At Hair Clinic International we are well-versed in the intricacies of hormone imbalance and the changes that many women experience in their well-being and see in their appearance – most especially related to hair loss.
Contrary to what many women may think, hormone imbalance is common across a range of ages and in women from all walks of life, while the onset of Menopause is something most women will experience!
It’s time to get your oestrogen and progesterone levels in check
The primary culprits behind hormone related hair loss are the two hormonal cousins that live inside us – oestrogen and progesterone! As two dominant female hormones, they both play vital functions in our bodies.
Progesterone is the ‘level-headed’ cousin, while oestrogen is the more ‘sassy’ of the two – often kept in check by her more ‘reserved’ cousin. When progesterone levels are low, oestrogen gets ‘fiery’ and this results in an oestrogen dominance – thus triggering excessive amounts of hair ‘shedding’, and ultimately, hair loss.
High levels of oestrogen can also lead to increased facial and body hair – that’s why it’s of utmost important to ensure your levels are balanced in order to prevent unwanted hormone related hair loss.
While you are at it – check for an overproduction of male hormones
Yes, women can carry and produce male hormones!
In fact, the production of male hormones plays a vital role in a women’s body – however, it is the overproduction of certain male hormones that can begin to wreak havoc. Additionally, while oestrogen may seem like the ‘bad cousin’, it is, in fact, one of the most vital hormones in a woman’s body. It’s also the hormone which helps to protect our luscious locks from the overproduction of male hormones.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Hair loss is most commonly associated with men – but that’s not to say women cannot suffer from hair loss too!
Due to our naturally higher levels of oestrogen we are able to hold onto our locks for longer, but when the overproduction of the male hormone is known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) begins, this is where hair loss in women can take place.
Typically, when women produce unusually high levels of androgens, they will begin to display increased levels of testosterone. This is then ultimately converted to the hormone DHT – resulting in hormone-related hair loss. If you suspect that your hormone levels seem out-of-sync, a check-up is vital!
Hormonal imbalances: what to look out for
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time for a hormonal check-up!
Progesterone imbalance
A Progesterone deficiency can be experienced by women of any age and is the most common hormonal imbalance that most women suffer from:
- Pre-menstrual stress
- Insomnia or sleeplessness
- Pain or lumps in your breast tissue
- Unexplained weight gain
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Infertility
- Recurrent headaches
- Early miscarriage
Oestrogen imbalance
Women who are in the menopausal stage of life most commonly experience an oestrogen imbalance:
- Dryness of the vagina
- Night sweats
- Painful intercourse
- Bladder infections
- Hot flashes
- Lethargic depression
- Memory problems
Male hormone imbalance
Excessive androgen is produced in the female body, which increases levels of testosterone, which is then converted to DHT. This hormonal imbalance is experienced by women who suffer from Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age:
- Excessive hair on the face and arms
- Acne
- Thinning of hair on the head
- Ovarian cysts
- PCOS
- Hypoglycaemia and/or unstable Infertility
- Mid-cycle pain
- High blood sugar levels
Other factors that could lead to hair loss
- Stress
- Under active or over performing thyroid
- Pregnancy and child birth
- Certain medications and the pill
- Menopause
At Hair Clinic International we are experts in the field of hair loss and want to help you understand and come to terms with what may seem like premature hair loss. We aim to educate and inform women of all ages in the causes of hormone-related hair loss, and the preventative measures that can be taken in order to avoid this sudden change.
We believe in taking a proactive approach to hair loss – in that prevention is far more effective than cure. Book a consultation with our leading Gynaecologist and Obstetrician and feel like the best version of you!
