Estrogen Deficiency & Hair Loss

There are medical conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) that can lead to a lack of estrogen, causing hair loss in women. Recent pregnancy can also lead to plummeting estrogen levels, as can the onset of menopause and use of birth control pills. Generally, when hormone levels return to normal, the condition goes away. In menopause, however, estrogen levels don't usually return, and the thinning of the hair may be permanent.

Types

• Estrogen deficiency is just one hormonal condition that can lead to hair loss. Thyroid problems and estrogen deficiency often go hand-in-hand. Diagnosing the nature of estrogen deficiency can help caregivers create an actionable plan for treatment.

Identification

• Estrogen-related hair loss is generally represented as an overall thinning that occurs mainly on the crown and at the top of the head. Rarely is it ever patchy or spotty, and generally occurs slowly, with day-to-day changes almost imperceptible.

Effects

• An estrogen deficiency presents itself with an increase in facial hair, a deepening of the voice, decreased memory function, low blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, rapid pulse rate, hot flashes, joint pain and even depression. Hair loss is just one of many symptoms of estrogen deficiency.

Warning

• Since so many conditions can lead to hair loss, be sure to visit your doctor to know for certain that it's not a major medical problem.

Diagnosis

• Estrogen deficiency can be diagnosed via blood test, but the symptoms are profound enough that it's likely that your caregiver will be doing the blood test for confirmation, and the results won't be surprising.

Treatment

• Treating estrogen deficiency when it's due to normal onset of menopause is a heavy subject, with some caregivers preferring to let nature take its course. If you decide to use hormone replacement therapy for estrogen deficiency, there are several treatment options available, including patches, pills, creams and shots.