How Hormones Impact Hair Growth in Men and Women

Hair is a dynamic structure that reflects more than just genetics—it often mirrors the body’s hormonal balance. In both men and women, hormones regulate the natural cycle of hair growth and shedding. When these chemical messengers become unbalanced, the results can be seen on the scalp—sometimes subtly, and sometimes drastically.

This article explores how various hormones influence the hair cycle, with a special focus on the distinct patterns and conditions that impact hair growth in men versus women. By understanding the hormonal connection, you can make more informed choices about your scalp health, treatment options, and lifestyle changes.

The Hair Growth Cycle – A Hormonal Symphony

Hair follows a consistent cycle governed by four phases:

1. Anagen (growth phase): Lasts 2–7 years

2. Catagen (transitional phase): Lasts 2–3 weeks

3. Telogen (resting phase): Lasts ~3 months

4. Exogen (shedding phase): Hair falls out and new hair grows

Hormones play a significant role in controlling the transition between these phases. When certain hormones are imbalanced or overproduced, they can shorten the anagen phase or push follicles prematurely into telogen, resulting in noticeable thinning or baldness.

The Role of Testosterone and DHT in Hair Growth in Men

In men, testosterone and its more potent derivative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are the primary hormones influencing hair patterns. While testosterone is essential for male development, DHT has a more nuanced and often unwanted effect on hair follicles.

What is DHT?

DHT is formed when the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone into a more active form. In certain individuals, hair follicles—especially those on the crown and temples—are genetically sensitive to DHT.

This sensitivity leads to:

• Miniaturization of follicles

• Shortening of the growth phase

• Thinner, weaker hair

• Eventually, follicle dormancy

Table: Testosterone vs. DHT Effects on Hair

This explains why hair growth in men tends to recede at the temples or form a bald spot at the crown—hallmarks of androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness.

Hair Growth in Men vs Women – Different Hormones, Different Patterns

While DHT also affects women, hair loss patterns differ significantly due to variations in hormone levels and follicular sensitivity.

Male Hair Loss Characteristics

• Begins with a receding hairline or thinning at the crown

• Progresses to a horseshoe pattern

• Often begins in late teens or early adulthood

Female Hair Loss Characteristics

• General thinning across the scalp

• Hairline often remains intact

• Frequently worsens after menopause

In women, hair loss may be driven by:

• Estrogen deficiency

• Androgen excess (as in PCOS)

• Thyroid hormone imbalance

• Iron deficiency

These differences reinforce the importance of gender-specific evaluations when diagnosing and treating hair concerns.

The Estrogen Effect: Protective in Women, Vulnerable in Decline

Estrogen is known for prolonging the anagen phase. This hormone helps maintain thickness and density in a woman's hair, especially during pregnancy when estrogen levels peak.

But after childbirth or menopause, estrogen levels drop significantly, often triggering:

• Sudden, diffuse hair shedding (telogen effluvium)

• Gradual thinning along the part line

• Slower hair regrowth

Estrogen does not directly impact hair growth in men, but its protective effects are sometimes mimicked through medications or hormone therapies in specific cases.

Other Hormones That Influence Hair Growth in Men and Women

Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4)

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism and cellular regeneration. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can disrupt the hair cycle, leading to dryness, thinning, and loss from the scalp or even eyebrows.

Common signs:

• Dry, brittle strands

• Slower regrowth

• Hair loss at temples or tail of eyebrows

Insulin and Insulin Resistance

Insulin regulates blood sugar, but chronically high levels (as seen in metabolic syndrome and PCOS) can increase androgen production—leading to thinning hair or hirsutism in women.

Relevance to hair growth in men:While men naturally produce more androgens, insulin resistance can exacerbate androgen-driven miniaturization of follicles in genetically predisposed individuals.

Cortisol (Stress Hormone)

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can push hair follicles into the telogen phase. This results in shedding that typically starts 2–3 months after a triggering event.

Telogen effluvium triggers include:

• Illness

• Crash dieting

• Emotional stress

• Surgery or trauma

This condition is temporary but can become chronic if the stressor is not resolved.

Clinical Conditions That Affect Hair Growth in Men

Men may experience specific medical conditions where hormone imbalances directly impair follicular health. Some of the most common include:

In such cases, managing the underlying endocrine issue is critical before topical or procedural treatments can be effective.

Hormone-Based Treatments for Hair Growth in Men and Women

Modern trichology combines hormonal modulation with regenerative therapies to optimise outcomes.

For Men

• Finasteride: Inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, reducing DHT

• Dutasteride: More potent, blocks both type I and II of the enzyme

• Minoxidil: Topical agent that stimulates follicles, not hormone-dependent

Note: Finasteride is not suitable for women of childbearing age due to teratogenic risks.

For Women

• Spironolactone: Anti-androgen that blocks DHT receptors

• Oral Contraceptives: Help stabilise hormonal fluctuations

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): For postmenopausal support

At Anagen Scalp, we integrate these insights with cutting-edge non-invasive hair loss treatments such as Post Partum Plasma Boost for women experiencing hormonal based hair loss and Scalp Electroporation, which are safe for both sexes and work synergistically with medical regimens.

Supporting Hormonal Balance Through Lifestyle

For long-term follicular resilience, addressing root causes through lifestyle is equally important.

Diet

• Consume zinc, iron, omega-3s, and protein

• Avoid refined sugars that spike insulin

Sleep

• Aim for 7–8 hours to regulate cortisol and testosterone

Exercise

• Promotes blood circulation to the scalp

• Balances insulin and androgen levels

Stress Management

• Practices like meditation, yoga, or therapy lower cortisol

• Helps prevent telogen effluvium flare-ups

These efforts create an internal environment that enhances the success of professional treatments, particularly for restoring hair growth in men suffering from hormone-related shedding.

When to Seek Professional Guidance

Hormonal hair loss is complex and requires expert assessment. Self-diagnosing or relying solely on over-the-counter solutions often leads to frustration.

Consult a specialist if you notice:

• Widening part or scalp visibility

• Sudden hair fall after stress, illness, or childbirth

• Excessive thinning in temples or crown area

• Hair loss combined with acne, irregular periods, or weight gain

Final Thoughts

Hormones are silent messengers—but their impact on the hair is loud and clear. From DHT-related miniaturization to estrogen-protected thickness, the hormonal environment determines the pace, quality, and pattern of regrowth.

Understanding these dynamics is essential to tackling hair loss effectively. Whether you’re a man dealing with a receding hairline or a woman coping with postpartum shedding, a proper hormonal evaluation can be your starting point toward healthier strands.

Book your AI Scalp Scan with us today and discover the underlying hormonal patterns behind your hair changes.

For a medically reviewed resource on androgenetic alopecia in men, visit American Academy of Dermatology