Understanding Hair Loss: The Complex Causes Behind Hair Loss in Men and Women

Imagine a world where everyone has long and beautiful hair. We wake up from our cosy bed and do that instinctive stretching followed by gently stroking our fingers through our long, smooth, and thick hair.

Ok, welcome back to reality.

The world is not as dreamy or perfect as we want it to be. Most of us do not have such beautiful hair to begin with.

Many of us have complained to ourselves, our friends, and our family about the loss of hair volume and length. “Don’t worry too much about the hair, it is normal in this age”, our complaints usually go unanswered with this cliché comforting sentence. “Reduce your stress and tensions.” That is another phrase that we usually hear when it comes to hair loss.

But what might be the actual reasons behind hair loss? Today, we are going to understand the science of hair growth and the follicle cycle, the impact of hormones on hair growth, the reasons for hair loss, and how to fight hair loss.

We will also explore why hair loss happens differently for men and women and what factors contribute to the difference.

Science of Hair Growth

Hair is thought to be an evolutionary remnant from our tree-dwelling ancestors. While the exact reasons for its presence may have changed over time, its development likely served advantageous purposes in our evolutionary past, such as insulation of our precious brains from the scorching sun and protection from blunt trauma.

Throughout history and in many cultures, hair has been used as a means of social and sexual signalling. Hairstyles, hair length, and hair quality can convey information about age, gender, health, and social status.

To better understand the science of hair loss, we first have to understand the process of hair growth and the role of the follicle cycle in hair growth.

The Follicle Cycle

Let me warn you something before we talk about the hair cycle. Some degree of hair loss is normal. It happens to everyone. It becomes a problem only when the rate of hair loss exceeds the rate of hair growth.

All over our scalp, as well as throughout our skin, there are tiny openings. These little openings are called hair follicles. Each hair in our body grows from these tiny follicles only.

Now there are various stages for hair growth.

The first phase is an active growth stage. During this stage, cells in the root of the hair, inside the follicles, multiply rapidly and the hair shafts get longer and longer.

But soon this growth stage will stop. For a time, the hair strand remains stable. Later, a new strand of hair starts its growth forcing the former hair strand to shed.

This is the cycle of hair growth, also known as the follicle cycle. The fundamental mechanisms of the hair growth cycle are similar between men and women. However, hormonal differences and genetic predispositions can lead to variations in hair growth patterns and also in hair loss.

The Impact of Hormones on Hair Growth

Now that we have a basic understanding of the follicle cycle, let us delve deep into the impact of hormones on hair growth.

Hormones play a significant role in regulating hair growth, influencing the growth cycle, density, texture, and distribution of hair in our body. Let us learn how major hormones like androgens, estrogens, thyroid, and cortisol hormones affect hair growth.

But understand that these are not the only hormones that affect hair growth, other hormones do not contribute as much as these four.

1. Androgens (Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone - DHT):

When we say androgens, we are referring to a group of hormones primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of male characteristics. We are all familiar with testosterone; it is an androgen, but there are others as well.

Androgens, including testosterone and its derivative dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a crucial role in stimulating hair growth. They also contribute towards the maintenance of hair follicles and the production of natural oils on our scalp.

On the other hand, excessive levels of DHT can also contribute to male and female pattern hair loss by miniaturizing hair follicles. It can lead to thinning and eventual hair loss.

2. Estrogens and Progesterone:

Estrogens and progesterone are the primarily female sex hormones. Similar to androgens, they also influence hair growth. Estrogen levels spike during pregnancy. These increased levels can boost the growth phase of the hair cycle, leading to thicker, fuller hair.

However, postpartum hormonal changes can trigger hair shedding as hormone levels return to normal.

3. Thyroid Hormones:

As we know, thyroid hormones are critical for regulating metabolism and energy production inside our body. The increase and decrease of thyroid hormones can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to hair loss.

Low levels of thyroid hormones are often associated with thinning hair, dryness, and brittleness, while an increase may cause hair thinning and excessive shedding.

4. Cortisol (Stress Hormone):

This is an easy one, we can associate most body issues with stress. Similarly, stress and the stress hormone, cortisol, can influence hair growth indirectly.

Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to increased hair loss.

Stress-induced hair loss typically occurs several months after a stressful event and may result in diffuse shedding across the scalp.

Overall, the balance and interplay of various hormones in the body are crucial for maintaining healthy hair growth.

However, there is an important insight from the above explanation of the impact of hormones. Half of the 4 major hormones are sex-dependent. Now we will delve deep into how hair loss happens for men and women.

Gender-Specific Differences in Hormone-Related Hair Loss

Hair loss is not something that happens to just a few of us. This is a worldwide phenomenon.

Some studies claim that 42% of men suffer hair loss. The case of hair loss in men is quite evident and easily visible. But hair loss is cruel to the ladies as is it towards the men. Most studies suggest that around 50% of women suffer from hair loss as well. However, the style of hair loss differs for men and women.

While men commonly experience pattern balding and receding hairlines, women often face a different challenge: loss of thickness. One year, her hair boasted a luxurious thickness that seemed to overflow, but by the next year, the volume had noticeably decreased.

Since there are major differences in how men and women experience hormone-related hair loss, let us discuss them in detail:

Pattern of Hair Loss:

Men: Hormone-related hair loss in men usually follows a distinct pattern. It is often called male pattern baldness. It usually starts with thinning at the temples and crown, eventually leading to partial or complete baldness.

Women: In women, hormone-related hair loss tends to result in diffuse thinning across the scalp rather than following a specific pattern like in men. Female pattern hair loss may involve widening of the parting line and overall thinning without significant balding spots.

Age of Onset:

Men: Hormone-related hair loss often begins in men during their late teens or early twenties. But keep in mind that it can start at any age.

Women: Women are mostly lucky in this as they typically experience hormone-related hair loss later in life, usually after menopause. But it can also occur earlier due to hormonal imbalances or other factors.

Hormonal Factors:

Men: The primary hormone responsible for male pattern baldness is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone. Men with hair follicles, more sensitive to DHT, experience miniaturization of the hair follicles and eventual hair loss.

Women: Hormone-related hair loss in women can be influenced by various hormonal changes, including fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause elevated levels of androgens, which may contribute to hair loss.

Progression:

Men: Male pattern baldness tends to progress gradually over time, with hair thinning and balding becoming more pronounced as men age.

Women: Hormone-related hair loss in women may progress more slowly and is often characterized by a gradual thinning of the hair rather than abrupt balding.

Response to Treatment:

Men: Topical medications like Amritveni Hair Elixir for Men are effective in slowing down hair loss and promoting hair regrowth by deepening and widening the hair follicles.

Women: Topical medications like Amritveni Hair Elixir for Women with Vitamin D are effective in slowing down hair loss and increasing the time between 2 periodic hair falls.

Understanding these differences can be crucial in diagnosing and treating hormone-related hair loss effectively in both men and women. It's essential for individuals experiencing significant hair loss to consult with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist for proper evaluation and management.

10 Ways to Fight Hair Loss

Hair loss is a mood killer. Everyone knows that. Be it gender-specific, hormone-related, or any other reason, there are ways to reduce hair loss or even reverse it. Let us explore 10 effective ways to fight hair loss.

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet: Ensure you're getting essential nutrients like iron, protein, B vitamins, and minerals like zinc and magnesium. Deficiencies in these nutrients can contribute to hair loss.
2. Manage Stress: Engage in hobbies to help reduce the effects of stress, Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, etc.
3. Use Gentle Hair Care Products: Opt for nourishing hair elixirs, gentle cleaners, shampoos, and conditioners that are free from harsh chemicals and sulfates.
4. Avoid Heat Styling: Minimize the use of hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons, as these can weaken the hair shaft and contribute to breakage and hair loss.
5. Massage Your Scalp: Regular scalp massages can help improve circulation to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth. You can use your fingertips or a scalp massager to gently massage your scalp in circular motions.
6. Use Hair Growth Supplements: Supplements containing ingredients like biotin, saw palmetto, vitamins, and minerals specifically formulated to support hair health may help reduce hair loss and promote regrowth.
7. Protect from Pollution: Environmental pollutants such as particulate matter, toxins, and chemicals can adhere to the scalp and hair, leading to damage and inflammation of the hair follicles.
8. Prioritize Quality Sleep: Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can disrupt hormone levels and increase stress, both of which are factors that contribute to hair loss. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support optimal hair growth and overall health.
9. Consider Water Quality: Hard water, which is high in minerals like calcium and magnesium, can leave behind residue on the scalp and hair, making it dull, dry, and prone to breakage. Consider using a water softener or installing a shower filter to reduce the mineral content in your water supply.
10. Avoid Chemical Treatments: Avoid harsh chemical treatments like bleaching, colouring, and perming, as these can weaken the hair shaft and contribute to breakage and hair loss.

Conclusion

Now we understand how hair loss manifests in men and women differently, the reasons for hair loss, the impact of hormones on hair health, and steps to protect hair from damage.

Hormone-related hair loss presents unique challenges for both men and women, influenced by hormonal imbalances and genetic predispositions. Individuals can better manage their hair loss concerns by understanding these differences and adopting proactive measures

Through education, awareness, and access to effective solutions, we can empower individuals to address hormone-related hair loss and embrace their natural beauty with confidence.