Alopecia areata is a disease that causes the hair to fall out in small patches. When the immune system attacks the hair follicles, the results are hair loss. Some blood tests used to test for alopecia is the ANA test, Anemia #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel, and the CRP.
If your doctor suspects that an underlying medical condition may be the cause of hair loss, a blood test or scalp biopsy may be recommended. All of these diagnostic tests can be conducted in your dermatologist's office.
Estrogen and progesterone levels fall, meaning that the effects of the androgens, male hormones, are increased. During and after menopause, hair might become finer (thinner) because hair follicles shrink. Hair grows more slowly and falls out more easily in these cases.
Your doctor can check your testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid blood levels to determine if one of these hormone imbalances could be causing your hair loss.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.
DHT: The hormone behind hair loss
DHT is found in skin, hair follicles, and the prostate. The actions of DHT and the sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT is what causes hair loss. DHT also acts in the prostate. Without DHT, the prostate doesn't develop normally.
Lower estrogen and progesterone levels: Estrogen and progesterone stimulate hair growth, which is why pregnant women—who are producing extra levels of these hormones—tend to experience thickening hair during their pregnancy.
It's best to make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are the experts in diagnosing and treating hair loss. A dermatologist can tell you whether it's FPHR or something else that is causing your hair loss.
How is female hair loss treated? Minoxidil (Rogaine) 5% is the only topical medication approved by the FDA for female-pattern hair loss. The once daily use foam treatment regrows hair in 81% of the women who try it. Liquid options of 2% and 5% solutions are available over the counter.
Hair loss and thyroid disease
Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.
A doctor who is well experienced in endocrinology will examine the scalp to ensure the hair loss is a hormonal issue and not an underlying problem. The doctor can then decide which treatment combinations will be most effective for the individual, as well as discussing potential side effects.
Your dermatologist will prescribe medication to help with hair loss. Topical minoxidil, commonly called Rogaine, can help with hair growth and thickness. In some cases, your doctor will prescribe Finasteride in oral form.
In other cases, thinning hair is triggered by something going on inside the body — for instance, a thyroid problem, a shift in hormones, a recent pregnancy, or an inflammatory condition. Hair loss may also be genetic. The most common genetic condition is known as female-pattern hair loss, or androgenic alopecia.
In most cases, the damage isn't permanent. The missing locks should grow back in 6 months to a year. Some people lose all the hair on their scalp and body, but that's rare.
Genetics play a large role in determining how much hair loss you'll see as you age. However, other factors — such as stress levels, nutrition, and medications — also cause balding. Genetic hair loss can't be reversed, but there are steps you can take to slow it down and maximize your hair growth potential.
Estrogen and Progesterone
These hormones also help with hair growth. Estrogen and progesterone can help keep your hair in the growing (anagen) phase. Therefore, these hormones can help your hair stay on your head longer and may even help your hair grow faster.
Self-Care Tip! These can be reasons for hormonal imbalance and hair loss. It is important to manage your stress levels, get adequate amount of sleep, avoid sugar and control your eating habits, and exercise. These will help you maintain a healthy hormonal balance and protect your hair from future damage.
Anti-androgens.
Androgens include testosterone and other "male" hormones, which can accelerate hair loss in women. Some women who don't respond to minoxidil may benefit from the addition of the anti-androgen drug spironolactone (Aldactone) for treatment of androgenic alopecia.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that affects people AFAB. It happens when their ovaries create excess androgens, including testosterone, which leads to increased DHT levels. This causes a variety of symptoms, including irregular periods, excessive hair growth (hirsutism) and acne.
The answer is yes! Fortunately, unlike genetic hair loss, most hair loss caused by hormonal imbalances is reversible.