How to Stop and Reverse Hormonal Hair Loss

Of the many possible hair loss triggers in women, hormonal hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia or female pattern hair loss, is the most universal. Nearly every post-menopausal woman will experience hormonal hair loss to some degree.

Hormonal hair loss is a gradual thinning that occurs because of shifting hormone balances as we age. For most women, it is the most obvious along the part line and at the crown as more and more hair follicles go dormant. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to reverse hormonal hair loss and get those follicles growing again. 

What Hormone Causes Hair Loss in Females?

Your ovaries produce and release estrogen and progesterone, the most influential hormones in a woman’s body. These hormones are necessary for sexual development and fertility, but the ovaries produce less of them once you are past your childbearing years.

As estrogen and progesterone levels drop, male hormones already present in small amounts in your body begin to take on increased prominence. It is one of these androgens, a testosterone derivative called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), that directly causes hormonal hair loss.

Relatively high concentrations of DHT in your system lead to finer strands, disruptions in the hair growth cycle, and more dormant follicles. As a result, your hair follicles are likely to drop their strands sooner, spend more time resting between growth phases, and eventually stop producing new hair entirely.

Will Estrogen Help My Hair Grow Back?

 Estrogen counteracts the effects of DHT, so it makes sense that restoring your estrogen levels would impact female pattern hair loss. The hormone’s effect on hair growth can be seen during pregnancy, a period of heightened estrogen production, and, often, temporarily thicker hair.

After menopause, women have the option to replace their depleted estrogen through hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This is a synthetic form of the hormone delivered via a gel, cream, skin patch or oral supplement.

HRT reverses hormonal hair loss for some women, but it may make the problem worse in others. Additionally, HRT has potential side effects like an increased cancer risk, osteoporosis and endometriosis. Talk to your doctor to discuss whether the benefits of HRT would outweigh the risks for you.

What Else Can I Do to Stop Hormonal Hair Loss?

 You may be able to stop and reverse hormonal hair loss by applying certain products directly to your scalp. However, the most effective topical solutions seem to be those that contain minoxidil or oleanolic acid.

Minoxidil

 Minoxidil is a synthetic drug found in some over-the-counter liquids and foams that are sold in the U.S. Minoxidil was initially developed to treat high blood pressure, but patients who took it for that reason noticed a side effect of unexpected hair growth.

By dilating the blood vessels in the scalp, minoxidil works to improve circulation and stimulate hair follicles back into the active growth phase.

Oleanolic Acid

Since excess DHT is the leading cause of hormonal hair loss, the key to stopping and even reversing the condition is to inhibit the DHT’s effects on your scalp. Oleanolic acid is a natural compound that may be able to help you accomplish this goal.

When you apply it to your scalp, oleanolic acid prevents DHT from binding with androgen receptors in your skin cells. So, you still have as much DHT as always in your body, but it won’t be able to inhibit hair growth if it isn’t allowed to attach near the hair follicles.

Better Not Younger’s Superpower Fortifying Hair & Scalp Serum and Wake Up Call Volumizing Conditioner contain oleanolic acid. They can help thicken and strengthen your strands with consistent use, reversing the impact of hormonal hair loss.

How Long Does It Take for Hair to Grow Back After Hormonal Hair Loss?

Whether you are trying to reverse your hair loss with HRT, minoxidil, oleanolic acid or by other holistic approaches, it will take a few months before you’ll be able to see the results. Even if your resting follicles immediately begin producing new hair strands, it will take time for the new strands to grow enough for you to notice them.

After treating your hormonal hair loss, the hair that you gain may not be exactly the same fullness as your hair prior to menopause, and you could even see a change in texture due to a change in follicle shape. It is also important to continue treating your hair loss if you want to enjoy the continued benefits.

Reverse Hormonal Hair Loss with Better Not Younger

You don't have to accept your thinning post-menopausal hair as your new normal. Instead, reverse hormonal hair loss while indulging your hair and scalp with nourishing solutions from Better Not Younger.

Read more about hormonal hair loss on our Better Blog and visit our Shop Page to learn about these and other products. Better Not Younger carefully formulates its solutions to address the specific needs of your aging hair.

Tell Us: What techniques have you tried to reverse hormonal hair loss? Share in the comments below!