Managing Female Androgenic Alopecia

Women experience various forms of hair loss. The most common type is “androgenic hair loss,” characterized by thinning hair due to hormonal imbalance, particularly testosterone dominance. This condition can develop when hormones become disrupted at any stage. It typically appears between ages 45-55, coinciding with declining estrogen and progesterone levels and increased likelihood of thyroid dysfunction.

Available treatment options include:

1. Hormone balancing with testosterone to regulate estrogen and progesterone
2. Thyroid medication like thyroxine for hypothyroidism

Losing 50-100 hairs daily is normal as part of the renewal process. Excessive hair loss caused by androgen excess (testosterone) and/or thyroid deficiency accounts for 95% of cases. What causes female hair loss?

Causes of Female Hair Loss

Elevated dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent testosterone variant, primarily drives female hair loss. Some women have scalp follicles particularly sensitive to DHT. This conversion occurs when normal testosterone transforms due to declining estrogen and progesterone levels.

Thyroid hormone deficiency (hypothyroidism) also contributes, often accompanied by fatigue and weight gain.

Preventive Measures for Hair Loss

Begin by evaluating hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone/DHT, thyroid) to identify imbalances. If deficiencies exist, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may effectively address menopausal symptoms including hair thinning.

Nutrition and nitric oxide levels are equally crucial. Nitric oxide supports sexual and cardiovascular health while potentially preventing hair loss.

Key principles for prevention:

Balanced Nutrition

Maintain a 33% protein, 33% carbohydrate, 33% fat ratio. Limit refined carbs and saturated fats.

Gradual Implementation

Avoid drastic changes. Pursue goals through incremental steps.

Vitamin Supplementation

Address aging-related nutritional needs with comprehensive multivitamins. The body absorbs required nutrients and eliminates excess.

Regular Exercise

Start with daily activity (stairs, walking) and progress to 30-minute sessions 4-5 times weekly.

Stress Management

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, damaging tissues and inhibiting growth hormone. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing.

Female Hormone Imbalances

Common hormonal imbalances and associated symptoms:

Key Hormonal Components

Androgenic hair loss signals underlying hormonal imbalance. Addressing these key factors promotes overall health:

Estrogen Types

1. Estradiol: Most potent; relieves hot flashes/mood swings but carries cancer risk
2. Estrone: Produced by fat cells; persists post-menopause
3. Estriol: Mildest; abundant during pregnancy; helps vaginal dryness/skin/hair issues

Progesterone

Protects against osteoporosis and balances estrogen effects.

Testosterone

Maintains bone density, mental acuity, muscle mass, metabolism, energy, and sexual function.

Thyroid Function

Critical for overall hormonal coordination. Age-related decline (hypothyroidism) commonly contributes to hair loss but responds to treatment.

Thyroid hormone is arguably women’s most vital yet frequently underdiagnosed hormone, especially after age 40.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

Women are particularly susceptible to these hypothyroidism indicators:

• Persistent fatigue
• Cold intolerance (low basal temperature)
• Hair thinning (often overlooked)
• Dry skin/hair, brittle nails
• Anxiety/irritability/sleep issues
• Depression
• Elevated cholesterol
• Cognitive impairment
• Slowed metabolism (weight gain)

Reference:

Androgenic alopecia: Hair loss isn’t just a male concern