I'd like to know just how lower hormone levels = dull, brittle hair. I've had long, thick hair most of my adult life and have colored it for almost 25 years. It's not exposed to sunshine and I don't use detergent products or a blow-dryer. But what was once really lustrous hair is now brittle and fly-away. Does anyone know how and if hormones impact our hair?

I've been on a reasonable amount of E steadily now for just over six months and I could swear my new growth is shinier and thicker than the rest. Is this my (wishful) imagination at work?

Thanks.

Mine has gotten thinner, and the gray that comes in is coarser than the original brown. If you are all gray now, that hair could be duller and coarser.

I find coloring helps condition it, but sometimes I'm tempted to let the gray come in on its own and see what it looks like. A cut and color every 6-8 weeks is costing me $110 (with tip). That's a lot.

I have been taking BioSil and Biotin for about 2 months now, and I am starting to see a difference. I think it's thicker and healthier.

It is kind of disheartening. I also used to have lots of shiny brown hair. Mine has actually gotten very curly since I turned 40. I chalk it up to hormones! It used to have some wave, but I would have to set it to get curls. Now I look like I have a perm, and I have to work hard to straighten it. I have finally decided to go with the curls, and found a person who can cut curly hair and not make me look like a poodle.

WriterMom

Three things can cause hair problems:

1. Low iron (low ferritin)

2. Low estrogen

3. Low thyroid

If taking the E is making a difference, then you have your answer. Many women notice this happens.

Thank you. I think it has to be estrogen and semi-low iron, then. I can trace the change in hair texture back to peri, but honestly didn't know estrogen could mess with our hair too. Shoulda figured. Thanks as always, Sariah.

As for curls, WriterMom, I've heard of this, too, and was lucky in developing some 'wave movement' in my hair, but way before meno. Beneath the color, I'm a dull salt & pepper and would look all washed out w/o the soft light brown I use. Will wait until it's all soft white/grey, like my mother's. Let's hear it for gentle shampoo, moisture balm, and serum products.
GK

I just realized my fingernails aren't made of tissue paper any more. Has to be the E.

Low E can do it, and so can low Testosterone!! But like you, my hair was thinning (luckily my hair was always very very thick and nobody noticed except me) but now that I use the Estrogel my hair is back to being ridiculous thick again. YAY!!!

Hi There,

First post here. I had a massive hair loss last July thru the beginning of taking Progestorone for me. I still have some hair loss, but nothing like the wads that were coming out in my hands and that seem to lie in the bottom of tub. I also started using a hair product called Nioxin. Both have helped me temendously.

fitnesslady