
Understanding Hormonal Hair Loss: Causes, Prevention, and Natural Remedies
Feb 27, 2025Watching your hair thin or fall out can be a deeply emotional experience. It’s not just about appearance—it’s about identity, confidence, and the unsettling feeling that something is going on beneath the surface. Hair loss can leave you feeling frustrated, confused, and even helpless, especially when you're doing everything "right." The truth is, for many, the root cause of hair loss isn’t external, it’s internal.
Hormones play a significant role in the health of our hair. When they’re out of balance, your hair can suffer the consequences. But here’s the good news: by understanding how your hormones impact your hair growth, you can take steps to regain control.

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
Hair growth isn’t r
...This is premium content. You can unlock this content by registering as a member.
Watching your hair thin or fall out can be a deeply emotional experience. It’s not just about appearance—it’s about identity, confidence, and the unsettling feeling that something is going on beneath the surface. Hair loss can leave you feeling frustrated, confused, and even helpless, especially when you're doing everything "right." The truth is, for many, the root cause of hair loss isn’t external, it’s internal.
Hormones play a significant role in the health of our hair. When they’re out of balance, your hair can suffer the consequences. But here’s the good news: by understanding how your hormones impact your hair growth, you can take steps to regain control.

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
Hair growth isn’t random; it follows a meticulous cycle that can last for years. Understanding this cycle is key to grasping how hair loss happens and how it can be prevented. Let’s break it down:
1. Anagen (Growth Phase):
- This is the most active phase of hair growth, lasting anywhere from 2 to 7 years, depending on genetics. During this phase, hair follicles are actively producing new hair cells, causing the hair to grow longer and thicker.
2. Catagen (Transition Phase):
- This is a brief, transitional stage lasting about 2-3 weeks. In this phase, hair growth slows down, and the hair follicle shrinks, detaching from its blood supply. Only a small percentage of hairs are in this phase at one time.
3. Telogen (Resting Phase):
- During this phase, which lasts about 3 months, hair is no longer growing but remains in place. It's a resting period for the follicle, allowing it to recover before restarting the cycle.
4. Exogen (Shedding Phase):
- This is technically an extension of the telogen phase, where old hair sheds, making room for new growth. It’s normal to lose around 50-100 hairs per day during this phase. Once shedding occurs, the cycle starts again with a new hair in the anagen phase. PMID: 36769541.

How Hormones Impact The Hair Growth Cycle
Hormones are powerful messengers that affect every stage of the hair growth cycle. When they’re in balance, your hair can thrive, but when hormones fluctuate or become imbalanced, they can disrupt the cycle and lead to hair loss.
1. Anagen (Growth Phase):
- Hormones like estrogen and testosterone play a significant role in the growth phase. Estrogen supports prolonged hair growth, which is why women often experience thicker, fuller hair during pregnancy when estrogen levels are elevated. Testosterone, on the other hand, when converted into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), can shrink hair follicles and shorten the anagen phase, leading to thinning hair.
2. Catagen (Transition Phase):
- When hormones fluctuate, particularly during menopause or periods of high stress, more hair can prematurely enter the catagen phase. Elevated cortisol levels, caused by chronic stress, can push hair out of the growth phase too soon, accelerating hair loss.
3. Telogen (Resting Phase):
- Hormonal imbalances—such as the drop in estrogen after pregnancy—can cause more hair to remain in the telogen phase, leading to visible hair shedding. This post-pregnancy hair loss is a common result of this hormonal shift.
4. Exogen (Shedding Phase):
- Normally, hair shedding during this phase is minimal. However, imbalances in cortisol, estrogen, or testosterone can trigger excessive hair shedding, making this phase more noticeable.

Common Hormonal Imbalances That Lead to Hair Loss
It’s time to get to the heart of the issue—specific hormonal imbalances that are often the hidden culprits behind hair loss. These common imbalances can disrupt your hair’s natural cycle, leading to thinning, shedding, and frustration:
1. Androgens (Testosterone, DHT):
- Excess DHT is one of the most common causes of hair thinning, particularly in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DHT binds to hair follicles, shrinking them and causing hair to thin over time. This type of androgenetic alopecia can affect both men and women and is often characterized by thinning at the crown and temples.
2. Thyroid Hormones (Hypothyroidism/Hyperthyroidism):
- An imbalance in thyroid hormones, whether it's an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle. These conditions often lead to diffuse thinning across the scalp, as the hair follicles struggle to maintain their growth due to the thyroid's disrupted regulation of metabolism.
3. Cortisol (Stress Hormone):
- Chronic stress elevates cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, which can trigger telogen effluvium, a condition that causes large amounts of hair to prematurely enter the shedding phase. This stress-induced hair loss can occur after periods of intense emotional or physical stress, making hair shedding significantly more noticeable.
4. Estrogen and Progesterone:
- Low levels of estrogen and progesterone, particularly during menopause or post-pregnancy, can cause hair to thin or fall out. Estrogen normally helps keep hair in the growth phase, but as levels drop during these hormonal transitions, more hair enters the resting and shedding phases, resulting in noticeable thinning.
5. Insulin Resistance:
- While less well-known, insulin resistance can contribute to hair loss, especially in women with conditions like PCOS. Insulin resistance can lead to higher levels of androgens like testosterone and DHT, which can trigger hair thinning and androgenetic alopecia. Managing insulin levels through diet and lifestyle changes can help prevent these hormonal imbalances from affecting hair health.

Other Causes of Hair Loss
While hormonal imbalances are a major contributor to hair loss, other factors can also play a significant role. Here’s a brief overview of common non-hormonal causes that might be affecting your hair:
1. Genetics:
- Hereditary hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair thinning. If hair loss runs in your family, you may be more prone to losing hair as you age, with thinning often beginning around the temples or crown.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies:
- The health of your hair is closely tied to the nutrients you provide your body. Deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and biotin can weaken hair follicles and slow down hair growth. Low iron levels, in particular, are linked to excessive hair shedding, especially in women.
3. Medications or Medical Treatments
- Certain medications or medical treatments can cause hair loss as a side effect. Chemotherapy, for example, is well-known for triggering hair loss, but other medications such as those for blood pressure, depression, or hormonal therapies can also impact the hair cycle, leading to thinning or shedding.
4. Environmental Factors
- Exposure to environmental stressors like pollution can damage hair over time, weakening the follicles and making hair more prone to breakage and loss. Additionally, certain hair styling habits, such as excessive heat styling, tight hairstyles, or chemical treatments, can damage the hair shaft, leading to thinning and breakage over time.
- While these factors may not be directly related to hormonal imbalances, they can exacerbate hair loss or contribute to a cycle of thinning. Addressing them alongside hormonal health can provide a more comprehensive approach to supporting stronger, healthier hair.

Natural Prevention and Treatment of Hormonal Hair Loss
When it comes to addressing hormonal hair loss, the best approach is a natural, holistic one. Rather than just treating the symptoms, focusing on the root cause can help you achieve lasting results. Here are some of the most practical ways to prevent and treat hormonal hair loss:
1. Dietary Changes
- Eating nutrient-dense foods that support both hormonal balance and hair health is key. Incorporate healthy fats, proteins, and foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, iron, and omega-3s to nourish hair from within.
2. Herbs and Supplements:
- Saw Palmetto: A natural remedy that can help reduce DHT levels, which contribute to hair loss.
- Zinc: An important mineral that supports hormone balance and strengthens hair follicles.
- Biotin: Known for its role in hair strength and growth, biotin can help prevent hair thinning.
- Adaptogens (like Ashwagandha): These herbs help manage stress and reduce cortisol levels, promoting a healthier scalp environment.
3. Stress Management:
- Incorporating relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, and regular exercise can help lower cortisol levels, which often contribute to hair shedding. Keeping stress in check is essential for maintaining healthy hair.
4. Thyroid Support:
- Ensure your thyroid is functioning optimally by getting enough iodine, selenium, and vitamin D. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining healthy thyroid hormone levels, which in turn support hair growth.
5. Scalp Health:
- Regular scalp massages can stimulate blood flow to hair follicles, supporting hair growth. Natural oils like rosemary and peppermint oil are known to help boost circulation and keep the scalp healthy.
6. Exercise:
- Physical activity promotes circulation, which delivers essential nutrients to your scalp and hair follicles. It also helps balance hormones and reduce stress levels.
7. Sleep:
- Adequate sleep is crucial for hormone regulation and overall recovery, including hair health. Make sure to prioritize good sleep habits to give your body the rest it needs for optimal hair growth.
Conclusion
If you're experiencing hair loss, it may be time to check your hormone levels. Understanding what’s happening inside your body can provide clarity and guide you toward effective solutions. Book in for a free discovery call to discuss your specific needs.
Reboot Your Hormone Health Program
Content Copyright © 2025, MBK Cultivate Skin & Nutrition Wellness
PERMISSION TO REPRINT: You may use any items from this article in your print, blog, magazine, or electronic newsletter. However, you must include the following paragraph, including a link to www.mebykatie.com.
"Information courtesy of www.mebykatie.com; Katie Marshall is a certified Medical Esthetician, Acne Specialist, Functional Nutrition Counsellor, Holistic Chef, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. Specializing in skin health, gut health, hormone health, and the whole body. The basic premise is that functional nutrition gets to the root of the problem and resolves the actual problem. This differs from conventional medicine, which prescribes multiple meds to deal with symptoms, with little regard for resolving the root cause of the symptoms. Functional nutrition is more personalized, customized, and holistic. My job is to work with your medical team and advocate for you if necessary."
Health/Medical Disclaimer:
The content of MBK Cultivate Skin & Nutrition Wellness, either through these social media pages, websites, or any other materials distributed by MBK Cultivate Skin & Nutrition Wellness, is intended to provide helpful and informative material. Please remember that my personal and professional opinions on these social media pages and websites are solely my own. This site offers skin, diet, fitness, health, and nutritional information and is designed in good faith for educational purposes only. Care has been taken to confirm the information's accuracy and describe generally accepted practices. However, the authors, editors, and publishers are not responsible for errors, omissions, or any consequences from the application of the information in these publications and make no warranty, expressed or implied, concerning the currency, completeness, or accuracy of the publication's contents. It would be best not to rely on this information as a substitute, nor does it replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
I, Katie Marshall, am not a doctor or medical provider and do not provide medical advice. Readers are advised to research and make decisions in partnership with their healthcare provider.
If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition(s) or take any medication(s), please consult your family physician.
Always seek the advice of your family physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read on my social media pages or websites.
If you have a medical emergency, call your family physician, go to the nearest emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Reliance on any information provided by MBK Cultivate Skin & Nutrition Wellness or Katie Marshall presenting content for publication to these social media pages or websites is solely at your own risk. Administrators and Moderators are not liable for your actions.
Health Canada & FDA Disclaimer:
Health Canada or the Food and Drug Administration have not evaluated the advice and statements on this page.