Changing hormone levels can cause androgenetic alopecia, a form of hair loss more commonly known as female and male pattern baldness. No matter what your sex, losing your hair can be an upsetting experience and can lead to self-esteem issues. Treating hormonal hair loss can help restore both your hairline and your feelings of self-worth.
Identification
Androgenetic alopecia occurs due to changes that the male hormone testosterone undergoes in your body. Male hormones are called androgens. The enzyme Type II 5-alpha-reductace converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. When DHT binds to receptors in scalp follicles, it shrinks hair follicles and makes it impossible for healthy hair to survive, according to the American Hair Loss Association.
Causes
Androgenetic alopecia can be inherited from either side of the family in both men and women. Women may develop female pattern hair loss due to hormonal changes caused by menopause, pregnancy or taking some types of birth control pills. Ovarian tumors or cysts and polycystic ovarian syndrome can also affect hormone levels in women and cause androgenetic alopecia. The American Pregnancy Association reports that women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome have higher levels of male hormones, experience absent or irregular menstrual cycles and have small, fluid-filled cysts on their ovaries.
Symptoms
Women and men experience hormonal hair loss differently. Men who have androgenetic alopecia may notice a receding hairline as the first sign of the condition. Without treatment, hair loss progresses until a bald spot forms on the crown of the head. Women who have androgenetic alopecia don't develop a receding hairline, but experience thinning hair over the entire scalp. Androgenetic alopecia in women rarely leads to total baldness, according to the Genetics Home Reference website.
Treatment
Men may benefit from taking finasteride, a drug that inhibits the actions of the Type II 5-alpha-reductace enzyme and reduces DHT levels. Finasteride stops hair loss and allows new hair growth. The drug is recommended by the American Hair Loss Association as the first line of attack for men interested in treating male pattern baldness. Finasteride is not approved for use by women.
If finasteride isn't effective, men can try minoxidil, a topical drug that may reduce hair loss and regrow hair. Women can also benefit from taking minoxidil. The American Hair Loss Association reports that minoxidil may actually be more effective in treating hair loss in women. Doctors may also recommend other treatments, such as hormone replacement treatment for menopausal women or the use of drugs that inhibit androgen receptors. If medication is ineffective, both men and women may benefit from a hair transplant.
Considerations
Avoiding high androgen index birth control pills can help women avoid androgenetic alopecia, particularly if there is a family history for the condition. The American Hair Loss Association reports that other hormonal birth control methods, including hormone injections, progestin implants, skin patches or vaginal rings, can also trigger hair loss.
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