Hair and Hormones: What’s Causing Your Hair Loss + How to Fix It Naturally |

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the content I create here on the blog! You can read my full Disclosure Policy for more details.

Jump to... +

Ever feel like your hair has a mind of its own? One month it’s full and fabulous, the next it’s clogging your shower drain. Spoiler alert: it’s not your shampoo’s fault — it’s your hormones.

Hormones play a huge role in everything from hair growth to sudden shedding, and if you’ve noticed your ponytail shrinking, your part widening, or weird texture changes, your hormones might be the real culprit. Whether it’s pregnancy, PCOS, menopause, or just high-stress living, hormonal shifts can mess with your scalp game — fast.

In this post, we’re breaking down exactly how hormones affect your hair, which ones to keep an eye on (hi, cortisol and DHT), the signs your hair is begging for balance, and what you can actually do about it.

How Hair Actually Grows (and Why Hormones Matter)

Before we talk hormones, let’s zoom out for a sec. Your hair doesn’t just grow on a “set it and forget it” schedule. It goes through a full cycle — and hormones are the boss of that process.

Here’s the quick breakdown:

Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the “yay my hair is thriving” phase. It lasts years and determines how long your hair can grow. Estrogen helps keep it here longer.
Catagen (Transition Phase): A short resting stage — think of it as your hair taking a coffee break.
Telogen (Shedding Phase): Old hairs fall out, new ones grow in. Normally, you lose 50–100 hairs a day in this phase.

Why this matters: When your hormones are balanced, this cycle runs smoothly. But when they’re out of whack (looking at you, thyroid or stress hormones), more hairs jump into the telogen phase early — hello, shedding.

Hormones don’t just impact hair growth speed — they also affect hair thickness, shine, texture, and where it grows (like facial hair in women with high androgens).

The Key Hormones That Affect Your Hair

Your hormones run the show — and your hair is definitely paying attention. Let’s break down the main players behind hair growth, hair loss, and all those “wait, why is this happening?” moments in the mirror.

1. Estrogen & Progesterone

Estrogen is basically your hair’s hype woman. It helps keep hair in the growth phase longer, which is why many women have fuller, shinier hair during pregnancy (thanks to high estrogen). Progesterone also helps counterbalance androgens (the ones that can thin hair).

When they drop — like postpartum or during perimenopause — that’s when the shedding begins.

2. Testosterone & DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)

Here’s the deal: everyone has testosterone, but when levels are too high (like in PCOS or with certain hormonal imbalances), it can convert to DHT — a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and speeds up shedding.

Think: thinning at the crown, widening part, or even receding hairline — yes, even in women.

3. Thyroid Hormones (T3 & T4)

Your thyroid controls metabolism, energy, and yup — hair growth. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) often causes dry, brittle hair and increased shedding, while hyperthyroidism (overactive) can also throw your cycle off.

If your hair feels like it’s breaking more than it’s growing, it might be time to check your thyroid.

4. Cortisol (The Stress Hormone)

You already know stress isn’t great for your skin or sleep — and your hair is no exception. High cortisol levels (from chronic stress) can push your hair into the telogen phase early, leading to telogen effluvium — a fancy term for “why is all my hair coming out suddenly?”

5. Insulin

Not just a blood sugar hormone — insulin resistance (often linked to PCOS or prediabetes) can trigger higher androgen levels, which circles back to hair thinning and excess facial/body hair.

TL;DR: When your hormones are in balance, your hair thrives. When they’re not — whether it’s estrogen dropping or DHT spiking — your hair’s the first to let you know.

How to Tell If Your Hair Problems Are Hormonal

Let’s be real: Not every bad hair day means your hormones are out of whack. But if you’re dealing with changes that seem sudden, persistent, or just plain weird — your hormones could 100% be the root cause.

Here are the most common signs of hormonal imbalance in your hair:

1. Thinning at the Crown or Along the Part

Noticed your part looks wider than it used to? That slow, subtle thinning on top is a classic sign of female pattern hair loss, often driven by DHT or low estrogen.

2. Sudden or Excessive Shedding

If you’re leaving a mini wig in the shower drain daily, it could be telogen effluvium — often triggered by stress, postpartum shifts, thyroid issues, or crash diets.

3. Brittle, Dry, or Breakage-Prone Hair

Hair feeling straw-like or snapping off easily? That’s often a sign of thyroid issues or cortisol overload — both mess with your scalp’s oil production and hair shaft strength.

4. Excess Facial or Body Hair

On the flip side, unwanted hair growth (chin, upper lip, chest, etc.) usually points to androgen imbalance — often linked to PCOS or insulin resistance.

5. Changes in Texture or Growth Rate

Hair that used to grow fast now feels stuck? Or suddenly frizzier or flatter? These subtle shifts often reflect hormonal fluctuations, especially during perimenopause or thyroid dysfunction.

Pro tip: Pay attention to timing. Hair reacts to hormonal changes weeks to months after the shift — so if something major happened 2–3 months ago (stress, illness, new meds, birth control switch), your hair might just be catching up now.

What’s Throwing Off Your Hormones (And Wrecking Your Hair)?

You’re not losing your mind — or your hair — for no reason. Hormonal hair changes usually trace back to a trigger. Sometimes it’s obvious (hello, baby). Sometimes it’s sneaky (hi, stress and blood sugar). Either way, getting to the root cause is step one to getting your hair back.

Here are the top hormone-disrupting culprits when it comes to hair:

1. Pregnancy & Postpartum Hormones

During pregnancy, estrogen skyrockets — and so does hair volume. But after birth? That estrogen drops like a rock, and hair starts shedding (hard). It’s normal, but jarring.

2. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

PCOS = androgen overload. That means thinning hair on your head, extra hair where you don’t want it, irregular periods, and possibly insulin resistance.

3. Menopause & Perimenopause

As estrogen and progesterone decline, testosterone gets louder, and hair often becomes thinner, drier, and more fragile. Add in slower cell turnover and you’ve got a hair struggle.

4. Thyroid Imbalance (Hypo or Hyper)

Your thyroid regulates hair growth speed, strength, and shine. Too low = shedding, dryness, thinning brows. Too high = fragile, fast-shedding hair. Either way, not ideal.

5. Birth Control Changes

Starting, stopping, or switching birth control (especially anything hormonal) can cause temporary hair shedding or changes in texture. It’s a common trigger most people miss.

6. Chronic Stress

Long-term stress = high cortisol = inflammation, poor nutrient absorption, and hair pushed into the shedding phase too early. And no, your body doesn’t care if the stress is “just mental.”

7. Poor Diet or Crash Dieting

Your hormones need fuel to function. If you’re low on protein, iron, B vitamins, or healthy fats, your body will literally pause hair growth to conserve energy.

TL;DR: If your hair’s acting weird, look at what’s shifted. The faster you find the cause, the faster you can start growing again.

Natural Ways to Balance Hormones

You don’t need to drop $$$ on fancy serums or panic-order supplements. If your hair issues are hormone-driven (and not medical), the best place to start is supporting your hormones from the inside out — naturally.

Here’s what actually moves the needle:

1. Eat for Hormone (and Hair) Health

Forget crash diets. Your hormones need steady fuel — and your hair definitely needs:

Protein: Hair is made of keratin. No protein = weak growth.
Healthy fats: Omega-3s support hormone production and scalp health.
Zinc, Iron, Biotin, and B vitamins: Essential for follicle strength and hair cycling.

Bonus: Blood sugar stability helps balance insulin and androgens, which = less hair fallout.

2. Manage Stress Like It Matters (Because It Does)

No, you can’t eliminate stress — but you can control your response.

Try walking, lifting, yoga, or short breathwork breaks.
Cortisol-lowering adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola can help support stressed adrenals. I break down the top 8 adaptogens for hormone balance in this post.
Sleep = free hormone therapy. Aim for 7–9 hours.

3. Ditch Endocrine Disruptors Where You Can

Hormone-wrecking chemicals are everywhere: plastics, fragrances, nonstick pans, etc.

Swap what you can:

Use glass instead of plastic
Go fragrance-free in skincare/haircare
Use an air purifier or open your windows

4. Try Targeted Herbal Support (Backed by Science)

Certain herbs have real data behind them when it comes to hair + hormones:

Saw Palmetto – blocks DHT (good for androgen-related thinning)
Spearmint tea – lowers androgens (especially helpful for PCOS)
Nettle, Reishi, Maca – hormone-nourishing adaptogens (Read more about 6 Herbs & Adaptogens for Hair Growth That Actually Work)

Always check with your doc — herbs are powerful, not just “natural.”

5. Scalp Love Isn’t Optional

Circulation matters. If your scalp is tight, inflamed, or clogged, hair won’t grow.

Massage your scalp 3–5x/week (use fingers or a tool)
Try rosemary oil or caffeine serums (backed by research!)
Keep buildup off your scalp — detox it once a week if needed

Reminder: Hair regrowth takes time. Most people see real change in 3–6 months — and consistency is everything.

When to See a Doctor (and What Hormone Tests to Ask For)

Let’s be honest — not everything can be fixed with spearmint tea and scalp scrubs. If your hair keeps falling out or thinning despite all the right habits, it’s time to dig deeper and check your hormones.

Here’s how to know if it’s time to stop guessing and start testing:

Signs It’s Time to Test Your Hormones

You’ve had excessive shedding for 3+ months
Your part is widening, or your scalp is suddenly more visible
You’re seeing bald patches or handfuls of hair in the shower
You’ve got other red flags too: fatigue, weight gain, acne, mood swings, irregular cycles

If that sounds familiar — grab a test, stat.

The Hormone Tests That Actually Matter

Here’s what to ask for (or test at home):

Thyroid Panel — TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies
Sex Hormones — Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone (free + total), DHEA-S
Androgens / DHT — Especially if you suspect PCOS or thinning at the crown
Cortisol — Best tested with a 4-point saliva test
Insulin + Blood Sugar — Fasting glucose, fasting insulin, A1C

Pro tip: Some hormones are cycle-sensitive. Track your period and test at the right time (day 3 or day 21, depending on what you’re checking).

At-Home Hormone Test Kit You Can Trust

No time for a doctor’s visit? The Verisana 4-Point Cortisol Test is a CLIA-certified, at-home saliva test that gives you real insight into your daily cortisol rhythm — ideal if stress is a suspected cause of your hair loss.

It measures cortisol at four points throughout the day to help uncover issues like adrenal fatigue, burnout, or stress-related shedding. Get the test here.

Heads up: At-home kits aren’t a full replacement for medical care, but they’re a great place to start. Once you’ve got data in hand, you can either start supporting your body naturally or take the info to your provider for next steps.

Your Hormones Aren’t Out to Get You (But They Might Be Waving a Red Flag)

If your hair has felt off lately — thinning, shedding, dull, or just not doing what it used to — don’t panic. Hormonal shifts are a common (and fixable) cause of hair changes.

The good news? Once you know which hormones are out of balance, you can take real steps to support your body — naturally or with professional help.

So here’s what to do next:

Re-read the symptoms and see which hormone sounds like your culprit
Use a trusted at-home test kit to get answers (like the Verisana 4-Point Cortisol Test)
Start building hormone-friendly habits to help your hair thrive again

FAQs About Hair and Hormones

How do hormones affect hair growth and hair loss?

Hormones have a direct impact on your hair’s growth cycle. When they’re balanced, your hair stays in the growth phase longer, grows faster, and looks fuller. But when hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, or cortisol are off, your hair pays the price. Imbalances can cause more hairs to shift into the shedding phase early, slow down regrowth, change texture, or even trigger thinning at the crown or along the part — especially in women dealing with PCOS, perimenopause, or chronic stress.

What are the signs of hormonal hair loss in women?

Hormonal hair loss in women often looks like gradual thinning at the part line or crown, increased daily shedding (more than 100 hairs per day), brittle or dry hair, and slower overall growth. You might also notice changes in hair texture or, in the case of androgen-related imbalances like PCOS, new hair growth on the chin, upper lip, or chest. These symptoms usually show up a few months after a hormone shift — not always right away — which is why many people don’t connect the dots at first.

Which hormones should I test for hair loss?

If you suspect hormones are behind your hair loss, testing is a smart move. Start with a full thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4), and include sex hormones like estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA-S. If you have signs of androgen excess or female pattern thinning, testing DHT is helpful. Don’t overlook cortisol — especially if stress or burnout is part of your picture. You’ll also want to check insulin and glucose levels if PCOS or blood sugar imbalance is a concern. You can use an at-home option like the Verisana 4-Point Cortisol Test to get started.

Can stress and high cortisol really cause hair loss?

Yes, chronic stress is one of the most common hormonal triggers for hair loss — and cortisol is the main reason why. When your stress hormone stays elevated, it can shift more hair follicles into the telogen (shedding) phase, a condition known as telogen effluvium. High cortisol can also disrupt other hormones like estrogen and thyroid hormones, amplify inflammation, and reduce blood flow to the scalp — all of which can lead to noticeable thinning or shedding.

How long does it take to recover from hormonal hair loss?

Hair loss from hormone imbalance typically starts showing up two to three months after the trigger, and regrowth can take another three to six months if you’re actively addressing the root cause. Full recovery often takes six to twelve months, depending on the severity of the imbalance and how consistent you are with your healing routine. The key is being patient — hair grows in cycles, and it takes time for your body (and scalp) to bounce back once hormones are rebalanced.

Can diet and lifestyle changes help balance hormones for hair health?

Yes, and they often make a bigger impact than people expect. Supporting your hormones through diet and lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to improve hair health naturally. That means eating enough protein and healthy fats, balancing blood sugar, sleeping well, reducing stress, and ditching crash diets. Herbal support like spearmint tea (for androgens) or ashwagandha (for cortisol) can also help — but the basics matter most. When your body feels nourished and safe, it stops shedding and starts rebuilding.