Estrogen lacking?

Question
Hello. I have had hair thinning for about a year now.  They tested my testosterone (Endo) and they were in normal limits.  My iron was a little low for regrowth (52). I am 29 years old and was having symptoms that led me to feel I was pre-menopausal.  My estrogen came back EXTREMELY low at 12.  I have been on Spironolactone (PCOS) and low androgen BC since high school.  Right now, I am on Demulen 1/50 and I am taking soy protein to raise my estrogen.  I also do Rogaine 5%.  They checked my estrogen again 4 months later and it was 14.  If a woman does not have estrogen, can it lead to female baldness?  I am getting especially thin at the crown and am considering getting HairDx done.  My aunt and grandmother on my father's side were almost compltely bald by my age.


Answer
Hello Deborah:

Yes low estrogen levels can lead to hair loss. Hair loss is also a common symptom of PCOS. The type of hair loss usually associated with these conditions is androgenetic alopecia. With this type of hair loss the hairs in certain areas (bang/top/crown) start to become thinner and weaker, providing less scalp coverage. This is due to gradual follicle shrinkage. An anti-inflammatory diet can be helpful for hormonal balance. Low level systemic inflammation is often associated with female hair loss. Ferritin levels of 52 is not too bad but getting levels up to 70 is often recommended when hair loss is present. Spirulina and/or chlorella are excellent sources of natural iron, making it easy to digest and absorb without the adverse side effects often experienced with synthetic iron.They also contain many other valuable nutrients for healthy hair growth and overall health.

Essential oils are a very effective natural treatment for many types of hair loss. They provide many of the same actions of synthetic topical medications such as vasodilation, increased localized circulation etc, but they do not come with adverse side effects. They also have anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties to keep the scalp and hair in the best condition possible. Essential oils cannot be used at the same time as Rogaine. You can learn more at the links provided below. Please let me know if I can help you further.

Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig

Understanding Female Hair Loss

http://www.vzbotanicals.com/overcomefemalehairloss.html

Essential Oils for Hair Loss

http://www.vzbotanicals.com/aromatherapy%20for%20hair%20loss.html