Is Alopecia Areata Caused By Hormone Changes

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder affecting 6.7 million people in the US alone. Most people affected by this hair loss disorder start experiencing symptoms before age 40. While research has yet to pinpoint a singular cause for alopecia areata, there are a few common factors that may contribute to the onset of hair loss.

Is Alopecia Areata Caused By Hormone Changes?

As an autoimmune disorder, alopecia areata can be triggered by hormonal changes in the body. Fluctuations in stress hormones like cortisol, sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, and thyroid hormones can disrupt immune function and promote inflammation, leading the body to mistakenly attack hair follicles.

These changes in your body’s hormone levels may be caused by:

• Puberty
• Pregnancy and birth
• Menopause
• Changes caused by medications
• Other autoimmune disorders

Studies have shown that individuals with other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease, vitiligo, or type 1 diabetes, have a higher likelihood of developing alopecia areata. This connection highlights the immune system's role in both the onset and progression of the disorder. Although alopecia areata can impact people of any age, race, or gender, it tends to be more prevalent among African Americans and occurs slightly more frequently in women than in men. This gender disparity is common in autoimmune diseases, where women are often more affected than men.

Treating Alopecia Areata Caused By Hormone Imbalances

Treating alopecia areata is a two-pronged approach: treating hair loss at its source and preserving any remaining hair while promoting regrowth.

For hormonal triggers to alopecia areata, the first course of action is typically to determine if this hormonal change is temporary and reversible. High levels of stress, for example, can lead to hair loss, but in most cases, hair will regrow once cortisol levels return to normal. Menopause, on the other hand, is a new life stage denoted by reduced production of certain female sex hormones. Hair loss related to menopause may require hormone replacement therapy to supplement these lowered hormone levels and support healthy hair growth.

In other instances where changes in hormone levels are causing an overreaction in the autoimmune system, it may be determined that immunosuppressant therapies are the most effective treatment plan. Once the exact cause of your hair loss is determined, your dermatologist will discuss available treatment options and realistic expectations for your regrowth journey.

Do Hair Transplants Work for Alopecia Areata?

If your alopecia areata is not currently under control, hair transplant procedures may not work for you. If there is significant hair loss, there may not be enough healthy follicles left to harvest. Likewise, your body may attack transplanted follicles, preventing them from growing new hair.

However, if your alopecia areata is in remission and you are not experiencing further hair loss, hair transplant surgery may be an option for you. You can explore this treatment method as well as its benefits and risks with your physician or a licensed hair transplant specialist.

To get started on your hair loss recovery journey, schedule an appointment at FADC today. Our team of compassionate, dedicated hair loss specialists will help guide you in making the best decision for your health and your future.