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The Effects of Estrogen on Hair

Estrogen is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body and is also developed as a replacement therapy for certain conditions. It is abundant in women and found in small amounts in men. Estrogen is crucial for specific body functions involving reproduction in particular, but it also has an effect on less critical body systems such as the nails and hair.

  1. Hair Loss

    • Alopecia might occur in women who are low in estrogen levels. An increase in male androgens, specifically dihydrotestosterone, might cause follicles to revert to a resting phase more frequently, causing hair to fall out. Estrogenic alopecia in particular is caused by low estrogen levels. Some instances when alopecia is likely to occur are when hormones are out of balance after pregnancy or during menopause. Estrogen replacement therapy or treating the underlying condition might alleviate the condition's symptoms. Excess androgens, not an overabundance of estrogen, is most often responsible for male pattern baldness.

    Dry Hair

    • Low estrogen levels and some estrogen treatments might lead to dry, dull and lifeless hair. If you experience dry hair after estrogen treatments, discuss adjusting medication levels to achieve optimal estrogen balance. Menopausal or post-pregnancy women might experience dry hair and could possibly benefit from treatment.

    Excessive Hair Growth

    • Hirsutism is growth of hair in atypical areas on the female body such as the upper lip, chin or chest. This condition is related to an imbalance in estrogen and testosterone levels. Estrogen replacement in the form of birth control pills or supplements to treat menopause symptoms might decrease excessive hair growth.

    Hair Retention

    • Treatment with estrogen therapies might help you keep your hair if you are suffering from low estrogen levels. Estrogen can help the hair grow faster and stay thicker and fuller. Check with a doctor if you experience hair loss to rule out any hormonal imbalances. Consider estrogen therapy for treatment of conditions such as hysterectomy or menopausal symptoms that might lead to hair loss.

    Side Effects

    • Estrogen therapy might have side effects that will contribute to hair loss. In addition, new areas of hair growth can occur in undesirable bodily areas. New estrogen replacement therapies, or ERTs, are available that might have fewer associated adverse effects. Talk to your doctor about what is right for your specific symptoms, and report any problems immediately.

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