Hair in the shower. Hair on your pillow. More strands than usual on your hairbrush.
A little shedding is normal. But when your hair suddenly seems thinner or you are losing noticeably more than before, it is natural to wonder if your hormones have something to do with it.
And sometimes, they do.
Hormonal hair loss can happen during major hormonal changes or alongside conditions that affect hormone levels. But hair loss has many possible causes, so assuming you have a “hormonal imbalance” based on shedding alone can be misleading.
Here are some of the most common questions people ask about hormone-related hair loss.
What Is Hormonal Hair Loss?
Hormonal hair loss is hair shedding or thinning associated with changes in hormones or conditions that affect hormone activity.
Hormones influence the hair-growth cycle, which means changes in the body can sometimes affect how long hair stays in its growth phase.
Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders and conditions such as PCOS can be linked with changes in hair growth. The American Academy of Dermatology also lists hormonal imbalance related to PCOS among potential causes of hair loss in women.
The pattern is not always the same. Some people experience increased shedding, while others notice gradual thinning around the top or front of the scalp.
Can Hormonal Imbalance Cause Hair Loss?
Yes, but “hormonal imbalance” is a very broad term.
Changes in thyroid hormones, reproductive hormones and androgen activity can affect hair growth. For example, thyroid disease can cause thinning hair, while higher androgen activity associated with PCOS can contribute to scalp hair loss in some women.
That said, hair loss does not automatically mean your hormones are out of balance.
Genetics, stress, nutritional deficiencies, medications and other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms.
So the better question is not simply, “Do I have a hormonal imbalance?”
It is, “What is causing my hair loss?”
What Does Hormonal Hair Loss in Women Look Like?
Hormonal hair loss in women can show up in several ways.
You might notice:
- A wider part
- Thinning around the crown
- A smaller ponytail
- More visible scalp
- Increased shedding
- Gradual loss of hair density
Female pattern hair loss is one of the most common causes of hair loss in women. It can become more noticeable with age and around menopause, when hormonal changes can affect the hair-growth cycle.
This is worth clarifying because female pattern hair loss and temporary hormone-related shedding are not necessarily the same thing.
Can PCOS Cause Hair Loss?
It can.
PCOS can involve increased androgen activity, and this may contribute to thinning of scalp hair in some women.
The American Academy of Dermatology identifies PCOS-related hormonal changes as one possible cause of hair loss in women.
If hair thinning occurs alongside irregular periods, acne or increased facial and body hair, mention all of these symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Looking at the full picture is much more useful than treating the hair alone.
Can Menopause Cause Hair Loss?
Hormonal changes during menopause can affect hair.
Some women notice that their hair becomes thinner, their part becomes more visible or their overall hair density decreases during or after menopause.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, hormonal changes during menopause can contribute to hair thinning, although other causes can also be involved.
Menopause-related hair changes are common, but persistent or significant hair loss should still be evaluated rather than automatically attributed to menopause.
Can Thyroid Problems Cause Hair Loss?
Yes.
Both an underactive thyroid and an overactive thyroid can be associated with hair changes.
The American Academy of Dermatology lists thyroid disease among medical conditions that can cause hair loss.
If hair loss is happening along with unexplained changes in weight, fatigue, feeling unusually cold or hot, changes in your menstrual cycle or other symptoms, speak with a healthcare professional.
Can Birth Control Cause Hair Loss?
Hormonal contraception can affect hair in some people.
Changes in hormone levels after starting or stopping certain forms of birth control may be associated with temporary hair shedding or thinning. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that stopping some birth control pills can trigger hair loss.
If you notice significant shedding after changing your contraception, tell your healthcare provider when the change happened.
The timing can be an important clue.
Is Hair Loss After Pregnancy Hormonal?
It can be.
Pregnancy causes major changes in hormone levels. After delivery, those levels change again, and many women experience increased hair shedding.
This is often temporary.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that pregnancy-related hormonal changes can affect the hair-growth cycle and contribute to postpartum hair loss.
So if you notice more hair coming out a few months after having a baby, it does not necessarily mean something is seriously wrong.
How Do I Know If My Hair Loss Is Hormonal?
You usually cannot determine the cause just by looking at your hair.
A healthcare professional may consider:
- When the shedding started
- Whether it was sudden or gradual
- Where the thinning is occurring
- Your family history
- Recent pregnancy
- Menopause or other hormonal changes
- Your menstrual history
- Current medications
- Nutrition
- Stress
- Other symptoms
Depending on your symptoms, your provider may recommend blood tests or other evaluation.
For example, thyroid testing or tests for nutritional deficiencies may be considered when your history suggests they could be contributing to hair loss.
Should I Get My Hormones Tested for Hair Loss?
Not necessarily.
There is no single “hormone test” that explains every case of hair loss.
Testing should generally be guided by your symptoms and medical history. If your provider suspects a thyroid disorder, PCOS or another endocrine issue, they may recommend specific tests.
But if the cause is genetic or related to another condition, hormone testing may not provide the answer you are looking for.
This is why starting with an evaluation is usually more useful than ordering a long list of hormone tests on your own.
Can Hormonal Hair Loss Grow Back?
Sometimes.
It depends on the cause.
Hair affected by a temporary hormonal change may recover once the underlying trigger settles. Other forms of hair loss may require ongoing treatment to slow further thinning and support regrowth.
The sooner the cause is identified, the sooner you can discuss appropriate treatment options.
What Can You Do About Hormonal Hair Loss?
There is no universal treatment for hair loss due to hormones.
Treatment depends on what is actually causing the hair loss.
Depending on the situation, your healthcare provider may focus on:
- Treating an underlying thyroid condition
- Managing PCOS or another hormonal condition
- Correcting a confirmed nutritional deficiency
- Reviewing medications
- Treating female pattern hair loss
- Addressing other medical causes of shedding
Be careful with products that promise to “balance your hormones” and automatically stop hair loss.
If your thyroid is the problem, a hair supplement will not fix it. If the issue is genetic hair loss, treating a supposed hormone imbalance may not address the real cause.
When Should You See a Healthcare Professional?
It is worth getting evaluated if your hair loss is:
- Sudden
- Significant
- Persistent
- Happening in patches
- Accompanied by scalp changes
- Occurring alongside irregular periods or other hormonal symptoms
- Happening after starting or stopping medication
- Getting progressively worse
You do not have to wait until your hair loss becomes severe before asking about it.
The Bottom Line
Hormonal imbalance hair loss is real, but it is only one possible explanation for thinning or shedding.
Pregnancy, menopause, thyroid conditions and PCOS can all affect hair growth. At the same time, genetics, stress, nutrition, medications and other conditions can cause similar changes.
That is why treating “hormones” without knowing what is actually causing the hair loss may not get you very far.
If you have noticed persistent thinning or hormone-related hair loss, Brisk Wellness can connect you with qualified healthcare professionals who can review your symptoms and health history and help determine what evaluation or treatment may be appropriate.
FAQs
What are the signs of hormonal hair loss?
Thinning around the crown or part, increased shedding and reduced overall hair density can occur with some hormone-related conditions. The exact pattern depends on the cause.
Can hormones make your hair thin?
Yes. Hormonal changes can affect the hair-growth cycle. But thinning hair can also result from genetics, stress, nutrition, medications and other causes.
Is hormonal hair loss permanent?
Not always. Hair can recover when the underlying cause is temporary or treated. Some forms of hair loss may require longer-term management.
Can PCOS cause thinning hair?
Yes. PCOS-related androgen activity can contribute to scalp hair thinning in some women.
Should I take supplements for hormonal hair loss?
Not automatically. Supplements are unlikely to solve every cause of hair loss, and taking them without knowing whether you have a deficiency may not help. It is better to identify the cause first.