Overview
The National Institutes of Health define hormones as the chemical messengers of the body. They affect reproduction, metabolism, sexual function, human development and mood. Hormones also play a role in hair loss in women. Hormonal causes of hair loss require specific treatments to restore hair growth and prevent further hair loss.
Growth Cycle
Not all hair loss indicates a hormonal problem. The normal hair growth cycle consists of a growth phase, degradation phase and resting phase. After the resting phase, the next cycle begins, causing some hair loss to occur. This hair loss only occurs after new hair shafts emerge. The International Society for Hair Restoration Surgery reports that humans shed 50 to 100 hairs each day. This hair grows back during the growth phase of the hair growth cycle. When women lose more than this normal amount, then medical professionals consider hair loss excessive.
Types
Several types of hormones play a role in hair loss. When male hormones levels (androgens) increase in women, female pattern baldness occurs. Doctors refer to this type of hair loss as androgenetic alopecia. Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, also causes hair loss. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough T3 and T4. In addition to hair loss, this also causes the hair to become dry and coarse. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) results in excess androgen production in the ovaries. When androgen levels increase, hair loss occurs. The hormonal changes that occur during menopause also lead to hair thinning and loss.
Identification
Doctors identify the causes of hair loss in women with thorough physical examinations and laboratory tests. The physical examination may reveal the distinct pattern baldness that occurs with androgenetic alopecia. Blood tests to detect the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) determine the presence of hormonal imbalances that lead to hair loss. In cases of PCOS, an ultrasound confirms the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries. High levels of glucose, luteinizing hormone, fasting insulin and male hormones also help doctors confirm a diagnosis of PCOS.
Significance
Excessive hair loss leads to reduced confidence and loss of self-esteem in some women. Because many people link the condition of the hair to overall beauty and attractiveness, women with excessive hair loss may also feel unattractive or undesirable. These feelings contribute to depression and other psychological disorders if excessive hair loss continues.
Treatment
Several medications treat hair loss in women. The 2 percent concentration of Minoxidil stimulates hair growth when applied directly to the scalp. The American Hair Loss Association reports that Minoxidil seems to work better for women than for men. Oral medications spironolactone, cimetidine, ketoconazole, estrogen and progesterone pills and cyproterone acetate block the effects of androgens in women, preventing hair loss. Oral contraceptives decrease the production of androgens in the ovaries, reducing hair loss associated with androgenetic alopecia.
