How Hormones Affect Hair Growth And Hair Loss In Men

How Hormones Affect Hair Growth And Hair Loss In Men

At some point, everyone has experienced running their hands through their hair and noticing a few loose strands. This is perfectly normal as the average person generally loses 50 to 100 strands of hair daily, and we barely even realise it. However, it is important to recognise the distinct differences between hair loss and hair shedding. If this issue goes beyond just losing some strands and you have been regularly experiencing sudden hair loss, the problem may lie with your body’s hormones.

Stress, medications, and iron deficiencies are all known to cause hair loss in men temporarily. Yet, one of the most prevalent and permanent types of hair loss —androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness — is mainly related to shifts in the body’s hormones. Here’s what you need to know about hormones and how they influence hair growth and loss in men.

Hormones and Hair Growth

To better understand the role of hormones in hair growth, we must first look at the anatomy of hair. Hair follicles come with protein cells at the bottom-most part, which makes up the root of the hair from which it grows. This root needs nourishment, delivered via blood vessels in the scalp, for the hair to grow.

Our hair continually undergoes cycles of growth and shedding, which are comprised of three phases, namely:

  •    Anagen phase

This is the active phase of hair growth and usually lasts for two to six years.

  •    Catagen phase

This transitional phase lasts for two to three weeks, wherein the root starts to shrink away from the scalp.

  •    Telogen phase

Also known as the resting phase, this phase takes place for 100 days and involves the shedding of around 25-100 strands of hair daily.

Not all hair follicles undergo these phases at the same time. The largest percentage of them are in the anagen phase.

Hormones and Hair Loss

Androgen hormones play a significant role in hair’s overall growth. When these hormones reach exceedingly high levels, people will sprout excess hair in various areas, typically in the face and body. In contrast, the reverse effect happens whenever these levels drop, leading to hair thinning or hair loss.

The hormones produced by the thyroid also play a crucial role in hair growth and loss. When the thyroid is not active enough, the metabolism slows down. As a result, the body compensates for this by shutting down some of its “less important” functions, including hair growth.

Hair loss is one of the most common signs of male pattern baldness and may occur in various ways, but it typically starts at the hairline. Once the hairline begins to recede, it forms somewhat of an “M” shape. However, not everyone will experience hair loss the same way, and others may first notice hair thinning or hair loss around the crown of their head.

Conclusion

Hormones significantly influence our hair, and their fluctuations could lead to one experiencing excessive hair growth or hair thinning and hair loss. And while hair loss caused by hormonal imbalances can be medically treated in various ways, at present, they can only help slow down or halt the process and possibly stimulate the return of hair growth. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option for hair loss, it may be best to consider hair replacement in Singapore first.

At Rehair Lab, our hair specialists are experts at crafting personalised hair pieces for men that blend in seamlessly with your natural hair for an instant hair transformation. Restore your hair’s former glory by booking an appointment with us today!