Hormones Responsible for your Hair Fall and Hair Growth

Hair growth and hair loss is greatly affected by increase ad decrease in the levels of various hormones. Hormonal changes occur at various stages of the life and this has a great impact on the health of the hair as well. During pregnancy, when there is a large change in the hormonal levels, the hair often tends to become rough and brittle. There are three main hormones which effect the growth of the hair, and they are estrogen, thyroxin and progesterone.

Role of Hormones in Hair fall or Hair Loss:

Harmones for Hair loss

Hair fall is also called Androgenic Alopecia. Hormones that cause hair fall are:

  • Androgenic Alopecia is common in men and women and it is a type of balding pattern where the hair is lost in parts or wholly. In the past, an increase in the production of testosterone was considered to cause this problem. As you know, testosterone is also present in women in small amounts. But recently it was found out that androgenic alopecia was caused by DHT or di hydrotestosterone.
  • Presence of DHT damages the hair follicles and causes their death and therefore DHT is also known as the primary enemy of the hair follicles. So, in case you start developing bald patches on your scalp without any reason, consult an endocrinologist without fail.
  • When there are fluctuations in the production of thyroid hormones, then also you may suffer from hair fall.

Role of Hormones in Hair Growth:

Harmones for Hair Growth

Image credits: Creatice Commons Flickr

  • When there is an increase in the production of male hormones or androgens in the body of women, it may lead to the excessive growth of the hair on the body as well as male patterned baldness. This is a condition called hirsutism. This is not an illness but growth of hair on the body and face like that found in men may cause a lot of embarrassment for the women.
  • A large number of women suffer from PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome. This causes excessive growth of hair on the face which many women find embarrassing. The growth of the hair on the scalp on the other hand, is reduced due to this hormonal condition.
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome also has some secondary symptoms like various problems related with menstruation as well as losing or gaining weight all of a sudden. Hirsutism is a problem that lasts for long period of time and it is often difficult to get rid of, unless the hair is removed permanently through laser treatment.

Normal Hair Growth and the Role of Hormone In It:

Hormones have a major role in the normal growth of the hair, both directly and indirectly.

Androgens:

Androgens are directly involved in the growth of the hair. These are male sex hormones and include testosterone. Androgen is produced by both male and females but it is found more in men and in women it is produced in little amounts. The facial and body hairs that are formed in men is due the production of androgens and these are the secondary sex characteristics of the hormone. Over production of androgens in women lead to increases growth of the hair on the face and other parts of the body. Male and female patterned baldness is also a result of the over production of these hormones.

Gonadotropins:

Gonadotropins are hormones that are secreted by pituitary glands and they affect the gonads, testes or the ovaries. Gonads produce FSH or follicle stimulating hormones and luteinizing hormones, which directly help in the production of testosterone and estrogen in men and women. They also effect the growth of the hair and the way it grows, as well as the way it does not grow. This they do by reacting with progesterone. Gonadotropins are indirectly involved in the growth of the hair because they are responsible for producing FSH and luteinizing hormones, which are involved directly in the growth of the hair.

Thyroxin:

Thyroxin does not directly play a role in the growth of the hair. Production of thyroxin is stimulated by hypothalamus, which is a part of your brain. If your body is deficient in this hormone, it may lead to hypo thyroxin, which in turn may affect the hair growth and cause loss of hair. Although the link between the two is clear, the exact mechanism as to how the hair loss is caused is still not found out.

Hydrochloric Acid:

Poor digestion of the protein is also a reason for hair loss. If the diet you take in is not well balanced or nutritious, it may cause hair fall. When you are too much stressed or under continuous tension, the stomach is unable to secrete enough hydrochloric acid. When the secretion of hydrochloric acid is less, then the stomach cannot lower its pH to digest proteins. This in turn leads to hair loss. So take care to have healthy food if you want to have healthy and strong hair.

A Few Tips That You May Follow to Stimulate Hair Growth and Prevent Hair Loss:

  • Before you consume grains, nuts and legumes, soak them in water to which a few drops of apple cider vinegar is added. Soak them for eight hours and then you may have them. This helps you in having healthy hair that do not Fall off easily.
  • Consuming foods rich in silica is also good for your hair. Some of the foods rich in silica are sprouts, celery, bell pepper and so on.
  • Follow a diet that is healthy and well balanced. Avoid taking in sugars, diary items and processed foods, which only help in increasing the hair loss.
  • Have foods rich in proteins as well as apple cider vinegar. This will reduce the falling of the hair also increase the growth of the hair, providing you thick, long and healthy hair.
  • Have egg regularly along with its yolk. This helps in absorbing enough biotin to increase the growth of the hair.
  • Make it a habit to include organic eggs, coconut milk, berries, brown rice and hemp proteins in your diet.

If you suffer from excess of hair loss, you may consult a doctor and take his advice.

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