What's The Difference Between Genetic and Hormonal Hair Loss?

There are many reasons why someone may be experiencing hair loss, but most hair loss conditions are caused by genetics or hormones. Below, we’ll explain the difference between genetic vs hormonal hair loss and tips and treatments for managing each.

What is genetic hair loss?

Genetic hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, is a common issue occurring in up to 50% of people, leading to gradual thinning and loss of hair. This is the most common form of hair loss affecting both men and women. Genetic hair loss tends to run in families, too. So, if you have a close relative who’s experiencing hair loss, there’s a chance you may develop it as well.

Male pattern hair loss

In men, genetic hair loss usually starts with a gradual receding of the hair line and/or thinning at the crown of the head. Over time, if hair loss continues, it can progress until there is just a ring of hair remaining around the sides and back of the head. This pattern of hair loss is caused by androgens (male hormones) that shrink hair follicles and make the hair growth cycle shorter. 

Female pattern hair loss

In women, there is usually a gradual thinning of hair all over the scalp, especially at the crown and top of the head. Hormonal changes, such as menopause, can make female pattern hair loss worse. 

What is hormonal hair loss?

Hormonal hair loss is a type of hair loss that is caused by changes in hormone levels rather than genetics. When hormones are not level, they can stop or pause the hair growth cycle which leads to temporary hair loss. Unlike genetic hair loss, hormonal hair loss is usually reversible with proper treatment. 

Signs of hormonal hair loss can include changes in the texture of your hair, thinning, shedding, or hair that is brittle and breaks off. 

How hormones affect hair growth

Imbalances of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and thyroid hormones are all common causes for hair loss. These imbalances can happen during pregnancy, menopause, with thyroid disorders, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and medications that affect hormones. 

Key differences between genetic and hormonal hair loss

There are key differences between genetic and hormonal causes of hair loss. While genetic hair loss generally begins and gradually progresses as you age (late teens to 20’s and later in men, and 30s-40s in women), hormonal hair loss can happen at any time or be related to events like pregnancy or menopause. Genetic hair loss is not reversible with hormonal treatment, while hormonal hair loss can be corrected when hormonal imbalances are corrected. 

Managing hair loss

There are different treatments depending on the cause of hair loss — genetic vs. hormonal. 

Genetic hair loss treatments

Medications for androgenic hair loss include:

• Minoxidil: a topical foam or liquid that can be purchased over the counter. Minoxidil can help prevent hair loss by increasing blood flow to your hair follicles, making their growth phase longer, and waking up dormant follicles to regrow hair.

• Finasteride: a prescription medication that blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT. 

• Hair transplantation surgery: a surgeon removes hair from the sides or back of the head and transplants them into thinning areas. 

• Low-level laser/light therapies: there are many types of lasers and light therapies available to treat thinning hair. 

Hormonal hair loss treatments

Hormonal hair loss treatments will depend on which hormone is causing hair loss. 

• Hormone replacement therapy(HRT): this may be prescribed for menopause-related hair loss. HRT can reduce or prevent hair loss by balancing out your hormone levels, lowering the effects of the androgenic (testosterone related) hormones that can shrink hair follicles

• Birth control pills: these might be prescribed for women with PCOS to help balance hormones that are causing hair loss.

• Thyroid medications: these are prescribed for people with low thyroid function or low thyroid levels and help treat any hair loss.

Long term outlook for genetic vs hormonal hair loss

Genetic hair loss usually progresses gradually and is often permanent. While there is no real cure for this type, the above treatments can help to slow progression or improve hair thickness. 

Hormonal hair loss is usually temporary and can be reversed when the hormonal issue is corrected. For example, post-partum hair loss ( after giving birth) usually resolves in 6 to 12 months. For other hormonal imbalances, hair growth will reset once the hormone is rebalanced. 

If you have noticed hair loss and aren’t sure of the cause, reach out to your doctor or dermatologist to help identify your type of hair loss and what treatment options are available to you. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to a healthcare professional. 

Experiencing hair loss can be overwhelming, but know you’re not alone in your journey. Educating yourself on why hair loss occurs can help you identify next steps, start a conversation with your doctor about treatments and better prepare you for what's ahead.