Hair loss can feel overwhelming and confusing, you do not have to figure it out on your own! Dr. Kelemen and her staff at hair 4 Life Az are here to help you. You don’t have to live with unwanted hair loss and accept that that’s just the way it’s going to be. Dr. Kelemen will work to find the underlying causes of hair loss and treat it accordingly! With over 20 years of experience, you can rest assured that you are in good hands and Dr. Kelemen will leave no “stone unturned” in order to help with your hair loss!
Hair loss can be caused due to several reasons, hormonal changes or imbalances is one of them, as hormones play a critical role in how the body functions at any given time. It is very difficult to identify if your hair loss is hormonal, as there could be other factors that could be contributing to it as well. So, it is always better to seek advice from a hair loss expert to identify and treat the root cause. It is important to identify the indicators of hormonal hair loss to understand which hormones are responsible for hair growth/loss and tips to prevent hormonal hair loss.
It is a major cause of hair loss in both men and women. Certain triggers can accelerate the production of some hormones which cause hair shedding and hair loss.
When your body is stressed it produces a hormone called cortisol, which causes more production of testosterone and DHT, and thus results in hair loss.
Fluctuations in thyroid levels can also act as a catalyst to hair loss. It is known that lack of sufficient parathyroid or an overactive thyroid can cause thinning of hair. Thus, it is important to get the thyroid levels checked regularly.
Pregnancy disrupts the hormones in a woman’s body. During pregnancy usually women experience an increase in hair volume and density due to progesterone. Once the mother delivers the baby the positive influence of progesterone disappears. Progesterone is the “motherhood hormone”, its synthesis decreases after pregnancy and females experience hair loss and excessive shedding. But this is a temporary condition called telogen effluvium, and she will notice regrowth of hair in a span of ninety days after she gives birth.
Certain medications that you consume come with side effects such as hair loss as they cause disruption in the hormonal levels in the body, for example birth control pills. It is suggested to consult your doctor and either reduce the dosage of the medications you are consuming or find an alternative to it. Studies have recommended to take birth control pills with low androgen levels, so as to avert the side effects of DHT.
During menopause, a woman goes through a lot of changes in her body. As the estrogen levels drastically fall and she is no longer able to balance DHT levels, the result is hair loss.
Hormones are the chemical messengers of the endocrine system that control our body systems. In a way, hormones help our body to sustain and thus any imbalance in their constitution results in a number of problems. Many of these hormones affect our hair nourishment and health, thus causing hair loss –
This is considered a male hormone (although it is produced in both males and females) and excess production of it can cause androgenetic alopecia in both, men and women. The more testosterone in the body the higher the chance it can be converted into DHT which is the culprit of androgenetic hair loss.
The thyroid gland releases the thyroxin hormone, a vital hormone in the human body that regulates the metabolism of the body and maintains its energy in order to support smooth functioning. But, if there is an imbalance in the amount of thyroxin produced, then it results in conditions known as hypothyroidism (underactive or low thyroid hormone) and hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid hormone), which in turn is capable of causing many irregularities, including weight gain and hair loss.
Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone that contributes to the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. It also aides in bone and cholesterol metabolism, also regulating food intake, body weight, glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. An imbalance in estrogen either high or low, can lead to weight gain and hair loss. Further, estrogen levels are known to dip during menopause, this causes tremendous hair fall, causing a condition known as telogen effluvium for many women. Sometimes, your estrogen levels may fluctuate due to the medications that you are taking, and it is important to consult a specialist and understand the dosage or alternatives that will be suitable for you without causing any interference to the naturally maintained hormonal levels of your body.
This is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas and it helps the body in regulating the blood sugar levels. Insulin is capable of affecting several body processes like fat storage and hair loss. Studies indicate that people with insulin resistance are probable candidates for androgenic alopecia (AGA), or female pattern baldness.
Cortisol is produced by the body when it is under stress. It is known to convert protein into energy. It puts the body into ‘fight or flight’ situation and causes serious inflammation in the body. If sustained over a period of time, this can result in an overall breakdown of the body and can destroy healthy muscles as well. Overproduction of cortisol makes the body oversensitive to DHT, and thus can cause hair loss along with one of the other many adverse side effects such as weight gain, acne, etc.
Hormonal hair loss can be difficult to detect, but once diagnosed, you can work towards ways that can help in reversing this condition.
1. If there is an imbalance in the estrogen and progesterone levels due to medications, or because of pregnancy, or menopause, then to normalize the body, you need to change your diet, exercise, ensure that you get good sleep, and consume the right medications that work towards bringing these hormones back into order (as prescribed).
2. If there is over production of testosterone in the body, then it causes an increase in the levels of dihydrotestosterone or DHT, which are known to contribute to hair loss. DHT is capable of permanently damaging your hair follicles forever. Hence an early diagnosis is the key to prevent this hormone from ruining your hair. Any irregularities in the body that cause unusual hair loss should be brought up to a dermatologist, to avoid any ambiguities in your treatment.
3. In some cases, due to insulin resistance, the body is unable to regulate blood sugar levels, furthermore, studies suggest that insulin resistance can cause androgenic alopecia as well. There are over the counter medications that help in balancing insulin levels. Also, it is important to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid stress, to ensure that your insulin levels do not fluctuate.
4. If the body is stressed, it results in production of cortisol, which is also a contributor to hair loss. Hence, it is important to meditate and keep your body calm. Mental health should not be ignored and is as important as your physical health. Indulge in any workout that helps you to relax your mind and body.
If you are experiencing hair loss from a hormonal imbalance, that doesn’t mean you are doomed forever. In fact, there are many ways you can restore your hair loss and enjoy even healthier hair than before.
Hormonal hair loss can be reversible, but you need to ensure that you closely work with your physician, so as to understand the root cause well and to take necessary steps to balance-out your hormonal levels. Along with the cosmetic treatments, suggested by the doctor.
RegeneraActiva (also known as ‘Regenera’) is a method of scalp hair stimulation using the body’s own cells, growth factors, and progenitor cells to trigger tissue and follicle regeneration which can offer a remarkable effect on hair growth.
This process is known as Autologous Micrografting Technology® and is the most innovative non-surgical method of stopping future hair loss, increasing hair growth, and increasing hair shaft diameter to give the appearance of more hair.
Minoxidil is a USFDA approved topical ointment that is available in the market to treat hair loss. It normalizes hair follicles and is known to increase blood circulation to the scalp, thus effectively treating androgenetic alopecia in this process. Though, you may notice hair loss in the initial stages of application, but minoxidil is known to show visible results only after the first four to six months of consistent application of this chemical.
During menopause, women experience a dip in the hormones. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to effectively relive menopausal symptoms by replacing and balancing the hormones that are at lower levels in the body. There are various ways to do so – pills, therapies, patches, topical creams, etc. Based on your situation, it is either estrogen or both estrogen and progestin that is prescribed for you as a form of combination therapy. HRT comes with a set of side effects, such as, bloating, headache, blood clots, and even strokes, and thus it is advised to consult an expert, weigh the pros and cons, and then decide over taking up this treatment.
For men with hair loss, Finasteride blocks the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme changes testosterone to another hormone (DHT) that causes the prostate to grow or hair loss in men. Unfortunately, many men get side effects from this medication and can not take it. Speak to your physician at length about the risks and benefits of taking Finasteride.
Although these procedures will not restore any hormone issues that may be present, hair restoration therapy will replace the hair that may have been permanently lost due to the hormone issue. Hair restoration surgery is the only option that restores hair in places that have lost hair as long as it is not due to an underlying scarring alopecia. It is important to go to a physician that specializes in hair loss and conditions of the scalp.
TrichoTest ™ is a genetic test based on the ultimate DNA microarray technology. It improves and optimizes the treatment through evaluating 48 genes mutation in 13 genes that have been scientifically proven to be related to hair loss. The TrichoTest™ is able to determine if your hair loss is more than hormonal and see if it goes further and is in your DNA.
CapillusRX™ is another popular option for hair loss since it is non-invasive and can be used at home. This technology uses cold laser lights to stimulate hair growth by improving circulation and oxygen delivery in your scalp. You can expect to see results in a few months, so LLLT treatment for hair loss is a great option for hair growth at home. (CapillusRX™ is what we recommend)
Seeing gobs of hair on the bathroom floor a scary affair! Thus, it is recommended to cultivate the following healthy habits and include them in your daily routine:
Hair loss can occur due to several factors, such as iron levels, thyroid, testosterone levels anemia, thus, it is important to consult a hair loss expert who is able to perform the necessary testing such as blood work for hormones and or the TrichoTest™ to understand the root cause and come up with an appropriate solution for it.
Your body is a reflection of what you eat, hence it is important to maintain healthy eating habits. If you include more fiber in your diet, it will help in lowering the estrogen levels, whereas, focusing on proteins and carbohydrates will improve insulin resistance, and will help in protecting you from hair loss.
A lack of nutrients can lead to hair loss. Therefore, it is suggested to take multivitamin supplements weekly (or as prescribed). Vitamin A encourages hair growth by helping fat synthesis in the hair follicles, whereas Vitamin E is known to protect your hair from damage. Vitamin C and zinc contribute in repairing cellular damage, and in this process make your hair healthier.
Stress is the root cause of several problems, and hair loss is one of them. When you are stressed, your body produces cortisol, and extended stress is directly proportional to extended production of cortisol. So, while your body is busy in producing cortisol it neglects the hormones that are required for hair growth and also decrease cell regeneration, hence affecting your hair. Meditate every day to relax and unwind. You can also try picking up any kind of workout to ensure that your body is unaffected by stress.
The amount of sleep you get impacts the amount of rest your body is able to get. With less sleep, the body is stressed and tends to produce cortisol, which is known to curb hair growth.
Androgens, which include a reasonable amount of testosterone, are responsible for stimulating hair growth on the face, body, and head. Women also have adrenal glands, but the androgen produced is of a very small amount. It is important to understand that moth male and female hormones are responsible for hair growth. Homepage – EVEXIAS Health Solutions
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