Normally, we think of hair loss as a problem for older women. But the truth is, hair loss is a problem that affects millions of young women throughout the US. There are many factors that can lead to hair loss and thinning hair, and hormonal imbalances are one probable cause. If hair loss is something you struggle with, too, check to see if any of these four hormonal imbalances might be the cause.
Thyroid problems
The thyroid oversees the body’s energy use. And if the thyroid is under-functioning (hypothyroidism), it stops sending energy to less important bodily functions – like hair growth – and starts to focus on more important bodily processes.
Postpartum hormones
During pregnancy, the levels of both estrogen and progesterone are pretty high in a woman’s body. However, once she gives birth, estrogen drops significantly resulting in temporary hair loss.
Testosterone and DHT imbalances
While we typically think of testosterone as a male hormone, women have it, too. And in the body, a special enzyme converts testosterone into a stronger type of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. And research suggests that if testosterone levels are too high, this frequent conversion of testosterone to DHT can contribute to hair loss.
Too much estrogen
When there’s too much estrogen in a woman’s body – a condition called estrogen dominance – it can contribute to hair loss for a variety of reasons. One reason is that too much estrogen means not enough progesterone, a hormone that helps protect hair follicles from the negative effects of estrogen, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.
