Have you ever felt alarmed by the amount of hair left on your brush, or noticed clumps of hair coming out in the shower? Many women experience thinning hair in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Understandably, you might feel rattled: thick, luscious hair is associated with youth and beauty, after all. While attempting to age gracefully, the last thing you want to deal with is hair loss. It often has a lot to do with hormones, which means that there are ways to counteract your thinning hair.
Why Does Hair Get Thinner?
Your hair goes through a cycle of growth, resting, and shedding, which is controlled by your hormones. When there’s an imbalance, for example during menopause or perimenopause, it can cause more hairs to shed. Other instances when your hormones are disrupted include the months after giving birth (postpartum), long periods of stress, or if you have a condition like PCOS or thyroid issues, so hormone shifts don’t happen overnight.
“If you find yourself saying, ‘I don’t feel bad, I just don’t feel good,’ there’s a good possibility that hormonal imbalances are the culprit of your discomfort,” according to Tricia Granchi, MSN — hormone therapy expert in Columbus, Ohio. Estrogen and progesterone drop, and testosterone takes over, shrinking hair follicles. Changes build up over time. This means there are signs to look out for so you can take action early.
What to Watch For
One of the most common signs of hormonal hair thinning is finding more hair on your pillow or hairbrush than normal. You may also notice your parting seems wider, or you have less volume or bounce than usual. If you wear your hair up, your ponytail will seem thinner. Aside from the aesthetic differences, other signs might show up too, like tiredness, breakouts, hot flashes, or irregular periods.
Can You Reverse It?
While some things (like menopause) are inevitable, hair loss is not. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent it, but also to reverse it if it’s already begun. The first thing you should do is figure out the cause. This is best done with a comprehensive hormone test and interview. From there, you might find any of the following helpful, or a combination of them:
- Personalized hormone therapy
- Stress management tools
- Changes in diet and lifestyle
- Natural supplements
- Scalp-friendly hair care products and behaviors
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
No matter what treatment route you decide, it’s important that it’s tailored to your goals. That’s why you should work with a hormone specialist who can review your unique circumstances and recommend the most suitable therapy.
Easy Things to Start Today
There are plenty of ways to keep your hair strong that begin at home. Here are some tips:
- Eat more protein, iron, and healthy fats, like tofu, leafy greens, and avocado
- Get a good amount and quality of sleep at night
- Let your hair air dry (and avoid heating tools)
- Massage your scalp to boost blood flow
- Use a gentle shampoo and nourishing conditioner
These small habits will put you on the right path and help support other hair-boosting therapies if you decide to explore them.
Endnote
We tend to associate hormones with mood and skin, but the truth is they shape all aspects of health, including your hair. If your strands are thinning, it’s worth speaking to a hormone specialist. The right therapy can halt hair loss, promote regrowth, and help give you a strong, full, and healthy head of hair again.
