- Capilli AI
- Posts
- Hormones & Hair Health
Hormones & Hair Health
How Estrogen, Androgens, and Cortisol Affect Growth, Shedding, and Scalp Balance
In partnership with
Hello Capilli AI Community,
Your hair has its own rhythm, and hormones are setting the pace.
From rapid growth to sudden shedding or gradual thinning, hormonal shifts often drive what’s happening on your scalp. Estrogen, androgens, cortisol, and other internal messengers play a direct role in how well your follicles function, how long each strand lives, and how healthy your scalp feels.
In this edition of Foundations of Healthy Hair, we explore the hormone–hair connection and how to support your strands through the changes.
How Hormones Affect the Hair Growth Cycle
Estrogen extends the anagen phase (growth) and improves hair density. When levels drop, hair may shed more and appear thinner.
Androgens (like DHT) shrink hair follicles and shorten growth cycles. High androgen levels are linked to thinning along the crown or temples.
Cortisol, the stress hormone, can prematurely shift follicles into the shedding (telogen) phase and disrupt scalp health.
Progesterone and thyroid hormones also influence growth rates, hydration, and scalp balance.
Hormonal Stages and Hair Changes
Puberty: Increased androgens may trigger oilier scalp and acne-prone skin, along with denser body and facial hair.
Pregnancy: Elevated estrogen may lead to thicker, fuller hair. Postpartum drops can trigger rapid shedding (telogen effluvium).
Menopause: Estrogen declines while androgens often remain, leading to thinning and slower regrowth.
Chronic stress: Elevated cortisol can cause long-term shedding, slower regrowth, and scalp inflammation.
How to Support Hair Through Hormonal Shifts
Keep inflammation low with anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and omega-3s
Support your scalp barrier using gentle cleansers, anti-inflammatory serums, and oils
Manage stress daily through sleep, movement, and calming practices
Use targeted topicals that strengthen follicles and support circulation (like rosemary oil, peptides, or niacinamide)
Work with your cycle to time masks, oiling, or product changes during sensitive phases
💡 Pro Tip: If you notice regular hair changes during stress or cycle shifts, log them. It helps you adjust care at the right moment.
AI Spotlight: Personalising Hair Support by Hormone Cycle
AI and cycle-aware trackers can now connect symptoms and shedding to hormonal fluctuations. This helps:
Predict when shedding may increase
Suggest support routines for different phases of your cycle or stress levels
Monitor regrowth timelines based on hormonal recovery
Adjust nutrition and scalp care in sync with your internal rhythm
Smart tools help move your hair care from reactive to proactive.
Practical Takeaways
Hormones shape your hair’s life cycle, from growth to loss
Track changes linked to stress, cycles, or life transitions
Support follicles through diet, calming routines, and barrier care
Use AI tools to spot timing patterns and tailor your approach
What’s Next?
In the next edition of Foundations of Radiant Skin, we’ll explore how aging affects your skin’s strength, structure, and resilience, and what you can do to support it naturally over time.
To your health and vitality,
The Capilli AI Team
A Quick Favor:
We kindly ask you to explore the sponsor(s) that makes this newsletter possible. Your support enables us to keep sharing valuable insights and empowering your journey to healthier skin and hair.
Use AI as Your Personal Assistant’
Ready to save precious time and let AI do the heavy lifting?
Save time and simplify your unique workflow with HubSpot’s highly anticipated AI Playbook—your guide to smarter processes and effortless productivity.
Start learning AI in 2025
Keeping up with AI is hard – we get it!
That’s why over 1M professionals read Superhuman AI to stay ahead.
Get daily AI news, tools, and tutorials
Learn new AI skills you can use at work in 3 mins a day
Become 10X more productive
Learn More About Our Work
|
|
Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.