Hair loss is one of the most common health concerns for men and women alike. In the UAE, where a diverse population lives in a climate of high temperatures, desalinated water, and fast-paced lifestyles, hair concerns are prevalent. For many people, hair fall can be distressing—not just because of appearance, but because it affects confidence, self-esteem, and emotional well-being.
While genetics, nutrition, and external damage are well-known triggers of hair fall, a less obvious but equally important factor is hormonal imbalance. Hormones act as chemical messengers in the body, regulating everything from metabolism and mood to skin and hair health. When these delicate hormonal signals are disrupted, the hair growth cycle is often one of the first systems to show the impact.
This article takes a deep look at how hormones influence hair growth, which specific hormones are most often involved in hair loss, and how men and women may experience these changes differently. It also explores ways to manage and treat hormonal hair loss, with a special focus on advanced solutions available at Dr Batra’s® UAE clinics.
The Connection Between Hormones and Hair Growth
Hair doesn’t grow randomly; it follows a natural cycle. Every strand on the scalp passes through four key phases:
- Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the active stage, lasting anywhere from 2 to 7 years. The longer the hair remains in anagen, the longer it grows.
- Catagen (Transition Phase): A short two-to-three-week stage where the hair detaches from its blood supply.
- Telogen (Resting Phase): Lasting 2 to 4 months, hair remains dormant in the follicle.
- Exogen (Shedding Phase): The old strand falls, and the cycle begins again as a new hair emerges.
Hormones influence the timing and balance of these phases. For example, estrogen helps keep hair in the growth phase longer, while androgens like testosterone can shorten the growth cycle and cause miniaturization of hair follicles. Stress hormones such as cortisol can push many hairs into the shedding phase at once, causing sudden thinning.
When hormones are balanced, the cycle works smoothly. When they are not, hair follicles either weaken, rest for too long, or shut down prematurely leading to excessive hair loss.
Key Hormones Involved in Hair Loss
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
DHT is one of the most significant hormones in hair loss. It is derived from testosterone through the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. In genetically sensitive individuals, DHT binds to receptors in scalp hair follicles, causing them to shrink over time. This process, known as follicular miniaturization, leads to shorter, finer strands and eventually to the classic signs of male and female pattern baldness.
This type of hormonal hair loss often begins in the late 20s or 30s in men, starting at the temples or crown. In women, it may appear later in life as a general thinning along the crown or a widening part line.
- Estrogen and Progesterone
Estrogen and progesterone are often described as the "protective" hormones for hair. They extend the anagen phase, giving women thicker, fuller hair during their reproductive years. This is why many women notice their hair looks especially dense and shiny during pregnancy when estrogen levels are high.
However, after childbirth, estrogen levels drop sharply, causing a sudden increase in shedding—a condition known as postpartum hair loss. Similarly, during menopause, the gradual decline in estrogen and progesterone removes this protective effect, and women may begin to notice diffuse thinning or increased fragility.
- Cortisol (Stress Hormone) <
Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone, and chronic stress can wreak havoc on hair. High levels of cortisol disrupt the normal cycling of follicles, pushing large numbers of hairs into the resting or shedding phase. This condition, known as telogen effluvium, is often seen after stressful life events, illness, or prolonged anxiety.
Unlike genetic hair loss, stress-related shedding can appear suddenly and affect the entire scalp. The good news is that once the stressor is managed, hair often recovers—but if high stress is constant, the shedding may persist or worsen.
- Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4)
The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, and its hormones influence the health of hair, skin, and nails. Both underactive (hypothyroidism) and overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid conditions can cause diffuse hair thinning.
Patients with thyroid-related hair loss often notice not just shedding on the scalp but also changes in eyebrows, brittle nails, and dry skin. Because thyroid conditions are common in the UAE, particularly among women, thyroid screening is an important step in diagnosing unexplained hair fall.
Also Read - Hyperthyroidism Treatment in UAE
- Insulin and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
For many women, hormonal hair loss is linked with PCOS, a condition characterized by insulin resistance and elevated androgens. High androgen levels contribute to scalp hair thinning while paradoxically increasing hair growth on the face or body (hirsutism). Women with PCOS-related hair loss may also experience irregular menstrual cycles, acne, and weight gain. Without proper diagnosis and management, PCOS can lead to long-term hair thinning that becomes difficult to reverse.
How Hormonal Hair Loss Appears?
Hormonal hair loss doesn’t always look the same in men and women.
- In men, it usually follows a predictable pattern thinning at the temples, a receding hairline, or baldness at the crown. Over time, these areas expand and may leave only hair at the back and sides.
- In women, the hairline often remains intact, but there is a general reduction in density across the crown or a noticeable widening of the part line. The ponytail may feel thinner, and shedding may be heavier than usual.
- Postpartum women may notice sudden, heavy shedding starting around three months after delivery.
- Those under stress may report clumps of hair falling out when washing or combing.
- Thyroid-related hair loss tends to be diffuse, affecting the entire scalp rather than just specific areas.
Recognizing these patterns helps determine whether the problem is likely hormonal and in need of medical assessment.
When to Suspect Hormonal Hair Loss
Hair fall can have many causes, but you should be alert to hormonal involvement if you notice:
- Hair thinning combined with menstrual irregularities, acne, or weight changes.
- A rapidly receding hairline or crown thinning at a young age in men.
- Persistent shedding that does not improve with lifestyle changes such as diet or stress reduction.
- Sudden hair loss following childbirth, illness, or major life stress.
- Hair loss accompanied by other systemic symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, or changes in skin and nails.
If any of these apply, it’s best not to wait. Early medical evaluation can significantly impact the preservation and restoration of hair.
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