Have you ever noticed that your period seems to do more than just influence your mood each month? Many women find themselves wondering about the state of their skin and hair around that time, particularly those with curly hair.
As someone who has navigated the challenges of maintaining healthy, vibrant curls, I’ve observed firsthand how the fluctuations in hormones during the menstrual cycle can impact both the texture and the health of curly hair.
Curly hair is uniquely asymmetrical, both in the follicle and the keratin structure, making it particularly susceptible to hormonal changes. Follicles that produce curly hair are curved and lie at an angle to the skin’s surface, which naturally kinks the hair as it grows.
During the menstrual cycle, especially in the presence of uterine fibroids or other conditions, this natural curl can be further pronounced as the body undergoes significant hormonal shifts. These changes in hormone levels can cause the hair strand to bunch up more on one side, enhancing the curl or making it more pronounced.
Moreover, periods that are heavy or long can weaken the hair strands, leading to breakage or a lackluster appearance. Indeed, those of us with curly hair must pay extra attention during our cycles, ensuring we nourish our hair and skin adequately to counteract these effects.
This subtle yet distinct relationship between our monthly cycle and curly hair underscores the intricate ways our bodies react to internal changes. It’s a fascinating interplay of biology and beauty, revealing how deeply interconnected our systems are.
Can Hormonal Fluctuation Associated with Menstrual Cycle Impact Curly Hair? The Answer
What Are the Overall Visible Signs of Hormonal Associated Hair Changes?
Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can lead to visible changes in curly hair health. Key signs to watch for include increased shedding, thinning or sparse areas, noticeable changes in hair texture, and scalp sensitivity.
If you experience a shorter hair growth cycle, excessive shedding while showering or brushing, or see visible scalp changes, these might indicate hormonal impacts on your twisty treasure.
It’s important to note that while losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal, significant changes in hair density or shedding patterns that persist may require consultation with a healthcare provider or dermatologist for an evaluation and personalised management strategies.
Is Hormonal Fluctuation and Its Impact on Curly Hair Real?
Hormonal fluctuations can indeed cause significant changes in hair health, including loss and thinning. These imbalances particularly impact curly hair, highlighting the real effects hormones have on hair texture and strength.
Effect of Estrogen on Curly Hair
Estrogen is crucial in promoting and maintaining hair growth, especially in keeping hair in the anagen phase. During pregnancy, higher levels of estrogen can result in thicker and fuller hair. However, fluctuations in estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle or menopause can lead to notable changes in hair growth patterns.
A drop in estrogen may even contribute to hair shedding, affecting the overall health and appearance of hair. This hormonal interplay significantly impacts the condition of curly hair throughout different life stages.
Effect of Progesterone on Curly Hair
Progesterone, a key female sex hormone, significantly influences hair growth. It typically rises during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and drops just before menstruation. These fluctuations can alter the length and thickness of hair follicles, which may contribute to hair loss during specific phases.
Effect of Testosterone on Curly Hair
As bleeding begins and estrogen levels fall to nearly zero, testosterone levels increase, which can cause various physical symptoms like feeling bloated, cranky, and restless due to cramping. This hormonal change is crucial as it often makes hair feel greasy.
This increase in testosterone not only affects your mood and body but also impacts the health and appearance of your hair, particularly making curly hair more unruly and difficult to manage.
Effect of Androgens on Curly Hair
Androgens, often associated more with men, are also present in females and have a significant influence on hair development. The enzyme 5-alpha reductase helps convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is linked to the shrinkage of hair follicles.
This process can result in hair loss and thinning, especially in individuals genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia.
Additionally, conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can cause increased amounts of androgen, leading to hirsutism or excessive hair growth, impacting the overall health and appearance of curly hair.
What are the Symptoms Associated with Hormonal Fluctuation?
Your Hair Becomes Oily
Just before your period, your body ramps up testosterone production, which in turn increases sebum, an oil that appears in your skin and hair. This oil can lead to greasy hair and monthly acne outbreaks.
To reduce the amount of oiliness, consider washing your hair more often during this time of the month, and avoid oily moisturizers on your skin.
The sudden hormonal shifts that occur as your body prepares for a potential pregnancy but realizes there isn’t a fertilized egg can exacerbate these symptoms, contributing to cramping, mood swings, and an overall oily scalp.
Curly Hair Becomes Dry and Lifeless
If your hair and skin don’t become oily every month, you might face the opposite problem: Dry and lifeless curly hair. A drop in estrogen levels around a woman’s period can create a loss of water, leaving your curls feeling high and dry.
To combat this dryness, it’s beneficial to use more moisturizers during your period to help retain moisture and vitality in your curls.
Scalp Feels Sensitive and Irritated
During your period, the hormone prostaglandin, which is in abundant supply, makes your scalp more sensitive to pain. This can make your usual hair care routines feel painful. To remedy this problem, consider skipping hair care appointments, avoiding chemicals in your hair treatments, and using less heat on your head.
Some hairdressers suggest waiting to color your hair until after your period when the hormones stabilizing can make the color appear as intended.
More Hair Loss
The drop in estrogen levels during your period can lead to hair loss, a condition often more common post-pregnancy and during menopause. This can also occur monthly, causing hair to enter the shedding phase too quickly.
This temporary type of hair loss, known as telogen effluvium (TE), although common, should prompt a consultation with your doctor if hair is losing at an alarming rate. Thankfully, the hair does grow back, but managing restricting styles during this time can help minimize loss.
Can Some Period-Related Conditions Such as Endometriosis and Menorrhagia Cause Hair Loss?
Conditions like Endometriosis and menorrhagia (painful/heavy periods) can indeed cause hair loss. These conditions often lead to iron deficiency anemia due to increased blood loss during heavy periods, affecting the production of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in red blood cells.
This poor supply of oxygen can impede hair growth. Additionally, health issues such as Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Uterine fibroids can directly or indirectly contribute to hair loss.
Is It Normal To Lose More Hair During Your Menstrual Cycle?
Hormonal fluctuations are a natural part of the menstrual cycle, and some hair loss can be considered a result of these changes. However, if you find yourself losing a significant amount of hair during your period, it’s important to recognize this could be a sign of an underlying illness.
In such cases, it’s advisable to get in touch with a medical professional to explore further.
The Science of Hair Growth Cycles and Menstruation
Understanding the science of hair growth cycles and their relationship with menstruation offers valuable insights into how hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle impact hair health. Estrogen and progesterone play key roles in regulating hair growth and shedding.
This knowledge helps individuals to better manage changes in hair health, identifying any abnormal patterns of hair loss or thinning that may necessitate further evaluation and treatment.
Dive into the world of curls with Farah, a celebrated curly hair expert whose passion and expertise have transformed her into a beacon for those seeking to embrace their natural hair texture. With a vibrant career spanning over a decade, Farah has dedicated herself to the science and art of curly hair, making her an authoritative voice in this niche. Her deep understanding of curly hair’s unique needs and challenges allows her to craft personalized care routines and styles that not only enhance the natural beauty of curls but also promote hair health.