Hormones and Hair Loss: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Sep 30, 2025

Hormonal changes can play a major role in hair thinning and loss, particularly in women navigating stress, menopause, thyroid imbalances, or conditions like PCOS. If you’ve noticed more shedding than usual or a change in hair density, your hormones may be the missing piece of the puzzle.

Conventional pharmaceutical options such as topical or oral minoxidil and oral spironolactone are often used in the treatment of hair loss. And while these can be appropriate in some cases, for the purposes of this article we’ll focus on natural, whole-body therapies that strengthen the foundation for long-term hair and hormone health.

We’ll explore the key hormones involved in hair loss, how they impact the hair growth cycle, and what you can do to restore balance and promote healthy regrowth.

The Role of Hormones in Hair Growth and Loss

Hair grows in a cycle with three key phases: The anagen phase, or growth phase, lasts anywhere from two to seven years and determines hair length. This is followed by the catagen phase, a brief two-week stage where hair growth slows. Finally, the telogen phase, or resting phase, lasts around three months, after which hair sheds and new growth begins.

This cycle is heavily influenced by hormones, which impact everything from density and texture to shedding patterns. When hormones are imbalanced, hair may stay in the resting phase too long, leading to increased shedding and slow regrowth.

For example, elevated cortisol (the stress hormone) can push hair follicles into a prolonged resting state, halting regeneration. Thyroid imbalances, estrogen shifts, and high androgens (like DHT) also play significant roles in hair loss.

One important thing to note is that hormonal changes don’t cause instant hair loss. Hair follicles often react three to six months after a hormonal shift, making it essential to address imbalances early to prevent long-term thinning.

Key Hormones Affecting Hair Loss

Several hormones impact hair growth and loss, including androgens, estrogen, and thyroid hormones.

Androgens and Hair Follicles

Androgens, like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), regulate hair growth, but an overproduction or heightened sensitivity to these hormones can lead to thinning. Women with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) often experience high androgens, leading to hair thinning along the frontal scalp. During menopause, shifting androgen levels can also contribute to increased shedding, particularly in women predisposed to androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss).

When DHT levels rise, hair follicles become overly sensitive, causing them to shrink and produce thinner, weaker hair strands. Over time, this can lead to more diffuse thinning across the scalp. Balancing androgen levels and reducing DHT specifically can be an important strategy for supporting hair regrowth.

Estrogen and Hair Growth

Estrogen plays a protective role in hair health by extending the growth phase of the hair cycle. This is why many women experience fuller, thicker hair during pregnancy, when estrogen levels are high. However, after menopause or postpartum, estrogen levels drop significantly, leading to increased shedding and slower regrowth.

Since estrogen helps counteract the effects of androgens, lower estrogen levels can allow DHT to have a stronger impact on hair follicles, accelerating hair loss. Supporting healthy estrogen balance naturally through nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle habits may help maintain healthier hair growth.

Thyroid Hormones and the Hair Cycle

Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy production, and hair growth. When thyroid function is off, the hair cycle can become disrupted, leading to excessive shedding, dry and brittle strands, or slowed hair growth.

Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can contribute to hair loss. Many women struggling with hormonal imbalances also have underlying thyroid issues, making it important to check thyroid levels when addressing hair thinning. Identifying and treating thyroid imbalances can help restore normal hair growth and prevent further loss.

Common Patterns of Hormonal Hair Loss in Women

One of the most common types of hair loss in women is female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Unlike male pattern baldness, which often leads to a receding hairline, FPHL typically presents as diffuse thinning across the scalp, starting at the part line. Over time, hair may appear noticeably thinner, particularly at the crown or temples.

This type of hair loss often worsens after menopause due to estrogen decline and increased androgen influence. Other common patterns include increased shedding after pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause, as well as overall loss of density that can make ponytails appear thinner. Understanding these patterns early can help in choosing the right treatments and setting realistic expectations for regrowth.

Effective Treatments for Hormonal Hair Loss

Addressing the root cause of hair loss is key to seeing real, lasting improvements.

Hormone Therapy & Support

For menopause-related hair loss, bioidentical hormone therapy (under medical supervision) can help balance declining estrogen levels and support hair regrowth. Women experiencing androgen-driven hair loss may benefit from natural anti-androgen approaches, such as spearmint tea, adequate vitamins C, D, zinc, and biotin, or certain supplements that help counteract high DHT levels (see below).

Lifestyle Changes to Support Hair Health

A nutrient-rich diet forms the foundation for healthy hair. Prioritizing adequate protein, biotin, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids provides the raw materials needed for strong, resilient hair. Just as important is what you remove: refined sugars, alcohol, and processed foods can drive inflammation, disrupt hormone balance, and impair nutrient absorption—factors that directly undermine follicle health.

Managing stress is equally critical, since chronically elevated cortisol can accelerate hair loss. Daily practices such as breathwork, meditation, and restorative sleep help regulate cortisol and restore hormonal harmony.

Supporting thyroid function with sufficient iodine, selenium, and protein also plays a key role in hair growth and density. On the external side, minimizing exposure to harsh chemicals, heat styling, and tension from tight hairstyles helps protect fragile follicles and prevent further thinning.

Supplements That Can Help

Certain supplements may support hormone balance and hair regrowth. Collagen and protein provide essential amino acids that strengthen hair, while B-complex vitamins support energy metabolism and follicle health. Adaptogens such as ashwagandha can help regulate stress hormones and improve overall hormonal balance. Omega-3s and pumpkin seed oil support hair growth by nourishing hair follicles and reducing inflammation, while the oil itself provides essential nutrients and antioxidants that strengthen the scalp and hair. Furthermore, Saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), thereby allowing for improved hair growth in individuals with high DHT levels or those who are DHT-sensitive.

Natural Topical Treatments That Can Help

Certain topical approaches can support scalp circulation, follicle strength, and overall hair health.

Rosemary and peppermint oils have been shown to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, increase follicle activity, and may reduce hair thinning over time.

Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to energize cells within hair follicles, encouraging thicker, healthier growth and reducing shedding.

For more advanced in-office treatments, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and exosome therapy performed by a trained professional can deliver concentrated growth factors directly to the scalp. These therapies support cellular repair, enhance follicle vitality, and may help restore hair in cases of thinning or loss.

Preventing Hormonal Hair Loss

While genetics play a role in hair loss, many aspects of hair health are within your control. Managing stress levels, eating a nutrient-dense diet, and making proactive lifestyle changes can help protect hair follicles and reduce excessive shedding. Identifying hormonal imbalances early and addressing them through nutrition, supplementation, and medical support can also make a significant difference in preventing further hair loss.

In summary, the most important hormones to keep an eye on for hair support are: adequate estrogen (endogenous or exogenous), balanced testosterone and lower DHT, optimal thyroid, and your cortisol levels (across the day).

Summary

Hormonal imbalances—including stress, thyroid dysfunction, menopause, and PCOS—can significantly impact hair growth. The key to restoring healthy, thriving hair lies in identifying the root cause, addressing imbalances, and making supportive lifestyle changes.

Struggling with hair loss can feel discouraging—but it’s often a sign your hormones need deeper support. At Naturopathic by Design™, our Signature Offering goes beyond surface solutions. With the combined expertise of naturopathic physicians, registered nurses, and functional nutritionists, we’ll uncover the root causes driving your hair changes and create a plan that restores balance from the inside out. Book your free 15-minute Discovery Call today and take the first step toward healthier hair—and renewed vitality.