How Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Can Influence Hair Growth

While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers relief for many symptoms in women, most commonly menopause, it can inadvertently contribute to hair thinning or shedding – particularly in the presence of dramatic hormonal balance shifts. Ironically, the hormones used in HRT that are meant to regain balance can result in a frustrating side effect: hair loss.

Fortunately, there are many effective treatments available for those who are on HRT and who are experiencing menopause-related female pattern hair loss. Today we will explore HRT effects on hair and what can be done about hormonal hair loss.

HRT: Defined

First off, what is hormone replacement therapy, or HRT? This is a medical treatment designed to increase hormone levels that are naturally produced in smaller amounts as people age. HRT is typically prescribed to manage menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

It’s important to note that not everyone on HRT will experience changes in their hair. In fact, while some people report hair loss as a side effect, others experience an improvement in their hair health. HRT can have varying effects depending on the type of medication used, whether estrogen-, progesterone- or testosterone-based HRT.

Those who do experience HRT-related hair loss find that it often starts slowly, with thinning around the crown and part. The amount of hair loss or thinning varies by person, and it can take several months to see HRT effects on hair.

• Up to 80 percent of women experience menopause symptoms that detract from their quality of life and productivity, according to The Menopause Society.
• Hormone replacement therapy can effectively manage many of the symptoms, and can be administered in a variety of ways.
• Treatments can take the form of topical creams, patches, oral tablets or implanted pellets that dissolve over time.
• The type of treatment you get will depend on the reasons why you need HRT.
  
  

Testosterone’s Effect on Hair

More and more women are prescribe testosterone, which is great for the relief of menopause symptoms, but not so great for hair. While testosterone itself doesn't directly cause hair loss, it can contribute to increased production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This then binds to hair follicles and weakens them, potentially resulting in hair loss.

In other words, with genetic-based hair loss, testosterone itself isn’t the problem; it’s the DHT that is release from testosterone that can affect the hair follicles. Higher levels of testosterone bring higher levels of DHT. Similar to women on birth control, that can have an effect on hair growth depending on how the hormones are replace.

As women age, their hormones naturally decrease; however, testosterone decreases less than estrogen and progesterone. Because the percentage of testosterone is greater over time, women can be more susceptible to hair loss as they age.

HRT and Hair Growth: A Two-Pronged Impact

The connection between HRT and hair growth is complex. There are many factors that contribute to this delicate balance, such as genetic predisposition, hormone types used, and individual sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations. As said above, not all women experience hair loss with HRT; some experience a boost in hair texture, thickness, and growth rate.

Some factors to consider include:

• Timeframe: HRT’s effects on hair may take a while to manifest. That’s because hair cycles last several months, so any changes in hormone levels may take up to six months to noticeably influence hair growth patterns.
• Hormonal Sensitivities: How sensitive a woman’s hair follicles are to hormone levels also plays a role. Even tiny, seemingly inconsequential, hormonal shifts can trigger a temporary form of hair shedding known as telogen effluvium. Women who have a genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia are often more sensitive to these hormonal changes. In those cases, even a well-planned HRT regimen may not be fully effective in mitigating the genetic programming of hair follicle miniaturization.

Only a hair loss specialist can explore these nuances that exist for each individual to come up with an effective treatment regimen that addresses hair loss or thinning due to HRT.

Hormone Replacement Therapy and Hair Loss: Treatments

We never recommend patients concerned about hair loss utilize testosterone due to the effects on the hair. If they are on testosterone, we need to check their labs to see what their levels are and often recommend they stop it, especially if their levels are significantly higher than what we recommend for hair. 

There are many treatments that can address hormone-related hair loss, particularly in women undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT). These treatments are designe to counteract the effects of hormonal fluctuations, including increased DHT levels that can trigger hair thinning and shedding.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): A non-invasive treatment, LLLT utilizes a red light to stimulate the growth of hair follicles while reducing inflammation.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: With PRP, your own blood can be processe to concentrate the platelets, which are then inject into the scalp to stimulate dormant hair follicles. This is particularly effective when addressing hair loss due to hormonal changes.
• Medi Tresse supplements: We recommend a complement of three products that work together to address all of the major causes of female hair loss: Tresse Prebiotic, Tresse Revitalizer, and Tresse Fortifier.
• Topical treatments: Topical treatments such as Minoxidil can nourish hair follicles and promote regrowth.

Every woman is different, and not every treatment will work for everyone. That’s why it’s so important to get personalize recommendations by a hair loss specialist in Boston and surrounding areas to determine the most suitable treatment plan. Once they determine your specific condition during a one-on-one consultation, they can recommend the most effective treatment to manage HRT-related hair loss.

Schedule Your Consultation With Medi Tresse Today

If you suspect you are experiencing hair loss due to hormone replacement therapy, we can help. Start with a personalized consultation when you call Medi Tresse today.