Hair thinning can be frustrating, emotional, and often confusing — especially when it seems like you’re doing everything “right.” But the truth is, hair health is deeply tied to your hormones. When they fall out of balance, your scalp often tells the story first.

Let’s break down the most common hormonal culprits — and what your body might be trying to tell you.

1. High Androgens (Testosterone & DHT)

When androgens like testosterone or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) become elevated, they can shrink your hair follicles — leading to thinner, weaker strands over time.
This type of hair loss, known as androgenic alopecia, often appears around the crown or temples and is especially common in conditions like PCOS.

You might also notice:

• Acne or oily skin
• Irregular cycles
• Excess facial or body hair

Balancing androgens through lifestyle changes, supplements, or medical therapy can help restore healthy hair growth and oil balance.

2. Low Estrogen and Progesterone

Estrogen and progesterone are your “hair-protective” hormones — they lengthen the growth phase of your hair cycle. When levels drop (like during perimenopause or after coming off birth control), hair may shed more easily and grow back slower.

You might also notice:

• Mood changes or anxiety
• Irregular or lighter periods
• Hot flashes or night sweats

Supporting estrogen balance and adrenal health can often help improve both hormonal symptoms and hair fullness.

3. Thyroid Imbalances

Your thyroid acts as your body’s metabolic engine — and your hair follicles are extremely sensitive to its changes. Both hypothyroidism (low thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (high thyroid) can cause diffuse hair shedding.

You might also notice:

• Fatigue
• Weight changes
• Dry skin or brittle nails

If hair loss comes with sluggishness or sudden energy crashes, it’s worth testing your thyroid levels.

4. Cortisol (Your Stress Hormone)

Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can push hair follicles into a “resting” phase — meaning less growth and more shedding. Elevated cortisol also impacts estrogen, thyroid, and blood sugar regulation, creating a domino effect on your hair health.

You might also notice:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Weight gain around the midsection
• Feeling “wired but tired”

Learning to regulate stress through rest, diet, and nervous system support can make a huge difference in long-term hair health.

5. Nutrient Deficiencies & Gut Health

Even if your hormones are balanced, your gut plays a major role in nutrient absorption — and without key nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin, your hair won’t thrive.
Gut inflammation or bacterial imbalances can also increase estrogen recycling issues, compounding hormonal hair loss.

The Bottom Line

Hair thinning is often a symptom — not the problem itself. Understanding what your hormones are trying to tell you is the first step toward reversing the root cause.

If you’ve been dealing with unexplained shedding or changes in your hair texture, it may be time to look deeper into your hormones, thyroid, and gut health.

Ready to get answers?
Book a free consultation with one of our nurse practitioners to uncover what’s really going on beneath the surface — and get a plan that helps you feel (and look) like yourself again.