattern hair loss. The hair- friendly ones are Premique and Indivina (both of these products contain the anti- androgen medroxyprogesterone acetate) and Angeliq (containing drospirenone).
Genes associated with follicle growth were not significantly altered by vitamin D3. However, it increases expression of genes involved in the estrogen-biosynthesis. Further, estrogen concentrations in porcine granulosa cell-cultured media increased in response to vitamin D3.
Estrogen can reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. If you have a uterus, you'll likely need to take progesterone along with the estrogen. Estrogen without progesterone increases the risk of uterine cancer.
Symptoms of low estrogen
As a person gets close to menopause, they may notice symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. Other symptoms of low estrogen, which may happen during or outside of menopause, include : absent or irregular periods. bone fractures due to osteoporosis.
Deficiencies in any of the following vitamins and minerals could manifest as conditions including generalized hair loss, frizziness or brittle hair: Biotin (vitamin B7): Biotin activates enzymes that break down the carbohydrates, fat and protein necessary for hair production and reducing frizz.
Why Does HRT Cause Hair Fall? This occurs because hormones play a vital role in regulating the growth cycle of hair follicles. When these hormones become imbalanced due to HRT, it can lead to thinning and balding of the scalp.