Hair loss is a common condition in both males and females, one that can cause anxiety because it is associated with aging and poor health. The vast majority of hair loss is genetic and associated with an imbalance in hormones called androgens. Inadequate nutrition, toxicity, severe stress and disease are other causes of hair loss. Soy products contain plant hormones that can reduce the effects of androgens and potentially slow down the process of hereditary hair loss. Soy milk is a good source of these hormones, but some brands are high in iodine, which has been linked to accelerated hair loss. Consult your doctor about the pros and cons of consuming soy products.
Hair Loss Causes
Genetics accounts for about 95 percent of permanent hair loss cases, according to the “Textbook for Functional Medicine” by David S. Jones. Temporary hair loss is commonly related to nutrient deficiencies, toxicities and severe stress, but permanent hair loss, sometimes called androgenic alopecia or “male pattern baldness,” is related to how your body produces and regulates certain hormones. The most prominent circulating male hormone related to hair loss is called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. In short, high levels of DHT cause shrinkage of hair follicles until they no longer produce hair. Other hormones are involved in the hair loss process too, such as androstenedione, prolactin and the ratio between estrogen and testosterone.
Hair Loss Prevalence
It is estimated that at least 60 million Americans are affected by permanent hair loss, of which two-thirds are men, according to the book “Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach.” Further, men older than 50 years have a 50 percent chance of experiencing some type of permanent hair loss, although the process can start as early as the age of 20. Typical male pattern baldness begins as hairline recession at the temples and hair thinning at the top of the head. Progression depends on genetic factors but also diet, lifestyle and stress, which directly affect hormone levels.
Isoflavones and Hair Loss
Soy products such as soy milk contain plant hormones called phytoestrogens, which have the ability to mimic some of the roles of estrogen in your body. The most common phytoestrogen in soy is a group called isoflavones, which includes the compound genistein. According to “Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Reference: Evidence-based Clinical Reviews,” soy isoflavone concentrates reduce serum DHT levels and in some individuals can metabolize into equol, a naturally occurring anti-androgen. Consumption of isoflavones may potentially slow down the process of male pattern baldness, although long-term human trials are needed before detailed recommendations can be made.
Soy Milk and Hair Loss
Drinking lots of soy milk can cause hair loss if there is too much iodine in it, which can occur due to the manufacturing process and contamination with by-products. Regulations can vary considerably, and some soy milk has been discovered to contain high levels of iodine, which has led to lawsuits in Australia and some other countries because the claimants believe they experienced sudden hair loss after changing their dietary habits to include soy milk. So if you are interested in preventing or slowing down hair loss, maybe taking concentrated isoflavone supplements is a better idea. Talk to your doctor about whether or not high levels of phytoestrogens are safe for you to consume.
References
- Textbook for Functional Medicine; David S. Jones
- Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach; Dee Unglaub Silverthorn and William C. Ober
- Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Reference: Evidence-based Clinical Reviews; Catherine E. Ulbricht et al.
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