Hormones that can cause hair loss

Our pituitary gland is the master of all glands since its hormones act as the trigger for the other glands to produce their own hormones.

The main pituitary hormones that affect hair growth include: Thyroid Stimulat- ing Hormone (TSH) Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) and Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH) Somatotropin Hormone (ST H) Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): The TS H activates your thyroid glands to secrete the hormones needed for cellular metabolism.

In a previous article, I explained the relationship between thyroid glands and hair growth. The thyroid hormones are responsible for providing nourishment to your cells. If there is a decrease in the TS H level, your thyroid will not function effectively, thereby preventing equal distribution of nutrients to the other parts of your body, including your hair. A TS H-related hair loss will make your hair dry, brittle, slow growing, with bald patches.

So now you see, the importance of the TS H to hair growth. I have had many clients whose main problem is that of a malfunctioning thyroid.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): This stimulates your adrenal glands to secrete the stress hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is an important hormone because it regulates our body’s response to stress. Under normal condition, when there is too much cortisol in the blood, the pituitary gland stops producing ACTH.

However, if you have a dysfunctional pituitary gland, the production of ACTH will continue.

Thus, triggering your adrenal glands to secrete excess cortisol.

If too much cortisol is in the blood for an extended period of time, your adrenal gland will experience fatigue.

This type of hormonal imbalance will also affect the body’s ability to produce other hormones like the androgen, which regulates hair growth during and after puberty.

This can manifest itself through circular, patchy hair loss, and balding. You may also experience non-age related graying of the hair. Now, think about it, take a look around, and see how many persons, whom you know, may be experiencing the similar symptoms.

Over the period of these articles, you would have noticed that information related to these two glands, adrenal and thyroid, has been repeated. This indicates how important they are in fostering healthy hair and scalp. I have found it necessary to repeat information about these glands, as I have been continuously seeing individuals, who are experiencing hair and scalp issues, and fail to understand how these issues relate to their medical condition. We must remember hormones are chemical messengers that send different signals to the various areas of our body to ensure our health.

Next week, we will explore the Follicle Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) and Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH), Somatotropin Hormone (ST H) and Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF).

Remember that all these hormones are controlled by the pituitary gland, which is the master gland of the endocrine system and plays and important role in maintaining healthy hair and scalp.

Germaine Williams Beckles is a doctor of trichology (DT TECT) and nutrition consultant (NC), Rayogee Wellness Lifestyle, Woodbrook, geesexclusive.com. Email your questions to queries@ geesexclusive.com or contact: 627-4659.