How to Stop Hormonal Hair Loss

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It is quite easy to panic, especially when you notice some of your hair falling out or thinning faster than usual. Approximately 40% of ladies usually experience a degree of hair loss by the age of 40 years, making hair loss a problem in both men and women. Hair loss in ladies can occur due to a wide array of reasons. Sometimes, it can be triggered by a genetic sensitivity to some hormones and changes in hormone levels. In some other cases, factors like stress, weight loss, or thyroid complications can all have some effects on your hairline.

One of the first symptoms of hormonal imbalance might be thinning hair, regardless of whether it’s due to an under-active thyroid or the menopause. Dealing with hair loss as a woman can be quite challenging. Fortunately, it’s almost treatable, utilizing a wide range of effective and safe medications. In this comprehensive post, we are going to cover the treatment options for hair loss, as well as the main reasons for hormonal hair loss.

How to stop hormonal hair loss naturally

The best solution to the question of how to prevent hormonal hair loss is ensuring that the necessary hormones are maintained at the optimal levels within the body. Other factors include aging, stress, illnesses, systemic inflammation, and certain medications. They all contribute to hormonal hair loss, for they somehow affect the balancing of hormones in the body. Therefore, there are specific therapies, dieting, lifestyles, herbs, and nutritional supplements recommended by most specialists. Some of the common ways you can use to stop hormonal hair loss include:

1. Proper Dieting

Feeding in a diet that perfectly normalizes insulin, blood sugars, minerals, and nutrients supports tissues and thyroid health. It helps in sustaining normal working of body cells, including the hair growth-related cells, and reduces the chances of inflammations. Insulin affects the levels of fat-storage in a person’s body, hair growth, as well as other body functions. More so, hormone metabolism is much dependent on the levels of insulin and nutrients in the body. Insulin is also responsible for the production of androgens. Specialist argues that any person whose resistance to insulin is high is also at a higher risk of having hair loss. There are certain nutrients that you need to include in most of your meals as part of a balanced diet.

Collagen, Proteins & Iron

Collagen is the leading protein within the body of every human being. It is an essential component in the production of skin, hairs, tendons, muscles, and tendons. Some specialists tend to refer to it as the primary substance that has the role of holding the body together. This protein develops a scaffold that provides proper structure and strength. The same form is strength is extended to the hair cells.

Most animal and plant proteins do also contain high levels of amino acids and iron. Amino acids and iron are the primary foundations of every cell within the body, with hairs not exceptional.

Strands are formed by the keratin proteins, which mostly found in fish, carrots, organic meats, nuts, spinach, and other dark leafy verges. Such proteins, amino acids, and iron nutrients are not only essential for the proper growth of hair but to other cells in the body. They enrich the blood and hormones and ensure that every cell is received adequate iron and oxygen levels for proper functioning and avoidance of hair loss.

Fiber

Fiber is known to enhance the ability of the body to get rid of processed xenohormones and estrogen hormones. Fiber is also core is essential for the regulation of blood sugar levels in the body. The fiber is said to be fundamental in facilitating the achievement of hormone balance. The whole grains, beans, and other green leafy verges are known to be a rich source of fiber. It implies that their consumption helps one in ensuring that hormones responsible for hair growth are maintained at the optimal levels.

Vitamins A, C, and B’s

Vitamins are essential for the growth of body cells, with hair included. Vitamin A supplies enough nutrients to the cell follicles. However, excessive Vitamin A in the body or its supplementation may lead to loss of hairs. This vitamin is mainly found in various diets. Some of the foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables, lettuce, squash, cantaloupe, dried apricots, bell peppers, and other tropical foods.

Vitamin C helps the body, for it enhances its ability in iron uptake, which is essential for the formation of collagen. This vitamin is also good is hence regarded as the primary influencer of the presence of the fiber needed by the skin, blood vessels, and hair follicles for them to grow and remain healthy. It is a vitamin commonly sourced from foods such as red peppers, citrus fruits, cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes, cranberries, and broccoli.

Various B vitamins play a significant role in the synthesis and creation of RBCs and other body hormones. It implies that they assist in making the necessary carries of nutrients and oxygen to different body cells, including the hair follicles, scalp, and other hair growth cells. Lack of these B vitamins leads to weakened hairs, stunted growth, or even fall out.

Zinc

Zinc’s mineral is essential for the growth and restoration of the body tissues, with the inclusion of the hairs. It also helps in maintaining healthy oil glands that are found around the hair follicle. Inadequate zinc in the body leads to retarded hair growth or even hair loss. It implies that zinc controls not only the formation of the hormones but also the necessary oils to sustain proper hydration of the hair. It stimulates hair growth, reduces androgen levels, and reduces inflation. There are specific meals that are known to be rich in zinc, the likes of beef, turkey meat, venison, shrimp, and oysters. When cooking zinc-containing meals, ensure that you avoid overheating for it is easily damaged, so it is more advisable eating them raw.

Biotin

It is one of the significant B vitamins that play an essential role in hair growth and general scalp health. Lack of adequate biotin causes loss of hair, for it leads to imbalanced hormones in the body. However, modern advancements have resulted in the production of medication prescribed supplementations, and by taking 5-8 grams every day may increase the chances of hair re-growth. Therefore, any person who suffers intestinal impairments is highly advised to use the supplements form of biotin. Some of the diets that are known to be rich in biotins include nuts, avocado, and wheat bran.

2. Nutritional Supplements and Herbs

Once a person is found to have a deficiency in hormones that are responsible for the healthy growth of hairs, they are highly advised to take certain supplements or herbs. Specialists prescribe some of them while others are used as per the traditional specialists. Some of the commonly advocated supplements and herbs that a person suffering hormonal hair loss can take are outlined below:

Saw Palmetto

This herb continues to gain fame though has been in use since time immemorial to enhance hair growth and improve the metabolism of androgen and estrogen hormones. The herb is said to contain a 5-alpha-reductase element that inhibits and lowers the DHT levels. People who have consumed the herb have been scientifically shown to show signs of prevention of chemical modification to the formation of testosterone. The herb is an inhibitor of the synthesis of DHT from the conversion of testosterone, which actively contributes to the loss of hairs.

Whole Food Multivitamins

The consumption of whole food multivitamins is considered assurance to having a healthy diet since they contain essential nutrients that support hair health. It is also known to have the attributes that help in the control of the different hormones in the body. People who show signs of having a deficiency of specific vitamins are highly advised to purchase these supplements. The results of consuming them are fast realized after a certain period of their uptake.

DIM

It is one of the most potent nutrients sourced from plants. Most people who take kales, cauliflower, rutabaga, and broccoli are known to have better control, metabolism, and balance of hormones such as estrogen. It is also helpful to the body in the processing and removal of the excessive estrogen to obtain a favorable hormone balance. Hormonal hair loss can only be achieved when the right levels of hormones are achieved. Excessive or deficiency of estrogen may lead to similar results of hair loss for the hair cells and follicles don’t function as expected.

Grape Seed Extracts

Taking grape seeds extracts is a practice highly recommended to anyone looking for ways to curb hormonal hair loss. The supplements are rich in natural vitamin A, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. It is also an excellent anti-inflammatory that supports the healthy circulation of blood rich in nutrients and oxygen in the body. The extracts supplements are also rich with OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins), which act as a critical DHT production inhibitors and stimulates hair growth.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

Lack of adequate EFAs in the body is much attributed to hormonal hair loss. Some of these EFAs included arachidonic acids. Therefore, a person suffering deficiency of them is highly advised to take quality omega-3 supplements and reduced the intake of vegetable oils to support the growth of healthy hair. These supplements are also known to contain nutrients that help in the regulation of hormones and improve the quality of cells.

3. Stress Management

Any stressed person tends to change most of their regular lifestyles. Some lose their appetite while others are unable to control what they eat. Others suffer sleep deficit, and the rest of the body parts are severely affected. It is during such moments that one can notice a change with the health of their hair. Failure to eat may lead to the deficiency of essential nutrients in their body, leading to weakened strands and hair loss. There is also a notion that when men are stressed, they tend to scratch their itching heads and cause rapid hair loss. Also, chronic stress is likely to lead to hormonal imbalance.

A stressed body directs much of the available energy to the critical body functions to sustain the person. Such features include heartbeats, breathing, and much the brain to hold many thoughts. As the general health of the person slowly worsens, the same is reflected through the health of the hair. Therefore, management is an essential aspect of the life of anyone trying to control hormonal hair loss.

4. Being Active and Frequent Exercising

Being active and frequent body exercises is generally good for any person’s health, with hair health, not an exception. Exercising helps in ensuring that the body is well oxygenated through the increased circulation. It is also a better way of lowering the accumulation of unhealthy fats in the body.

The excessive adipose cells are proved to reduce the levels of body insulin and also holding onto estrogen. Such a condition where the insulin levels are low, excessive estrogen, and the testosterone are at high levels may become a significant cause of hair thinning. Hence, frequent exercising is paramount for anyone willing to not only control hormonal hair loss but also have a healthy body. It is not a wonder that when one is sickly, they end up losing most of their hairs. Besides, thinning of hair is a common challenge with women who have classic PCOS.

5. 5. Use of Home Remedies

 

When one realizes that they are suffering hormonal hair loss, they tend to try any recommended remedies given by their friends or those they happen to meet. Acupuncture is one of the traditional treatments that have been in use for many years now. It is a practice known to have many benefits to health. Acupuncture helps in lowering stress levels, hormone regulation, and increased circulation of blood and nutrients.

Some individuals who have ever used this traditional approach have been reported to respond and regain their healthy hair re-growth positively. Acupuncture is also attributed to enhance immune system functionalities for it boosts the metabolism and synthesis of the vital body nutrients. Other home remedies that are worth trying include:

Use of a good comb and avoid frequent and any unnecessary combing of the hair. One should avoid combing the hair when it is wet, as well as using a rough towel to dry your hair. It is advisable also to prevent the use of heat tools such as dryers, for they slowly weaken the hair or even destroy the hair follicles.

The use of fresh ginger on the scalp before shampooing is a leading remedy to healthy hair re-growth idea. Ginger is believed to be a warming herb that helps in the stimulation of the body circulation system. It helps the scalp through the provision of fresh blood that is rich with nutrients and oxygen to enhance the shooting of new and tender hairs. It is a remedy worth trying for it is cheap and not likely to have any side effects.

Embrace the use of hair care products that are natural and devoid of any chemicals. Some of these chemicals may react with the hair and make it weaker and cause it to fall off. Others weaken the hair follicles or cause severe effects to the scalp. Natural products are likely to make your hair re-grow faster and in a more natural way.

What is the hormone responsible for hair growth?

Hair growth and loss are often associated with male-dominant androgen hormones. Some of these include aldosterone and testosterone. However, both males and females grow hairs, meaning that these hormones are produced in significant amounts in both males and females. For the growth of hairs, specific amounts of these steroids are naturally secreted by the body. It is the primary role of the endocrine glands to secrete these hormones in the body. And, androgens are produced in the body of every person regardless of the gender inclination. It is only that androgens are more dominant in males than in females. Nevertheless, scientists and specialists have been on the frontline trying to manufacture an assortment of hormones synthetically. So far, their efforts have been fruitful to a greater extent.

Women are known to have excessive and rapid growth of hairs as compared to men. This process is usually known as hirsutism. It often comes as a result of a speedy conversion of the androgens from being weak to strong. This process happens due to some physiological reasons. On the contrary, conversion of testosterone, a dominant hormone in the male body, into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a different kind of hormone, it causes loss of hair in men. A common form of DHT’s primary role as a hair growth hormone is that it causes the manifestation of the male type of baldness. It means that DHT produced in high amounts may reverse the process of hair growth, and be a significant inhibitor.

Testosterone is an indispensable hormone in both men and women. It is only that men have more significant amounts of testosterone as compared to women, who again have more substantial amounts of estrogenic hormones. Hence, women have lesser testosterone levels but high quantities of progesterone and estrogen hormones. The body makes use of testosterone as a primary precursor of various other hormones.

As aforementioned, DHT is among the hormones that are much dependent on testosterone amounts and conversion in the body. DHT is commonly known to affect the hairline through miniaturization of the hair follicles. This effect causes the hair growth to stop as they usually do and finally fall out. Therefore, it is right concluding that the DHT hormone is the primary cause of androgenic alopecia or FPHL (female-pattern hair loss).

Estrogen in females is a known inhibitor of hair growth through its ability to suppress the normal working of the hair follicles. It is responsible for or reducing the secretion and production of facial hairs and body hairs. It also plays an essential role in protecting women from evolving any of the male patterns, such as baldness in their later years. Nonetheless, the levels of estrogen in women tend to lower as they age. This trend leads to their head hair becoming thinner and even a limitation of hair growth in other body parts. Pre-menopause and menopause are crucial moments when the levels of estrogen may decrease. However, it is not every variation in the hairs of the body can be attributed to the hormonal imbalances.

Though hormones play various vital roles in different functioning of the body, they are known to promote or suppress the same condition contingent on the situations. Most people tend to link their hair growth suppression or growth to the different hormones. Nonetheless, the growth of hairs in the body is a sign that one is healthy. Thyroid issues and other health problems, the likes of infections, and other contracted diseases have been found to have substantial effects on the growth of hairs.

Also, genetics plays a role in some instances. You may get that a particular family line has specific hairline, color, or such hair growth characteristics. A good case is where baldness is strongly associated with the genetic factors within specific sections of a population. Genes contained within the X chromosomes of men in immediacy to androgen receptor genetic factors play a significant role in being the key triggers for the loss of hairs.

The various prominent hair growth or suppressing hormones also play other vital functions within the body. A good case is with testosterone, a hormone found in both women and men is a critical component in the healthy reproductive purpose. Progesterone, a primary hormone within the uterus of every pregnant woman, is also associated with changes in hair growth. These two hormones are often known as sex hormones. DHT, as earlier mentioned, is a critical hormone that plays a significant role in causing hair loss among men, is closely linked to their prostate health. Hence an imbalance of DHT in the body of a man is often said to cause prostate cancer.

The funniest aspect of the effect of hormones in the growth of hairs in both genders is that different results are achieved. Men achieve a horseshoe-like pattern of their growing hairs or a receding hairline. On the other hand, women experiencing a hormonal hair loss get to notice a scattered thinning pattern spread over their entire hair scalp. It implies that the hair follicles are slowly destroyed, causing lesser and lesser hairs to grow.

Also, the hairline tends to recede, and the hair might be noticed to have grown thinner. A reverse of the condition is having the person injected with the synthetic hormones, or other ways through which the inhibiting hormones can be controlled. It implies that the variation in body hormones can be detected with the changes in the growth and patters of his or her hairs when all other factors don’t hold.

Can hormonal hair loss be reversed?

When a person realizes the loss of his or her hair is linked to changes in hormones, the primary question that lingers the mind of such a person is whether the hormonal hair loss can be reversed. The answer to this question is a big yes. Specialists have found that the change in hormone levels makes the hair follicles to cease growing and eventually fall out. However, these imbalances in hormones are treated and reversed through the use of prescription medication.  A person is also recommended to adopt a particular lifestyle to help in striking a better balance with these hormones. Such changes in daily routine may touch on dietary, sleeping hours, or even frequent body exercises. These variations are known to impact on one’s body hormones balance positively.

Hormonal changes are likely to happen in both genders, meaning that both women and men are highly susceptible to hair loss as the hormone levels vary. However, the knowledge that this condition can be reversed is good news to many. The process starts with a simple blood testing which is specifically meant to help the specialist get to know the current levels of these essential hormones.

A pull test can also be done where the doctor pulls out several hairs to see their way of coming out to determine the shedding process phase. The doctor is then able to tell and determine the hormones that are not within the right levels of balance. After that, the specialist is at a better chance of knowing the most suitable and the composition of the medications to prescribe to the patient.

Most of these medications are full of nutrients and synthetically produced hormones. The nutrients are meant to initiate a new process of hormonal production. Others, such as vitamin D, are intended to stimulate hair follicles and cause the growth of hairs afresh. Some other common medications include Minoxidil (Rogaine) and Finasteride (Propecia). Minoxidil is a conventional over-the-counter medication that is suitable for use by both women and men. It is a liquid which one is supposed to rub onto the scalp daily.

After six months of application, the results are evident, and one can realize the growth of new hairs, and one shouldn’t stop using it to maintain the benefits. Finasteride is also a conventional medication for men, which is in form or pill is taken daily. The only shortcoming with these medications is that they do have some side effects.

Androgenic alopecia diet

Androgenic alopecia is strongly associated with dieting, in that the lack of certain nutrients in the body leads to the loss or weak growth of hairs. Owing to that every person is susceptible to the condition, it is better not to take chances and consume a meal that is rich in various nutrients that have a role in hair growth. The list below is a collection of various foods recommended for treating androgenetic alopecia or even other kinds of hair loss. However, it is not given that one must consume all the foods, but they are worth snacking or mixing with others in your meals. They are rich in minerals and other nutrients needed for hair growth. Androgenic alopecia diet can include:

Beans and Other Legumes

Legumes are known to contain proteins. However, taking beans, mainly kidney beans, add healthy fats, proteins, iron, and other nutrients needed for the healthy growth of hair to the body. Beans can be added in meals like stew, or taken as a side saucer. Their iron also helps in the production of more hemoglobin in the body.

Coffee

Most people take coffee as a way of refreshing their minds, not knowing the added benefits. The caffeine in coffee is a major stimulant that enhances blood flow in the body, meaning more blood, oxygen, and nutrients will get to the scalp and hair follicles.

Carrots

It is a leading vegetable that can be added to meals or snacked. Carrots contain vitamin A which is essential to all body tissues. They help the hair follicles remain moisturized and healthy. You should ensure you take at least two carrots every day.

Citrus fruits

The likes of limes, tangerines, clementines, oranges, and lemons are proved to have high levels of vitamins and antioxidants, whose role is significant in hair health. Therefore, daily snacking of such citrus fruits will not only add these nutrients to your body but also ensure you remain hydrated.

Bone broth

Collagen is a leading nutrient to achieve an excellent androgenetic alopecia diet. This protein is majorly found in ligaments, bones, and other body tissues. It implies that its inadequacy of it in your diet may lead to weakened and brittle hair, which slowly falls out. A good source of collagen is the bone broth, which can be taken in the form of a soup or used to flavor various meals.

Chicken

Chicken meat and products are a rich source of proteins good for your muscles, body tissues, skin, and hair. Chick also has collagen, making it part of a perfect androgenic alopecia diet once taken alongside vegetables and complex carbs.

Fish

Fish is more like chicken and has high levels of collagen. Fish can be taken alone or together with vegetables and complex carbohydrates. Almost every variety of fish is suitable for consumption, depending on your taste and preferences.

Eggs

Almost every person loves taking eggs. They contain healthy proteins, fatty acids, and biotin. Biotin is essential for nails, skin, and hair. Most specialists recommend the synthesized form of it to pregnant mothers.

Varieties of berries

Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries contain minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants necessary for androgenic alopecia diet. Niacin from berries is also vital in helping good blood flow to the scalp. It is advisable to snack berries, add them to smoothies or pudding.

Peanuts

Every kind of nuts contains large quantities of healthy fats such as omega-6 and omega-3, which are suitable for sustaining the health of body cells. They also help reduce inflammations and instances of the hair becoming brittle, thin, or falling out. Taking them in peanut butter or snacks is okay.

Just like hair loss in men, female hair loss is more popular with age advancement. Because hormonal hair loss occurs partly as a result of a genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone, your risks of hair loss might be higher if your siblings, mother, or any other close female relatives have struggled with hair loss.

If you are concerned about your loss of hair, it’s essential to take action quite fast. Since hair loss is usually gradual and also affected by DHT, you should acting quickly to minimize your hair loss and also maintain as much hair as possible. Whether the hair loss is triggered by hormones or other factors such as stress, weight loss, and diet, it is treatable.

To treat hair loss, you should start by determining why you are experiencing hair loss. If your hair feels and looks thinner than usual, the best approach will be to talk to a doctor about it. The doctor will check your hair and, depending on your health history and symptoms, provide a diagnosis. Besides, you can also implement the tips discussed above to manage your hair loss or even eliminate it.