Hormones & Hair Loss: What’s Really Going On?

If you’ve been noticing more hair in your brush lately or your ponytail feels a little thinner, you're not alone. Hair loss is a common concern, and one of the biggest culprits behind it is something we can’t see—but definitely feel: our hormones.

In my latest YouTube video, I dive deep into how hormones impact our hair health and what we can do about it holistically. Be sure to watch it at the bottom of this post if you’re looking for natural, empowering solutions to support your hair from the inside out.

How Hormones Affect Hair Growth

Hormones are like messengers in our body, and our hair follicles listen closely. When things shift—whether it’s due to stress, life stages like postpartum or menopause, or underlying health imbalances—our hair often tells the story first.

Here’s what might be going on beneath the surface:

  • Estrogen & Progesterone
    These are your hair-friendly hormones. They help keep strands in the growth phase longer. But when they drop (hello, perimenopause or postpartum), it can lead to shedding or slower growth. That hormonal dip can also allow androgens like testosterone to become more dominant, which isn’t always kind to our hair follicles.

  • Androgens (like DHT)
    DHT is a byproduct of testosterone and can shrink hair follicles over time, especially around the hairline and crown. This kind of hair loss is often more gradual and can look like a widening part or overall thinning.

  • Thyroid Hormones
    Your thyroid plays a big role in regulating metabolism, energy, and—you guessed it—hair growth. Both underactive and overactive thyroids can trigger hair loss, and it often shows up diffusely all over the scalp.

  • Cortisol (your stress hormone)
    Chronic stress keeps cortisol levels elevated, which can throw off your entire hormone system and push more hairs into the shedding phase. It’s one reason stress management is a big part of any hair recovery journey.

Holistic Ways to Support Hormone Balance (and Your Hair)

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight to see positive shifts. Small, consistent habits can go a long way. Here are a few places to start:

  • Feed Your Follicles
    Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods—especially those rich in zinc, B vitamins, healthy fats, and protein. Hair is made of keratin (a protein), so you’ll want to be sure you’re getting enough building blocks.

  • Support with Herbs
    Adaptogens like ashwagandha and hormone-balancing herbs like saw palmetto or spearmint tea may help, especially if androgens are contributing to hair loss. Always check with a practitioner to find what’s right for your body.

  • Get Moving, Mindfully
    Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or Pilates helps regulate hormones and reduce cortisol. Plus, movement boosts circulation, which brings more nutrients to your scalp.

  • Sleep & Stress Reset
    Quality sleep is a game changer. Aim for 7–9 hours a night and find stress-reducing rituals you love—whether it’s journaling, breathwork, or sipping herbal tea before bed.

  • Use Low-Tox Hair Products
    Harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances can add to your body’s toxic load and potentially disrupt hormones. Look for clean, nourishing products that support scalp health without the nasties.

Products I Recommend for Healthy Hair Growth

​Maintaining a healthy scalp is essential for promoting hair growth and overall hair vitality. Incorporating high-quality, nutrient-rich products into your hair care routine can make a significant difference. Here are some top recommendations from Innersense and Oway that can support your journey to healthier hair:​

Innersense Hair Renew Daily Active Serum
This soothing serum is designed to restore balance to distressed scalps. Formulated with Tea Tree Oil and Hemp Seed Oil, it helps replenish moisture, reducing flakiness and itchiness. Antioxidant-rich Pea Sprout Extract fortifies hair follicles and revitalizes roots, promoting optimal hair growth. Ideal for all scalp types, it can be used daily or as a post-wash treatment. ​

CULT+KING® TONIK | Conditioning Hair & Scalp Potion
This versatile 6-in-1 potion serves as a hair conditioner, beard conditioner, scalp tonic, cutting lotion, and pH balancer, resetting hair and skin to their natural state. Formulated with herbal synergies and organic ingredients, TONIK conditions the scalp and hair like no synthetic chemicals can. Ideal for use after cleansing or swimming, it helps return hair to a lower pH, sealing the cuticle to maintain moisture, reduce color loss, minimize breakage, and enhance smoothness..

Intelligent Nutrients Pure Plenty Nourishing Scalp Serum
Target thinning at the root with this lightweight, botanical-powered serum. It helps block DHT, reduce inflammation, and energize hair follicles for visibly fuller, stronger hair. Perfect for anyone dealing with hormonal hair loss or scalp imbalances.

Oway Holistic Hair Growth Kit
This powerful, plant-based duo is your go-to for fuller, stronger hair—naturally. The Micro-Stimulating Hair Bath strengthens the hair bulb and preps the scalp, while the Densifying Remedy targets hair follicles to reactivate growth and boost density. With ingredients like Buddleja stem cells, Dynagen, and Denisplant, this kit is ideal for anyone experiencing thinning or hair loss.

Integrating these products into your hair care regimen can help address hormonal hair loss by nourishing the scalp and strengthening hair follicles. Remember, consistency is key, and combining these treatments with a balanced diet and stress management techniques will yield the best results.

Watch My Video to Learn More

In the video below, I walk you through all of this in more detail—plus I share real-life examples and product tips that have helped me and my clients.


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