Does Low Estrogen Cause Hair Loss?

Low estrogen and hair loss, what’s the connection? Hormonal changes — including shifts in estrogen levels — can trigger hot flashes, sex drive shifts, and even hair loss. 

In this article, we dive into the science of hair loss in women and answer the question: does low estrogen cause hair loss. Plus, we outline some tips on how to treat signs of thinning when they show up.

Hair loss in women is pretty common. Research shows about 40% of females experience female pattern hair loss (AKA androgenetic alopecia) by the time they turn 50.

It’s not totally clear why it happens and how hormones play a role. 

There are some theories that female pattern hair loss might stem from excess levels of male hormones called androgens. But research has found that most women with female pattern hair loss don’t have androgen imbalances.

Here’s what experts do know: Shifts in hormone levels can trigger hair loss.

There’s still limited research on how estrogen plays a role in the hair growth cycle, but some evidence suggests it has a protective role against hair loss.

So, low levels could make your hair vulnerable to hair thinning – especially during menopause. During menopause your body starts to produce less estrogen.

Estradiol, the most abundant form of estrogen, can bind to estrogen receptors in hair follicles and extend the anagen (AKA growth phase) of the hair growth cycle. This form of estrogen helps synthesize growth factors that boost the expansion of follicular keratinocytes, cells in hair follicles important for hair growth.

Estradiol is the main form of estrogen during your reproductive years, but it begins to drop as you approach your final period. This can cause all sorts of symptoms, including hair loss.

It’s typical for female hormones to fluctuate with each menstrual cycle. Consistently low estrogen could also be a sign of an underlying medical issue, a side effect of certain medications, or a manifestation of aging.

In your reproductive years, your ovaries produce the majority of your estrogen. Once you’re between the ages of 45 to 55, the body enters perimenopause. Your ovaries gradually decrease their estrogen production over a period of around four years. 

Menopause is when you haven’t had any bleeding, including spotting, for 12 straight months. In the United States, the average age of menopause is 52.

It’s important to note that not everyone experiences menopausal hair loss, and low estrogen can stem from factors beyond aging.

Other potential causes of low estrogen include: 

• Being underweight or having very little body fat. According to research, estrogen production is usually lower in women with very little body fat compared to those with healthy fat levels. But the same study also concluded that women with high body fat also have low estrogen levels.

• Exercising excessively. While moderate exercise is great for your health, overdoing it with high-intensity exercise may affect your hormone production and result in lower estrogen levels.

• Being under significant stress. Research shows psychological stress may make the natural decrease in estrogen during your menstrual cycle more extreme. 

• Thyroid disorders. One study found that thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone production) may decrease the production of estrogen and other sex hormones. But the sample size was small, only 59 women.  

• Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). This is when a woman’s ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40. It often happens due to genetic, metabolic, or immune system disorders.

• Turner syndrome. This chromosomal condition can result in an early loss of ovarian function.

• Using certain types of medication. Some medications, including hormone therapy used in breast cancer treatment and prevention, work by reducing the amount of estrogen produced by your body.

Aside from hair loss, other symptoms of low estrogen can include:

• Low libido

• Less frequent periods or no periods at all

• Hot flashes (sudden, intense feelings of warmth) and/or night sweats

• Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep

• Vaginal dryness and thinning of vaginal tissue

• Dry skin

• Mood swings

• Weight gain (especially in the belly area)

• Fatigue

There’s no simple, straightforward answer here. Since several health issues can cause low estrogen, no one-size-fits-all medication can treat low estrogen-related hair loss.

Your healthcare provider may suggest using medication to boost your body’s estrogen production if it’s low.

You may also benefit from hair loss treatments designed to promote healthier hair, prevent breakage, and improve hair growth.

Let’s dive into the various hair loss treatments that can help stop low estrogen-related hair loss.

Check Your Estrogen Levels First

If you’re worried you may have low estrogen levels, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider.

Getting your estrogen levels checked involves a simple blood test. A lab will test the sample for the three different types of estrogen your body makes: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). 

If estrogen levels are low, your provider will likely conduct additional tests to figure out what’s going on.

If your levels come back in the normal range, there may be another root cause for your hair loss. You can learn more about the causes of female hair loss and treatments in our comprehensive guide.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

If you have persistent low estrogen levels, your healthcare provider may prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

HRT is often referred to as estrogen replacement therapy. Healthcare professionals commonly use it to treat menopausal symptoms. It involves mimicking hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

HRT forms include:

• Oral medications

• Transdermal (through the skin) patches

• Vaginal inserts

• Creams

• Subdermal (under the skin) pellets

Something to be aware of: There’s some evidence HRT may increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. 

There’s some evidence that HRT can improve the look of the hairline in postmenopausal women with female pattern hair loss. 

However, data on using estrogen replacement to treat hair loss is still limited at this time.

Natural Remedies

Things like supplements, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy body weight may help you naturally boost estrogen.

Here’s how these factors can help: 

• Working towards a healthy body weight. Being underweight or very overweight could cause low estrogen levels. Speak with a dietician to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals essential for healthy hair growth.

• Exercising in moderation. Avoid overdoing it since too much exercise can mess with hormone levels.

• Reducing stress levels. An abundance of stress hormones (like cortisol) can throw everything out of balance. Try practices like meditation or yoga to help you relax. And make sure you’re getting enough sleep. 

Hair Growth Medication

Many medications can help treat female pattern hair loss. Here are some hair loss treatments you may want to consider: 

• Minoxidil. A 2019 review shows that people with androgenetic alopecia treated with 2% or 5% minoxidil saw major improvements in hair regrowth and less hair loss. Hers offers both minoxidil drops (2% strength) and minoxidil foam (5% strength).

• Topical finasteride and minoxidil spray. This two-in-one spray combines 0.3% finasteride and 6% minoxidil for a powerful formula that can help promote new hair growth for post-menopausal women. Topical finasteride has not been approved by the FDA to treat female pattern hair loss but has been used off-label for this condition.

• Oral minoxidil. This once-daily prescription pill may be a good option if you haven’t responded well to topical minoxidil. While the FDA hasn’t approved oral minoxidil for hair loss, clinical trials have shown it’s quite effective for female pattern hair loss at various doses between 0.25 to 1.25 mg daily.

• Spironolactone. For those with signs of hyperandrogenism (excessive androgen hormones) and other hormonal imbalances, spironolactone may be an effective treatment for female pattern hair loss. Spironolactone stops androgen from binding to receptors, which reduces testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels and decreases hair loss. Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant shouldn’t take spironolactone.

Estrogen may play a role in how lush your hair is, but there are steps you can take to get healthy hair and reduce hair shedding, even if you have low estrogen. 

Maintain thicker, healthier hair by: 

• Checking in with your healthcare provider. A medical professional, like a primary care doctor or dermatologist, can determine whether you have low estrogen-related hair loss.

• Boosting your estrogen levels. Whether you try natural measures like increasing your activity levels or opt for hormone replacement therapy, boosting your estrogen levels may help your hair feel fuller again.

• Trying a hair treatment option. Effective hair loss treatments like minoxidil can help kick-start hair growth.

Losing hair isn’t fun But remember, you’re not alone.

And you’re one step closer to a treatment plan. The right hair loss treatments may help reverse hair loss and restore your confidence.

Ready to restore your hairline? Get started with your hair consultation today.