We’ve all been there, you wake up to your hair looking like it has been to a wild party, when you know full well you were in bed for 9pm after watching Strictly. It's standing up in places you didn't know it could, so much thinner than the night before and is suddenly a totally different texture. 

You might be tempted to blame a new shampoo you tried out, or even your boyfriend's smelly coarse pillow case you slept on last night. But, just before you do, it might be worth considering your hormones…

Hormones, the little messengers in our bodies, are the puppet masters of most things in our body and this doesn’t change when it comes to our hair. They pull the strings, and our hair dances to their tunes *sigh*. So, grab your favourite snacks, settle in, and let's dive into the fascinating world of how hormonal changes affect our hair growth.

Meet the Hormone Squad: Thyroid Hormones, Androgens, and Oestrogen

Before we dive into the nitty gritty of our hormones, let's get to know our main characters…

• Oestrogen: The superstar hormone that keeps your hair looking its best. It promotes hair growth, thickness, and overall wellness.
• Androgens: These are a group of male sex hormones, like testosterone, that are typically present in smaller quantities compared to men. These can sometimes be a nuisance when they're in excess. They can cause hair loss or thinning when they want to.
• Thyroid Hormones: These are released by our thyroid gland, and they rule our metabolism and can certainly influence the fate of our hair.

1. Puberty: The hormonal rollercoaster of adolescent hair

For us girlies puberty is when hormones like progesterone and oestrogen take centre stage, and they have a huge impact on our whole lives, and even our hair.

• Acne-Related Hair Changes: Thanks to increased sebum (an oily substance produced by our bodies) production during puberty, some of us might experience acne *eye-roll*. And surprise, surprise, acne can happen on our precious scalps too! Inflammation caused by acne can lead to hair issues, but this is only in severe cases and is very rare. 
• Growth Spurt: Hormonal changes during puberty send our hair growth into overdrive. It grows faster, thicker, and longer - Oh hey rapunzel! Sounds like the dream right? We can thank these changes to the increased production of our growth hormones and testosterone, which work by promoting our hair follicle activity.  
• Changes in Hair Texture: Some people might notice their straight hair becoming wavy during puberty or your wavy locks turning curlier during puberty? Well, this is very common, these changes are primarily influenced by variations in the shape of hair follicles and the levels of hormones, such as androgens being present in the body.

2. Birth Control: Contraception and Coiffure

If you've ventured into the world of birth control, you've probably become buddies or worse enemies with one of the following - Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs), Progestin-Only Contraceptives, Hormonal Implants, and Hormonal IUDs – and they impact your hormones. The result? A range of effects on your hair…

• Hair Growth or Loss: Some contraceptives, especially those with synthetic hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, can influence hair growth patterns. Some might lead to luscious locks, while others may cause thinning or hair loss.
• Telogen Effluvium: Using birth control might lead to increased hair shedding or temporary hair loss due to changes in the hair growth cycle. But please don't panic; it's typically reversible once you stop the contraception.

• Benefits for Hair: On the bright side, some hormonal contraceptives can actually improve hair health by stabilising hormone levels. This might reduce the risk of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that can lead to hair troubles.

3.Pregnancy: From Bump to Bangs

Expecting a bundle of joy? Get ready for some hormonal hair magic!

• Increased Hair Growth: During pregnancy oestrogen levels soar, extending the growth phase of hair follicles, meaning thicker hair coverage all over our bodies!
• Reduced Hair Shedding: Pregnancy puts the brakes on the normal hair shedding process, giving your mane a fuller appearance. Your hair strands decide to stick around for longer, making you feel like you have an abundance of hair.
• Texture Transformation: Hormonal fluctuations can even change your hair's texture. You might notice your straight hair becomes wavy, and wavy hair might turn into coily curls. It's like a hair makeover, all thanks to our hormones!

4. Menopause & Perimenopause: Navigating a hair transformation

As you enter the menopausal stage, hormones like oestrogen and progesterone begin their farewell tour. This can be a very challenging time for us, but it’s important to remember you are not alone and these changes are normal. Learn to explore the silver linings that this new stage of our lives bring. 

• Thinning Hair: Oestrogen’s decline can lead to thinner strands, making your hair look and feel less voluminous. 
• Hair Loss: Some women experience female pattern baldness during perimenopause and menopause. 
• Changes in Oil Production: Hormonal fluctuations during this time in our lives can also make your scalp oilier or drier. Check out our blog on scalp care to help with this. 

If you are struggling with any of these symptoms, why not give GLOWWA’S Meno Range a go. GLOWWAS HAIR FOOD | MENO is a menopause specific food supplement expertly formulated to support the maintenance of hair health and wellbeing before, during and beyond the menopause.

5. PCOS: How hormonal imbalance impacts your hair

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that impacts individuals with ovaries, typically women of reproductive age. It can have significant effects on a person's health and well being, and even their hair. 

• Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism): PCOS can lead to the growth of coarse dark hair in unexpected places like the face, chest, and back, due to the elevated levels of androgens (sometimes referred to as hyperandrogenism).
• Hair Thinning or Loss: PCOS can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, which sometimes can lead to excessive hair shedding too. Leading to female pattern hair loss, which is thinning of your hair, especially at the front and crown.
• Scalp Issues: Some women with PCOS can even experience scalp issues like dandruff and increased oiliness, which can mess with your hair's health and appearance. 

So there you have it, the hormonal hair journey from puberty to menopause and everything in between. It's a wild ride filled with growth spurts, texture changes, and even occasional hair loss. Embrace the changes and remember to always be proud of your lovely locks. 

If you are worried about hair loss or any other medical condition, the GLOWWA team would always recommend getting in touch with your doctor. Make sure to share with them if your hair loss is affecting your well-being, and ask them what treatments there are available.  

Remember if you are struggling with hair loss of any kind, GLOWWA hair food is here to help, we are recommended by trichologists worldwide. A little helping hand to support you in your hormonal hair journey.