While there are many factors that determine how hair grows, a link can be found between hair loss and hormone imbalance as well as unwanted hair growth. Hair follicles are actually very receptive to even slight changes in hormone levels. When certain male and female hormones, androgens and estrogens, fluctuate, they can cause both hair loss or excessive hair growth. In particular, the androgen hormone testosterone has a large impact on the amount of hair a person has.

Hair loss in both men and women can be related to hormone imbalances. For men, the primary factor is genes as some men are genetically predisposed to lose their hair at some point in their life. For women, hormones can be more of an issue relating to hair loss. Reduced DHT levels can be one reason why a woman experiences thinning hair or the loss of hair. The hormone imbalance is usually a symptom of another more serious issue. Some of these issues include polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid disease, malnutrition, low iron levels, and stress. In addition, women that are pregnant or take birth control pills can have altered hormonal levels.

In people who have excessive facial hair growth, this is generally a result of an abnormally high level of testosterone. As the amount of androgen hormones increases during puberty, both sexes experience a surge of hair growth in specific areas of the body, including the pubic area, underarms, upper lip, chin, and lower abdominal area. For men, the higher production of testosterone and other androgen hormones means that they will have more hair, including more pronounced facial hair growth. For women, the hormone imbalance hair growth on the chin or upper lip can be a cause of social embarrassment or awkwardness. Additionally, the hair growth can be caused by non-hormone factors like endocrine problems. The condition of hormone imbalance hair growth is called hirsutism. Fortunately there are many treatments available to those suffering from hirsutism as well as the loss of hair.

In response to the condition of hair loss, many medications are available. Medications may be hormone based or may contain the over the counter ingredient, minoxidil, to combat the condition. In cases where there is excessive unwanted hair growth, there are many remedies available. Many women choose to simply remove the hair at home with tweezers, but this option can be damaging to the skin and can create a bumpy appearance in areas that are tweezed repeatedly. Another option is the process of electrolysis. This method is performed by a trained professional and utilizes an electric current to stop the growth of hairs. While the treatment is permanent, new hair follicles may become active, resulting in a need for additional electrolysis sessions. Hair loss and hormone imbalance may be a cause of embarrassment for some people, but advances in medical technology are quickly making this problematic condition a thing of the past.