09/03/2025
Losing more hair than usual? Your hormones might be to blame.
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all play a major role in the hair growth cycle. When these hormones are out of balance—especially during menopause, postpartum, or with conditions like PCOS—your hair can thin, shed, or stop growing as it should.
1. Estrogen
~ Promotes hair growth by extending the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and binding to estrogen receptors in hair follicles. Estrogen can also influence aromatase activity to help convert androgens into estrogen, protecting hair from androgenic thinning.
~ Declining estrogen during menopause or postpartum leads to more follicles entering the resting (telogen) phase—resulting in increased shedding and thinning hair.
2. Progesterone
~ Acts as a weak anti-androgen: At the hair follicle level, progesterone can inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT (a potent hair-thinning androgen). Though this effect is mild, it provides some protection against DHT-related hair loss.
~ Supports head hair health indirectly by helping keep hormonal balance and reducing DHT activity.
3. Testosterone (and DHT)
~ DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is derived from testosterone via 5-alpha reductase and binds to androgen receptors in scalp follicles—especially in genetically predisposed individuals—causing follicle shrinkage and leading to androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss).
~ Excess free testosterone, especially when estrogen and progesterone are low, can exacerbate hair thinning and slow growth.
The good news? Addressing hormonal imbalances through Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) and a thorough evaluation (including our advanced DUTCH Complete Test) can help restore balance, protect your hair, and support regrowth.
📲 Call 513-444-6343 to reserve your spot in our no-cost Hormones 101 Group Zoom and start your journey to healthier hair and hormones today!